From academy courses to the world stage, an in-depth dialogue on the future of education

This week, the annual international education event—the "Global Education Innovation Summit (GEIS)"—has kicked off with great enthusiasm!

Students from China-Canada track of the International School actively participated, capturing the latest trends from top universities worldwide at the earliest opportunity. Among them, 7 students stood out through multiple rounds selection, gaining the precious opportunity for in-depth one-on-one exchanges with admissions officers from top universities such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Toronto, the University of, the University of Edinburgh, Monash University, and the University of Birmingham. Through these dialogues, they broadened their international perspectives and accumulated confidence and inspiration for their future academic paths.

Teacher

Mr. Chen Jixin, a teacher from the China-Canada track for Grade 12 at the International School, also participated in a roundtable meeting with admissions officers from the University of Wisconsin- (UW–Madison). Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as the academic competitiveness of Chinese students, as well as their cross-cultural communication and adaptation abilities

Admissions officer Kate specifically pointed out that while Chinese students excel in academic foundations and self-discipline, they should be more courageous in demonstrating independent and learning initiative during the application and subsequent study processes. They should not only answer questions but also dare to ask them; they should not only follow standards but also express their own observations and. She encouraged students of the International College to participate more in interdisciplinary projects and discussions on social issues outside of their daily studies, using real experiences to embody the "breadth of" and the "warmth of thinking".

One-on-one communication to understand dream schools

In this summit, a total of 7 students stood out through multiple rounds of, winning a valuable opportunity for in-depth one-on-one communication with admissions officers from their dream universities.

Through this face-to-face dialogue, the students' understanding of "dream schools" is no longer just a vague aspiration but has become more concrete and multi-dimensional; their direction for future development has also become increasingly clear.

Now, let us follow College Ambassador to listen to the students' most authentic voices:

I participated in an exchange event for the engineering major at the University of Toronto and gained a lot of insights, acquiring a more concrete understanding of program. I feel that the curriculum is logically structured: the first two years focus on general engineering content and fixed foundational courses to build a solid base before choosing a specialization. Moreover, the offers 25 minor and certificate options, even allowing students to take courses from the Faculty of Arts and Science, which enables them to expand their knowledge beyond the pure engineering scope. practical training is also very substantial; at the end of the third year, there is a 12 to 20-month paid internship program with partners like Apple and Google. the summer, students can also work on research projects with professors, and if they want to start a business, the university provides dedicated incubator support.

Campus life balances academics and interests; are free-play hours for basketball as well as leagues of varying intensities. Regarding admissions, the faculty looks not only at academic grades but also places great emphasis on extracurricular experiences and personal passion which should be highlighted in the supplementary materials. The core information about the major was explained very clearly during this event, which is highly valuable for my reference.

—Student Wang Z

This one-on-one conversation with the admissions officer from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was highly beneficial, providing with a more concrete and in-depth understanding of the business education at HKUST.

I realized that the business school's curriculum format, which balances "individual and collaborative learning," is not merely a choice of format, but a precise replication of the independent work and teamwork skills required in the modern business environment. This answered my doubts about the learning model and further showed me the school's dedication cultivating students' comprehensive soft skills. What convinced me even more is the school's pragmatic approach to seamlessly integrating theoretical learning with career development. The regular corporate recruitment during the semester breaks down the campus and the workplace, building a valuable practical channel for students. Meanwhile, the exchange programs limited to winter and summer vacations, coupled with substantial subsidies, reflect an efficient and supportive strategy expanding international perspectives—ensuring academic focus during the semester while encouraging us to explore the world during the holidays. After this exchange, I am convinced that HKUST is a platform that can provide me comprehensive support in academics, career, and personal growth, and I am even more certain why it is my ideal choice.

—Lu XF

The interview with the admissions officer from the University of Edinburgh was highly productive. Through in-depth discussions on the curriculum and training model of its engineering programs I gained a systematic understanding of the university's teaching philosophy of "broad foundations and strong practical application," and clearly understood the flexibility and forward-looking nature of its major specializations Meanwhile, the admissions officer's authoritative explanation of the academic system and campus safety environment has also instilled more confidence in my future study plans and life abroad.

—Student Cao Y

Participating in this event has made students realize more deeply that top global universities are redefining "excellence"—it is no longer just a competition of grades and rankings, but more about' spirit of exploration, depth of thinking, and the ability to maintain their individuality while dancing with the times amidst the wave of technology.

Placing students in such an intellectual environment actually conveying a belief to them: there are no standard answers for the road ahead. And the true meaning of education lies in teaching people how to think and how to move forward amidst uncertainty