Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: BIS HCMC Students Experience Innovation at MIT

From BIS HCMC to MIT: BIS HCMC Students Explore Innovation Through STEAM Learning - MIT Hugo and Henry

During the MIT Student Trip 2025, our students explored cutting-edge science, tackled real-world challenges, and ignited their passion for innovation in one of the world’s most inspiring environments.

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Imagine stepping into the halls of MIT, where ideas that change the world are born. Through our Nord Anglia Education collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), BIS HCMC students experienced exactly that—a week of discovery and creativity that inspires the next generation of innovators.

This year, Henry and Hugo proudly represented our school at the MIT Student STEAM Experience, joining 65 students from 55 Nord Anglia schools worldwide. From passion-driven projects to unforgettable friendships, their journey was more than learning—it was a life-changing adventure that will stay with them forever.

MIT is ranked the Top University in the World globally by QS Global Rankings and is renowned for its leadership in science, technology, and problem-solving. For our students, stepping onto this campus is more than a visit—it’s a glimpse into the future of innovation.

Making It to MIT

To earn a place, students completed a STEAM-related research project addressing a problem they are passionate about. Henry focused on traffic control systems in congested cities, while Hugo explored new approaches to treating Parkinson’s disease. Their projects stood out among 600 submissions worldwide, earning them a coveted spot at MIT.

From BIS HCMC to MIT: BIS HCMC Students Explore Innovation Through STEAM Learning - MIT Hugo and Henry

A Week of Creativity, Curiosity, and Collaboration

From 2–7 November, Henry and Hugo stepped into the heart of innovation at MIT—a place where ideas shape the future. Over the course of an extraordinary week, they didn’t just learn; they experienced what it means to think like scientists, engineers, and changemakers.

They explored workshops like Origami Engineering and Catching Physics in the Act, met MIT professors and students, and tackled hands-on challenges that pushed their creativity and problem-solving skills to new heights. From designing experiments for zero-gravity environments to collaborating on real-world climate solutions at the Climate Action Summit, every moment was an opportunity to dream bigger and think bolder.

Our students toured cutting-edge research facilities, including the Plasma Science and Fusion Center and the BioMaker Space, gaining a glimpse into the breakthroughs shaping tomorrow’s world. And when the week concluded with the Project Exposition, Henry and Hugo showcased their own STEAM-inspired ideas—projects so innovative that the winning concept will even be tested on a zero-gravity flight in 2026!

This wasn’t just a trip. It was a transformative experience—one that ignited curiosity, built confidence, and inspired a vision for the future. At BIS HCMC, opportunities like this aren’t just possible—they’re part of what makes our students ready to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Henry and Hugo in Their Own Words: Reflections on MIT

Hugo’s Application & Project

“If you follow your passions, you will end up where you are meant to be. This is one of many lessons I learned during the MIT trip. I designed a device to help people with Parkinson’s disease by bypassing degrading extrapyramidal pathways to reduce tremors and stimulate movement."

From BIS HCMC to MIT: BIS HCMC Students Explore Innovation Through STEAM Learning - MIT Hugo and Henry

Highlights of the Trip

“Meeting students from Switzerland, Cambodia, Russia, the USA, and Uzbekistan was incredible.”

“One of my favourite workshops was Motorsports. As part of BIS’s STEM racing team (@nytra_racing), it was amazing to see concepts applied in real-world racing. I learned about manufacturing processes and saw how theory becomes reality.”

“The coolest part was meeting MIT students—both undergraduate and postgraduate. They shared what they did at our age and gave great advice.”

Lessons Learned

“They emphasized passion—doing what you love because you love it, not just to tick a box for college.”

Final Challenge

“On the last day, we built a cylindrical device to simulate zero gravity using centripetal force. Our team wasn’t selected for testing, but the experience was fun and taught us so much.

From BIS HCMC to MIT: BIS HCMC Students Explore Innovation Through STEAM Learning - MIT Hugo and Henry

Advice for Future Students

“Would I recommend the MIT trip for curious BIS students? Absolutely! Be bold, be curious, and follow your passions.”

Henry’s Memorable Moments

“The motorsports workshop was unforgettable. Seeing how mechanics apply in real life inspired me to learn more about engineering. Another highlight was the escape room challenge—failing 20 times before succeeding made it exciting!”

From BIS HCMC to MIT: BIS HCMC Students Explore Innovation Through STEAM Learning - MIT Hugo and Henry

Challenges & Teamwork

“Working with teammates who overthink was tough, but we still created a product. It taught me patience and collaboration.”

From BIS HCMC to MIT: BIS HCMC Students Explore Innovation Through STEAM Learning - MIT Hugo and Henry

Dreams for the Future

“MIT feels like the right place for me to follow my innovations and dreams.”

Advice for Next Year’s Applicants

“Make your ideas realistic. If your product already exists, explain why yours is better. And if you love engineering, this trip is for you.”

So Why Does STEAM Education Matter?

STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—is at the heart of preparing our students for the challenges of tomorrow. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, equipping young people with the skills to solve real-world problems. At BIS HCMC, STEAM is not just a subject; it’s a mindset woven into our curriculum and extended through global opportunities.

Beyond The Experience

The MIT STEAM Experience is more than a trip—it’s a journey into innovation, collaboration, and passion. For Henry and Hugo, it was a week that shaped their aspirations and proved that curiosity and creativity can take you anywhere. At BIS HCMC, we believe in creating these transformative opportunities because learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it thrives in the world beyond.