In an era marked by unprecedented global mobility and shifting educational paradigms, the transition from secondary school to university has become increasingly complex, especially for internationally mobile students.

When faced with frightening headlines and ever-shifting policies, I’m reminded of Mr. Fred Rogers (a reassuring TV presence in my younger life!) who reminded us to “look for the helpers.” In international education, those helpers are the school counsellors, university representatives, and student services professionals who continue to show up for students—even when the path forward is anything but clear.

Jane Larsson reflects on emerging role models and the importance of language and tone. How are we helping emerging leaders understand the power of their words and the importance of communicating effectively? How can we empower them to become thoughtful, effective leaders who act ethically, think critically, and lead with social responsibility?

We’re excited to hear Keynote Hector H Lopez in Bogotá. His initiatives for underserved communities have connected US $28 million in funding to students in Latin America. He brings a wealth of expertise in leadership development and cross-cultural collaboration to empower future generations.

Learn from Dr Spencer Striker in this short Q&A about digital literacy challenges and how interactive media and game-based education can enhance the university research and admission experience for secondary school students.

It’s been a remarkable year for the CIS community, filled with new initiatives and significant changes. Read our reflections as we celebrate the great strides we're taking forward together.

Jane Larsson reflects on three new realizations that emerged from our 2024 CIS Global Forum, including the digital transitions students experience when they head to higher education.

Announcing the recipients of our 2024 Recognition in Excellence. It’s that time of year when we have the pleasure of taking a moment to recognise the work of the professionals in our university admission, guidance, and future pathways community, and their significant impact on the lives of the young people they support. 

How do schools and universities support international students in their post-secondary pathways? What are the associated challenges? What does success look like? Read highlights from our research and common questions we receive.

Explore practical strategies to broaden definitions of success and support diverse post-secondary student pathways through innovative counselling programmes, alumni engagement and more.

As governments worldwide re-write their internationalisation policies, how do the changes impact international students looking to study in popular destination countries? We talk with admission representatives at CIS universities to get the latest regional updates.

How do schools celebrate all post-secondary pathways in ways that protect student mental health and well-being? It can be tough to balance celebrating student achievements while also protecting their data and plans and being mindful of those students who are yet to receive application outcomes or must make tough decisions. Here are some suggestions for schools.

What we're hearing from our school and university community about adapting to sustainable practices, redefining success metrics, engaging parents, and supporting diverse student pathways beyond secondary school.

As we reflect on the past year, it's with a sense of pride that we share the milestones and innovations that have marked our journey. 

Congratulations to this year's recipients! Guidance counsellors and admissions professionals at our member schools and universities make up an impressive community supporting student transition to higher education worldwide. It’s our great pleasure to recognise and celebrate their work each year through the CIS Higher Education Awards. 

Neither admissions nor counselling exists on culturally neutral terrains. That is, everything that we do in the realm of admissions and counselling is culturally influenced. Darnell Fine asks: what is the dominant culture holding influence over these processes?

Dr DeeDee Werner and Heidi Laws share strategies that set the stage for success for students with learning disabilities—for counsellors supporting students during the application and transition process and for universities to be better equipped to meet students' needs.

The admission and guidance community are students' cheerleaders, coaches, editors, marketing specialists, and counselors as they help students get to university. They also aim to prepare students for life once they arrive at university. Lesson plans from Johanna Fishbein and Robbie Jefferiss help with that preparation.

How does a school measure the success of its university guidance programme? What metrics can be used, and what metrics may do more harm than good?

Valérie Besanceney explores how students won't be able to reap all the benefits of their education if unaddressed emotions are impeding their ability to learn. She outlines intentional ways to embed transitions-care within and between schools.