Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
February 05, 2026

Alumni Spotlight Audrey Collins

Alumni Spotlight Audrey Collins - Alumni Spotlight Audrey Collins
Audrey Collins, Class of 2020, reflects on how NAISNY shaped her path from New York to the University of St Andrews. She highlights transformative experiences such as the Global Games and the Tanzania expedition that sparked her passion for sustainability. Audrey also credits NAISNY’s teachers and close knit community with preparing her for life and study overseas.

At Nord Anglia International School of New York, our students grow into confident, compassionate, globally minded young people who are ready to shape the world. This month, we are thrilled to spotlight Audrey, a proud member of our Class of 2020, who shares her journey from NAISNY to high school at Avenues and now university life in Scotland.

 

Finding Her Path at NAISNY

“I joined NAISNY midway through Year 5 and graduated with the Class of 2020.”

Even with a mid year start, Audrey quickly found her place within NAISNY’s warm and close knit community.

 

Favorite Memories: Global Games and Beyond

“My favorite NAISNY memory was the Global Games trip. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to make friends with students from different Nord Anglia schools around the world. I loved the mix of competition and being able to do an activity every night.”

This trip remains a highlight for Audrey, blending sportsmanship, global friendships, and nightly adventures.

 

Life Changing Global Experiences

During her time at NAISNY, Audrey participated in both the Global Games and the Tanzania expedition.

“These experiences were truly life changing and played a significant role in shaping my understanding of global issues.”

Seeing global challenges firsthand, including pollution, poverty, cultural differences, and educational inequality, left an impact far more profound than classroom learning alone. These moments sparked her lifelong passion for empathy, sustainability, and global responsibility.

 

After NAISNY: High School at Avenues

After completing Year 9 and graduating with NAISNY’s Class of 2020, Audrey continued her education at Avenues: The World School, where she completed her high school studies before heading overseas for university.

 

Studying at the University of St Andrews

Audrey is now pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, completing a joint degree in Sustainable Development and Management.

“Attending an international school like NAISNY played a large role in preparing me for studying overseas.”

NAISNY sparked her early interest in the United Nations, global challenges, and the Sustainable Development Goals, topics that continue to shape her academic direction today. The international environment also helped her cultivate adaptability, cultural awareness, and confidence in new settings.

 

What NAISNY Does Best

“One of the greatest strengths of NAISNY is its teachers.”

Audrey credits NAISNY’s small class sizes and personalized approach with helping her thrive:

“The teachers were incredibly supportive, attentive, and genuinely invested in my success, not just academically, but personally as well. They created an environment where I felt encouraged, confident, and motivated.”

 

A Final Word to Our Community

Audrey’s journey, from NAISNY to graduating high school at Avenues and now St Andrews, is a beautiful reflection of what happens when students are nurtured, challenged, and empowered to be curious global citizens.

We are proud of all Audrey has achieved and excited for the impact she will continue to make.