ISL Surrey is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and is committed to helping relocation professionals and parents make the right education decisions for children in global transition. The International Baccalaureate is a popular choice for families on the move due to its international transferability and recognition and its excellent track record at enabling entry for students into the world’s top universities.The well-attended information evening opened with a general introduction to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and its value for UK university applications, followed by specific information on applying to universities in the UK, Netherlands, US and Canada. Representatives and speakers from the University of Surrey, Maastricht University, US, Canadian and Australian universities gave lively and informative presentations, followed by opportunities for discussion.

Universities and employers value IB Diploma skills

In her presentation on the IB Diploma, ISL Surrey IB DP Coordinator Maaike Kaandorp spoke about the structure of the programme as well as highlighting the many skills valued by universities in the UK and worldwide.  She noted that besides encouraging breadth and depth, the IB encourages independent learning and critical thinking, requiring students to make connections between subjects and learn time management skills.  Students who secure the Diploma have an international qualification appropriate for university entry at top universities in the UK and globally.  Additionally, through the extended essay requirement, students learn how to prepare university-level research. Ms Kaandorp also noted that ISL Surrey students have careers and university guidance, attend international and UK university fairs and use BridgeU, an online university application platform.  ISL has extensive experience in placing students in universities worldwide.  ISL students perform over worldwide averages both in the overall points earned as well as in the percentage of IB Bilingual Diplomas earned. Increasingly, alumni note that the International Baccalaureate is sought by employers for the key competencies embedded in the diploma: 

• global awareness,
• cultural agility,
• advanced communication and team-working skills,
• and drive

How does the IB compare to other European qualifications?

Dr Dawn Marley, Director of Learning and Teaching, School of English and Languages, University of Surrey, noted that the IB Diploma is in-line with the academic qualifications of other European and international universities.  It offers a broader base than A-levels, which keeps options open for students.  Additionally, it requires a greater breadth of knowledge and experience and develops key skills needed for university study:  critical thinking skills, independent learning styles and knowledge of academic research.  She noted that many students entering university struggle with independent learning and critical thinking, online research and referencing, paraphrasing and plagiarism, and learning through doing, including making mistakes.  “The IB Diploma, however, with its wider remit, prepares students well for university study.”Dr Marley’s colleague, Rachel Enticknap Bickford-Smith, Regional Manager, Recruitment and Admissions Directorate, University of Surrey, noted that the University of Surrey was named University of the Year for 2016 by the Times and Sunday Times, achieving top ranking overall and for the student experience.  She noted that the University of Surrey is looking for A or B grades, depending on the specific subject and that 97 per cent of their UK-based graduates continue onto employment.

Maastricht: lower fees and a top-ranking university

Elliott Bingham, an MSc Actuarial Science student in Econometrics and Operations Research from Maastricht University, spoke about the many advantages of Maastricht, which is a top-ranked university worldwide (4th THE Top 150 Under 50 Years Old, 2016).  Maastricht is a student-centred city where bicycles are a routine form of transportation.  Nearly half the students are non-Dutch and the tuition is subsidised by the Dutch government, with fees for 2016-17 at €1984 per year (£1570) and the cost of living is €300-€450 per month.  EU Students may apply to the Dutch government for a loan to cover their tuition fees; if students work 56 hours a month they may also apply for an extra loan to cover living costs.All teaching is in English, using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach in small groups of 12-15 students.  PBL begins with a description of an assignment or task, followed by a discussion about what is already known and what needs further research to fully understand the problem. This leads to individual study followed by an exchange of information to better understand the problem and the processes related to the problem.  The university offers bachelor programmes in business and economics, arts and social sciences, law, liberal arts and science, sciences and health, psychology, and life sciences. 

Applying to study at a US University

Robin Buck, an academic director for the George Washington University, spoke about the range and scope of US universities as well as the application process.  She discussed some of the differences between UK and US universities, the many different types of universities, approach to academics, location and availability of funding.  Additionally, she explained how the Fulbright Commission and other resources can help students find the right university for them amongst the approximately 4500+ US universities.  US universities consider a range of components in applications, including school grades, results of standardised tests, extracurricular involvement, recommendation letters and personal essays.  The application process should begin approximately two years in advance, when students start researching universities (ultimately selecting 6-8 to apply to) and register for the appropriate US admissions tests, the SAT or the ACT. 

Applying for a University place in Canada and Australia

Alix Hobday, an IB teacher at ISL Surrey and a graduate of Queen’s University in Ontario with a PGCE from Bond University, Australia, spoke on applying to Canadian and Australian colleges and universities.  Canadian universities are ranked amongst the best in the world.  They offer a broad curriculum, cooperative education with international opportunities and frequently give university credit for IB courses.  There is an online application for all universities with extensive application information offered online.  She gave specific information about the types of universities, the documents required, and the government scholarships and financial aid available. Ms Hobday pointed out that Australia is the third main non-European destination for UK students with 38 public and four private universities available. There is no central application system for applicants without Australian qualifications, but all universities have an online application process. The average requirement for an IB Diploma graduation is a score of at least 29 points. The ISL Surrey Universities and IB Information Evening is an annual event. For further information or to request a copy of the presentations, please email Kerry Phipps on kphipps@islsurrey.org stating area of interest. The first edition of Re:locate Global’s new annual Guide to International Education & Schools is now available and is an invaluable resource for HR, global managers, employers, relocation professionals and relocating parents. Its unique editorial content, beautiful illustrations and high-quality production make it a first in the global mobility market. Content includes informative, engaging features and practical advice on choosing a school and curriculum choices in relocation destinations around the world, including the UK, the USA, Canada, Europe, China, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East. Directories of schools, school associations and suppliers are also included.

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