College and University Guidance (CUG)

University Guidance 

The school offers all students the support of a College & University Guidance Team. The role of this team is to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to make the right choices regarding their future. This begins in Year 9 where students receive input about potential IGCSE choices and the future directions in which they may lead. 

In Year 11 students are introduced to the College and University Guidance team through Wellbeing sessions focused on helping them to make their IBDP Options choices. This is supplemented with tasks facilitated by Form Tutors in addition to further guidance at the Year 11 Options evening and a one-to-one meeting later in the term. This process is designed to assist each student in making informed subject choices based on academic ability, personal preferences and fit. These choices are also considered in the context of potential pathways to university 

Once students begin their IBDP study, they will be assigned a specific Guidance Counsellor who will support their journey through the application process. The Bridge-U platform facilitates in-depth research of global universities and careers pathways and is the central hub for each student’s application process. 

During Year 12 each student will meet a minimum of 2 times with their counsellor, to build realistic shortlists for their applications. These meetings and the Core sessions that complement them, help to raise awareness and improve understanding of the differences between Higher Education systems around the world in order to empower our students to make the best decision for their specific needs and aspirations.

At the beginning of Year 13 University Guidance Counsellors will  offer the opportunity for a meeting with the parents of every student so the 'application strategy' can be discussed. For some families this meeting can be delayed until later in the year (as they may not be doing any 'early' applications'.  Throughout Year 13 students are provided with specific guidance and support with every aspect of their applications. In additional further one-to-one meetings, input is given on personal statement and application essay writing and extensive feedback is provided on drafts. Students should make regular appointments with their counsellor during their private study periods, lunch times and after school.

Parents can support their children by:

• • Engaging with the research process from the outset and discovering information relevant to the individual needs and circumstances of the student and their family.

  • Discussing plans, potential destinations and areas of study with openness in order to better understand decisions and aspirations

  • Being realistic about the academic achievement of their son/daughter and how that might fit with the specific requirements of any potential destinations

  • Being honest and open about any financial constraints that may need to be considered when planning for Higher Education

  • Where possible, facilitating visits to university campuses in order to assist decision-making

  • Being aware of the requirements and additional work associated with university applications and helping their child arrive at an application strategy that is realistic in terms of deadlines and workload.

There are weekly webinars which are carried out with universities around the world. In addition some in-person events are returning to the campus from 2022. Parents are welcome to attend these visits, which can include presentations and workshops from admissions staff and representatives. Parents are also very welcome to make an appointment to see the guidance team. The CUG team will also point out when there are large scale University Fairs planned across the city.

Telephone: (84 28) 3744 2335 -  Extension: 265

Senior College and University Guidance Counsellor:    Mr Paul Rispin    paul.rispin@bisvietnam.com

College and University Guidance Counsellor:    Ms Sara Morgan     sara.morgan@bisvietnam.com 

Admissions Officer, Korean Liaison, and College and University Guidance Support: Ms Hannah Moon      hannah.moon@bisvietnam.com 

Sixth Form and CUG Assistant:   Ms Tram Pham     tram.pham@bisvietnam.com