CIS Perspectives Blog

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. 

Our roles as advocates for international education have never been more important: collaboration with a purpose is a powerful form of change. Over 900 global education professionals gathered in Seville for our Global Forum to tackle evolving admissions challenges and share strategies for student success. Explore highlights and insights.

Just launched! The New Metrics International School (NMIS) program, by CIS and Melbourne Metrics, unites 23 schools worldwide to rethink student assessment. Read highlights from the launch, their focus on shared language, student agency, and organic change to drive long-term transformation in education, and the inspiring Australian schools already driving change in this area.

Join us in celebrating three individuals whose passion, dedication, and leadership have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of countless students and inspire colleagues worldwide.

Louie Barnett reflects on the new initiative championing teacher-led, strength-based assessment that empowers students to showcase their talents and supports learning that benefits both individuals and the planet. 

CIS school members are committed to exploring, understanding, and adopting leading practices in international education. CIS membership is a mark of quality, signaling to the rest of the world that the school shares a commitment to socially responsible leadership.

International students in Asia are facing increasingly complex post-secondary search and enrolment experiences, as the global higher education landscape grapples with a post-pandemic era and more recent uncertainties.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With great pleasure, we celebrate the outstanding work across our community of universities and schools each year via the CIS Higher Education Awards. This year’s recipient was just announced at the CIS Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance in Madrid!

Our highlights from the CIS Global Forum on International Higher Education Admission & Guidance provide a clear snapshot of the overarching themes and challenges facing the global admissions and guidance community.

It’s that time of year when we have the great pleasure of celebrating the outstanding work across our community of universities and schools each year via the CIS Higher Education Awards. We present them during our CIS Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance.