As part of higher education decision making, students need to show an understanding of the university application process, the variety of subjects available to study, and entry requirements, to name just a few key factors. All this information can nowadays be easily obtained online. However, research shows that a university campus visit will have the greatest single impact in helping students determine which university they will eventually decide to attend. A university visit gives students the opportunity to get a feel for what life is really like on campus, something that cannot be gained from a catalog or prospectus guide. While on campus one can meet with a member of the admissions staff, take an official university tour, spend time with students, attend a class, meet program tutors, pick up a copy of the student newspaper, eat a meal in the cafeteria and check out the facilities. Seeing the campus first-hand is an invaluable experience not just for the students, but also college counselors and careers advisors advising students on their path to higher education and helping them make their final decision.
Recently, the FIS received an invite to join the London Universities Familiarization Visit organized by the British Council. This has proven to be an invaluable experience with some first-hand insights that will certainly come handy in career and higher education advising to our students.
Frauke Kegel, Project Coordinator Education at the British Council Germany reflects on the tour: “This week in London was designed by the British Council so that counselors and career advisors from international schools across Europe got a chance to get to know Higher Education Institutions in London as well as learn more about UK Higher Education from the British Council, UCAS and UK Visas and Immigration. Offering the participants a great variety with the program it was a great opportunity for the British Council as well to reconnect with the international schools and learn more about the areas and topics of their work where the British Council can support them. Apart from that it was also a great and fun week in London, lots of memories were made – a big thank you to all participants! Let’s meet again soon on our next trip.”
For any questions about career guidance at the FIS, please reach out to , Head of Marketing and Careers.