A Season of Global Opportunities
Since the start of September, Dulwich International High School Suzhou has welcomed admissions officers and university representatives from a wide range of prestigious institutions across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. These included University College London (UCL) and King's College London (KCL) from the UK; the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst from the US; as well as the University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, and Toronto Metropolitan University from Canada.
These sessions offered our students not only a wealth of admissions insights but also the rare and invaluable chance to engage in face-to-face conversations with international representatives, a true feast of knowledge and inspiration.
Insights from Prestigious Universities
The visits from UCL and KCL, both members of the UK’s Russell Group and among the most popular choices for DHSZ students, were met with great enthusiasm.
During UCL’s dedicated session, the admissions officer provided an overview of the university, key application requirements, and targeted advice for Year 12 and Year 13 students preparing their applications. The dynamic Q&A saw students actively engaging with thoughtful questions that reflected their deep curiosity and motivation.
KCL’s presentation for parents and students focused on subject-specific A-Level and language requirements. The session also provided six invaluable tips for application success:
1.Start your application early
2.Be selective and realistic
3.Book tests (if necessary) well in advance
4.Discuss your options and personal statement with a counsellor
5.Use digital resources and join universities’ virtual open days
6.Connect with current students and academics through platforms like Unibuddy
A particular highlight came with the visit from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). In addition to demystifying the art school application process, SAIC offered one-on-one portfolio reviews for DHSZ students. These personalized sessions provided practical, detailed feedback across a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines, including graphic design, industrial design, printmaking, and illustration.
This Friday, admissions officers from New York University (NYU) visited our school and delivered a lecture showcasing the unique appeal of this world-class institution in the heart of New York City. Highlighting its “campus without walls” and “city-as-classroom” philosophy, the session emphasized how students actively engage with the city beyond academics. In the Q&A, students asked about safety, living costs, and opportunities to use metropolitan resources for growth. The admissions officer responded openly, making the exchange lively and insightful.
Upcoming Visits
October 13 | U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges Consortium
DHSZ will host admissions officers from Denison University, Hamilton College, Occidental College, Rhodes College, and Sarah Lawrence College. Globally renowned for their teaching excellence and close-knit communities, these institutions embody the liberal arts model, an approach that emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and personal growth. This event is a unique chance for students to explore the benefits of liberal arts education.
October 23 | National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) will visit our school on October 23rd. During an exclusive information session, the NUS admissions team will provide a comprehensive overview of the university's distinctive features and academic strengths to our students and parents, offering deep insights into the unique appeal of this world-leading institution. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. We warmly encourage all parents and students to actively participate and engage in direct dialogue with the admissions officers. Subsequently, the NUS delegation will hold a meeting with our school's management team. The discussions will focus on potential educational and talent development initiatives, aiming to further strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two institutions.
October 29 | A Transatlantic Collaboration: Psychology in Focus
On this day, Western University (Canada) and the University of York (UK) will jointly visit DHSZ. Western will share essential application insights for Canadian universities, while a Psychology professor from York will deliver a live demonstration in one of our Psychology classes, giving students the rare opportunity to experience firsthand the teaching style of a leading overseas university scholar.
October 30 | U.S. Universities Spotlight
Boston University will hold a live online information session, accessible for both students and families, bringing insights from one of the top institutions in the cultural hub of the US northeast.
Simultaneously, an admissions officer from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) will host an on-site workshop. This hands-on session will unpack the UC application process, with special focus on how to write strong Personal Insight Question (PIQ) responses. Students will walk away with practical, strategy-driven tips to boost their applications.
November 5 | Engage with Canada’s Top University: University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, one of the world’s top research universities, will visit DHSZ. Students will gain a deeper understanding of its three distinct campuses, admission requirements for high-demand majors, and the wide-ranging academic resources on offer. This is an ideal opportunity to prepare a strong application for one of Canada’s most competitive institutions.
At DHSZ, these visits are not just events, they are experiential learning opportunities that empower our students to explore their global futures, refine their aspirations, and build the confidence to thrive at world-class universities.
