Alumni Reunion at BIS HCMC: Sharing Pathways and Wisdom

Welcoming Alumni Back

At the beginning of January, BIS HCMC warmly welcomed back 30 alumni from universities across the globe for a special event organised by our College and University Guidance Counsellor (CUG), Sara Morgan. The day was led by four of our CUG Student Ambassadors, Vy Long, Cherry, Sophia, and Kyu In, who helped connect current sixth form students with invaluable insights from life beyond BIS. The event was a resounding success, bringing together past and present students in a celebration of community, learning, and shared experience.

Global Pathways

Our alumni, all currently on holiday back in Vietnam, chose to spend part of their break returning to BIS, a place that continues to feel like home. Their enthusiasm to reconnect with teachers, friends, and the wider school community shows how deeply BIS remains part of their lives. They are studying at an extraordinary range of institutions around the world including the University of Melbourne, Boston University, Monash University, University of Cambridge, King’s College London, National University of Singapore, University of Toronto, University of St Andrews, Manchester University, SciencesPo, and many more. Their areas of study span everything from Medicine, Mechanical Engineering, and Law to Politics, Data Science, Art, and Business, a true reflection of the diverse pathways BIS students pursue.

Guidance for Year 13

One of the highlights of the visit was the candid advice shared with our current Year 12 and 13 students. Drawing on their own experiences of transitioning from BIS to universities around the world, alumni offered practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement.

Interestingly, much of the advice centred less on academics and more on the social and personal aspects of university life. Alumni explained that the rigorous preparation of the IBDP meant they felt confident in their ability to manage coursework and academic expectations. What proved more challenging, however, was navigating the independence, relationships, and cultural adjustments that come with living and studying abroad.

They emphasised the importance of mastering time management early on, reminding students that university life brings new freedoms but also greater responsibilities. Alongside this, they encouraged students to ask for help when needed, highlighting that support networks exist both within universities and among peers, and that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Another key message was to choose subjects you genuinely care about. Passion for a field of study not only makes academic challenges more rewarding but also helps sustain motivation during difficult times. Alumni also spoke about the value of putting yourself out there and building connections, whether through clubs, societies, or friendships, as these relationships often become the foundation of a fulfilling university experience.

Practical advice included the need to understand visas and learn to live with new people, recognising that adapting to different cultures and living arrangements is part of the growth journey. Finally, alumni reassured students that feeling lonely is normal when adjusting to life abroad, but BIS friendships often become a lifeline, offering comfort and continuity even in unfamiliar environments.

Together, these insights painted a realistic yet inspiring picture of university life. They reminded Year 13s that while challenges are inevitable, the knowledge, skills, experiences, and friendships they carry from BIS will help them thrive — not only academically, but socially and personally as well.