Are international school students considering different pathways and taking alternative routes towards their future goals when they leave school at age 16 or 18? ISC Research explored these questions in some recent research with career guidance and college counsellors at international schools. Results will be discussed at a webinar in December to give all those who are guiding undergraduate and career pathway support insights into potential shifts in student choices.
Most students attending international schools continue to senior final years. However, our latest research suggests that up to 10% of students are taking alternative pathways rather than continuing to the senior years. The survey results revealed popular alternative routes prior to the senior years include vocational training, online learning courses and gap years. It may not be surprising that gap years comfortably made it to the list as they have consistently been a popular option for some senior school leavers for many years. However, the research revealed that some younger children are now choosing to take a break from academic studies after the compulsory years. This will be one of the questions discussed during our webinar with international school college and career counsellors on 13th December.
Our research also explored pathways at age 18, revealing a shift in university destinations since COVID, with some students opting to pursue higher education closer to home. Join Nalini Cook, Head of Global Research, next Tuesday to find out what additional factors are influencing this and other pathway shifts of international school students. Our panel will include future pathway counsellors from Green School in Bali, American English Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Dulwich International High School in Zhuhai, China. Find out more and register for free here.