Preparing students for university

A few weeks ago, a team of staff from Chengdu International School and other LifePlus schools, including some head principals, secondary principals, and college and career counselors, traveled to Seoul, South Korea with a clear purpose: to strengthen connections with top Korean universities and to reconnect with alumni. Their goal was simple—gathering insights to better support students and ensure they have access to the best opportunities for their futures.  

University Visits: Guidance on Higher Education Journeys

Visiting universities firsthand allows our counselors to provide students with up-to-date, accurate guidance on their higher education journeys. Jeff Birdsong, our college and career counselor in Chengdu, said that these visits matter because “by visiting universities, we gain firsthand knowledge of campus life and resources, build stronger relationships with admissions officers, stay up to date with admission trends and requirements, and enhance our credibility and confidence in advising students.” 

During their meetings, our counselors gathered important information that will directly benefit the students. Linda Liu, our college and career counselor in Wuhan, noted that the universities emphasized “a well-balanced academic performance, along with a strong passion and potential for the chosen major” over a particular number of AP courses. This aligns with the value of our diverse set of options for extracurricular activities, all of which help students explore their interests and talents both inside and outside of classrooms. 

As a Student in Chengdu International School...

Your child is part of a community that extends far beyond graduation. Our alumni network is becoming a powerful resource, providing guidance and inspiration for students considering their next steps. Megan Lee, our college and career counselor in Qingdao, mentioned that many of her current students have told her that they talk to former upperclassmen to get advice on college applications and where to apply. “Alumni networks, like any community network, provide current students with people who understand where they’re coming from and a ‘leg up’ into where they want to go.” 

During the trip, school leaders met with former students who are now thriving at university or in the workforce. These reunions were a reminder of the strong bonds that exist within our community. Jeff Birdsong reflected, “It was great just to see the alumni face-to-face, to see how they have grown and changed over the years, and to laugh while reminiscing about their time at school.” Several of the students said that they felt better prepared for university than many of their class mates who had grown up through the ‘traditional’ school system in Korea for their primary education. The students were surprised but pleased with how many of the skills they learned in an English-based school were transferrable to Korean-based classes, particularly the research and writing skills. 

We believe that our commitment to students continues even after graduation.

Our commitment continues through mentorship and community connections. Ryan Witt, our head of school in Tianjin, saw this firsthand, saying, “A couple of alumni shared that they had already been thinking about organizing [an alumni gathering] like this. When they heard we were doing it, they were excited and eager to support us,” even agreeing to be advocates for events like this in the future. 

The spirit of giving back was evident when a group of alumni organized a seminar for current students about what high school students should know regarding Korean university admissions and campus life. They planned the event months in advance and invited current students, parents, and school leaders from all of our LifePlus schools. “They modeled exactly what we’ve taught them to do—taking initiative, giving back, and creating opportunities for others," Witt said. 

Importance of relationships that shape our students’ futures

Our recent trip to South Korea was a reminder that student success is about more than just academics—it’s about connections, mentorship, and the support of a global community. As parents, you are key partners in this journey. Together, we are building a network that ensures every student is prepared for higher education and beyond. By strengthening relationships with universities, engaging with alumni, and fostering a culture of mentorship, we are equipping students not just for college, but for life.