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Empowering Futures and Strong Partnerships

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In today’s increasingly complex educational landscape, preparing students for university and beyond requires more than just the right information. It demands meaningful connections, expert insights, and practical experiences. At AISL Harrow Bangkok, the Careers and University Guidance department is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to navigate their future education and career paths. Central to this mission is the development of strong partnerships with external providers, universities, and industry professionals. These collaborations give students invaluable opportunities to broaden their perspectives, deepen their learning, and make well-informed decisions about their futures.

Educational research highlights the importance of collaboration in learning and career development. The Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance (Holman, 2014) emphasises the value of encounters with employers, higher education institutions, and workplace experiences. Collaborations with external organisations enhance student learning by providing access to expertise, resources, and experiences beyond the school environment.

BRINGING UNIVERSITIES TO STUDENTS

For students applying to universities in their home countries, campus visits play a crucial role in their decision-making process. However, for the majority of our students who plan to study abroad, this is not always an option. Instead, we take the initiative to bring universities to them.

At Harrow Bangkok, university visits and events are a key part of our careers and university guidance programme. This year alone, we have welcomed representatives from 142 universities across fifteen countries. Some attended our annual university fair, while others visited individually as part of our programme of lunchtime university visits for students from Year 9 to Year 13. Meeting admissions representatives gives students the chance to ask questions, explore different options, and hear firsthand what universities are looking for. By demystifying the admissions process and exposing students to different possibilities, these collaborations empower students to make informed decisions about their future.

Our collaborations with universities go beyond admissions talks. We also invite academics to deliver subject-specific taster lectures, sparking intellectual curiosity and helping students refine their academic and career aspirations. Last month, Professor Pranjol from the University of Sussex led a session on ‘Tumour Growth and Angiogenesis,’ challenging students to critically engage with scientific research. One student reflected on the experience:

“The lecture on Tumour Growth and Angiogenesis was incredibly engaging. I enjoyed making connections between this topic and concepts covered in A-level Biology while expanding my understanding further. I gained insight into why cancer is so difficult to treat, which helped answer some questions I had. The professor also shared his research on developing a treatment for brain cancer, and hearing about his career journey was truly eye-opening. His work has now reached the clinical trial stage, and I aspire to follow a similar path—one that not only advances medical science but also inspires future generations when I become a doctor.” – (Rian, Year 12)

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A GLOBAL NETWORK OF SCHOOL UNIVERSITY AND CAREER COUNSELLORS

The world of international university admissions is constantly evolving, with policies, requirements, and expectations shifting each year. With students at Harrow Bangkok applying to hundreds of universities across multiple countries (so far this year, we have had applications to two hundred and seventy-five universities in eighteen different countries), staying up to date with every admissions process is no easy feat. This is where strong professional networks become invaluable.

In Bangkok, we are fortunate to be part of the Thai University Counsellors Network, a collaborative group of one hundred and forty-three members from sixty-six international schools. Meeting termly, we share insights, best practices, and the latest updates from universities worldwide. Our collaboration extends beyond discussion. We organise multi-school university fairs, medical conferences, and specialist workshops, to ensure our students have access to the best possible guidance.

Beyond Thailand, our team actively engages with global professional networks such as the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), and the Global Universities Counsellors Connect (GUCC). These organisations provide excellent professional development opportunities while allowing us to benchmark our own practices against other leading schools, ensuring that the support our students receive is of the highest standard.

TECH-DRIVEN GUIDANCE: THE ROLE OF PLATFORMS LIKE UNIFROG

Research by the OECD (2021) highlights the increasing role of digital platforms in career guidance, noting that such tools broaden students’ horizons and ensure that they receive up-to-date, high-quality advice regardless of their location. At Harrow Bangkok, we use Unifrog, which gives students a one-stop resource for university research, career exploration, and application support.

With Unifrog, students can compare universities across multiple countries, track their application progress, and access advice on writing personal statements and preparing for interviews. The platform also helps them explore different career pathways, connecting their academic strengths and interests with real-world opportunities. By leveraging technology, we can ensure that students are equipped with all the information they need at their fingertips.

Unifrog is more than just a platform for students, it is a practical tool for counsellors as well. Alongside helping students research universities and careers, it provides high-quality lesson resources, admissions guidance, career sector updates, and ongoing professional development. Additionally, Unifrog actively seeks feedback from schools, continuously refining its services to better support both students and counsellors. This collaborative approach makes the partnership dynamic and mutually beneficial.

BRIDGING EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY: WORK EXPERIENCE MATTERS

There is no substitute for real-world experience when it comes to making career choices. Research by Education and Employers (2018) found that encounters with the world of work can improve students’ attitudes towards learning and increase motivation to achieve academically. At Harrow Bangkok we have built strong connections with industry leaders to offer students work placements, allowing us to offer a comprehensive work experience programme for all Year 11 students.

Students have taken up placements in a diverse range of fields, from finance and engineering to architecture, law, and hospitality. Just this week, a student whose internship with a political party made such an impression on him, took the initiative to organise a trip for Sixth Form students to visit parliament, a fantastic super-curricular opportunity for students to gain firsthand insight into the workings of Thailand’s legislative system.

When asked about his experience he said, “Interning with the Pheu Thai political party opened my eyes to a world beyond school. It made me realise that there are people making a tangible difference and that I have the potential to be one of them. “

These experiences not only help students develop practical skills but also play a crucial role in shaping their career aspirations. By bridging education and industry, we provide students with meaningful experiences that enhance their confidence, deepen their understanding of different career pathways, and better prepare them for their future.

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PARENTS AND ALUMNI AS CAREER MENTORS

Parents are often the most influential figures in a student’s career decisions, yet their role in formal career guidance is sometimes overlooked. At Harrow Bangkok, we are trying to actively involve parents in the careers programme, inviting them in to share their professional experiences through workshops and panel discussions. We have hosted speakers from a range of fields, including doctors, financial advisors, and lawyers, providing students with valuable insights into a variety of career paths.

We also seek to build connections with alumni, inviting them back to share their career journeys in industries ranging from the creative industries and sports to science. Looking ahead, we plan to expand these networks by hosting a career fair and inviting parents to lead workshops and talks, ensuring students benefit from a broad range of real-world perspectives.

LOOKING AHEAD: STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE FUTURE

Strong partnerships are the foundation of an effective careers and university guidance programme. By continuing to strengthen our networks we ensure that our students have access to the best possible support as they navigate their futures. For university counsellors looking to enhance their own provision, building strong relationships with university representatives, collaborating with colleagues in the field, and tapping into the expertise of parents and alumni can make a significant impact. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, so too must our approach; by fostering meaningful connections, we empower students with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.

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