The role of the World University Advisor at Bonn International School is to help students prepare for the next exciting stage of their lives in all areas of the world except North American. Going to university is much more than just filling out application forms and getting good grades in school; it involves a major life change for our students. Here at BIS we ensure students have the necessary academic preparation for higher education, as well as offering sessions focusing on 'life at college' - what is it really like to live away from home?

The University Advisor assists the students in researching their higher education options, helps them with the application process, discuss future career options and directly liaises with college admissions officers worldwide.

While BIS students study in all 4 corners of the world, most choose to study in the USA, UK, Canada and Europe. In order to meet the differing entrance requirements, BIS offers the International Baccalaureate, the BIS High School Diploma and is also a test center for the Collegeboard SAT tests. Arrangements can be made for those who need to take TOEFL or ACT tests.

Visits by university and college admissions officers from around the world take place directly at BIS. Diploma Programme students and parents are notified in advance of these visits. In addition, BIS students visit Frankfurt (US colleges), Cologne (UK universities), Studiebeurs in Utrecht (Dutch universities) and EinstiegAbi in Cologne (German Universities). The University Advisor also takes students to visit universities in the UK.

BIS has built links with universities that enable students to experience life at university during the summer vacation at the end of Grade 11. The University Advisor publishes a list of recommended summer programmes for students in the MYP or DP years every year. For further information, please contact Michael Bailey, the University Advisor at Bonn International School.

In addition, BIS offers careers testing and advising to help students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 choose their IB and university courses.

As part of students' preparation for life after school, Grade 11 students spend one week working in international and local businesses. Students prepare themselves for the world of work by writing their own curriculum vitaes, having interviews and learning about the organisation for which they are going to work. Students reflect upon this work experience after it has taken place and use these reflections to impact further decision-making.

Other preparation courses in which students may participate in the International Student Leadership Institute, a one-week residential course held in Oberwesel, Germany for students in Grades 9-11. There is also an opportunity to participate in a student leadership conference in Washington and New York.