CIS Perspectives Blog

Key insights from our team's recent programme of engagements in India, including student voice, stronger school–university pathways, practical learning, and how India is helping shape the future of international education.

Understand the real drivers of student anxiety during the secondary-to-higher education admissions experience—and what schools can do about it. This article explores common thinking patterns, practical strategies, and simple ways educators and parents can help students build confidence, maintain balance, and navigate uncertainty with greater perspective.

How do we guide students when our language about success feels too narrow? Nick Alchin explores pressure, purpose, and education, inviting a broader, more honest conversation about what it means for young people to thrive.

Learn how to intentionally strengthen executive functioning skills through classroom routines and collaboration with guidance from CIS Affiliated Consultant April Remfrey.

Why building collective teacher efficacy on purpose is a leadership responsibility. Ben Marsh points to the research behind this claim and what it means in practice.

How can schools build socially responsible leadership without adding new initiatives or more meeting time? Each of these six conversation starters for your next staff meeting ends with one small action, making the work practical, measurable, and sustainable. You can use them immediately—no special training required.

Key takeaways and practical actions from the 2026 CIS Summit of University & School Leaders (Hong Kong). Schools and universities tackled shared challenges and opportunities in school-to-university transition, admissions, and assessment. Read key themes and practical ways to use the report.

Why present at the 2026 CIS Global Forum in Prague? We share seven reasons to submit a proposal by 7 May showing how presenting supports professional learning, builds school-university trust, and strengthens how we support students moving to higher education.

How can leaders make sense of uncertainty? We share how a simple risk register becomes a practical thinking tool—helping leadership teams surface assumptions, focus attention, and have stronger strategic conversations during change. Learn how we use a risk register as a practical thinking tool, not as a compliance exercise.

How can international schools design inclusive learning systems for every student? Lauren Jones shares ways to build inclusive cultures, understand diverse learners, remove barriers, and design learning ecosystems.

Ahead of our inaugural CIS Institute in India, keynote and cultural futurist, Dr Ulcca Joshi Hansen, reflects on identity, belonging and AI’s impact and provides a practical perspective for student‑focused teams working across international schools and universities worldwide.

As part of our commitment to supporting schools with risk and crisis management, we hosted focus groups with school leaders to reflect on and learn from their experiences with crisis situations. 

A new initiative from the University of Saint Joseph in Macao offers generous financial awards to learners in the CIS community, recognising their intercultural strengths and commitment to ethical, globally focused education while expanding pathways to an international, diverse academic environment.

Our hearts are heavy as we learn how conflict around the world is impacting colleagues, students and their families in schools and universities. Here’s some guidance as we try to make sense of and navigate these distressing times.

Learn how to strengthen digital safety, communication, reporting pathways, AI use, and well‑being support to keep students safe in virtual learning environments.

International education faces increasing scrutiny and regulation worldwide; the need for informed, courageous advocacy is fundamentally essential. If there were no barriers to progress, how might international education change in 2026?

AI presents opportunities and risks for young people. Dan Furness highlights the challenges, school pressures, benefits, and guidance for educators and families to foster safe, responsible, and supportive AI use.

Around the world, schools are rethinking what it truly means to prepare young people for the future—one shaped by rapid technological change, shifting workplaces, and complex global challenges. Zurich International School (ZIS) is no exception.