Paving the way for the future: our journey to Korean Universities

Last month, Mrs. Quernemoen, our Principal of Student Well-being, and Ms. Lee, our College and Career Counselor, joined a team of LifePlus school leaders and staff on a meaningful trip to Seoul, South Korea. Their mission? To deepen relationships with top Korean universities, connect with alumni and gain firsthand insights into the admissions process—all to better support our students’ futures.

Building bridges with universities
The team visited 6 universities, including Yonsei University, Sogang University, Hanyang University, Chung-Ang University, Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University. They had the opportunity to meet directly with admissions officers and tour facilities. “Face-to-face interactions are invaluable,” shared Ms. Lee. “By understanding each university’s priorities, atmosphere and programs, we can provide more tailored guidance to our students.”
> One standout moment was engaging with current students in dining halls and on campus tours. “Experiencing the campus vibe helps us visualize where our students might thrive after graduation,” Ms. Lee noted.

Alumni connections
The trip also highlighted the opportunity to reconnect with alumni from our LifePlus China schools in person. Our college and career counselor in Chengdu, Jeff Birdsong, reflected on the joy of these reunions: “It was great to see the alumni face-to-face, to see how they have grown and changed over the years, and to laugh while reminiscing about their time at school.”

Some alumni shared how their time at our schools prepared them for university life, particularly in academic writing, collaboration and communication. Ms. Lee explained, “Alumni networks, like any community network, provide current students with people who understand where they’re coming from and a ‘leg up’ into where they want to go.”

What this means for our students
For students considering Korean universities, this trip translates into stronger support from our counseling team. By understanding the unique admissions processes—which emphasize academic rigor and excellence—we can better guide students in crafting competitive applications.

A memorable experience
Beyond the professional insights, the trip was a chance to connect with the broader LifePlus community. From sharing meals with Korean consultants to meeting international students at different schools, the team gained a deeper appreciation for the global experiences our students aspire to.

> Ms. Lee shared, I met three French students at Hanyang University and had a fun conversation with them about why they decided to study in Korea. It’s cool to see glimpses of the TCK experience out in the world.

Our commitment to your child’s future
At International School of Qingdao, we believe in going the extra mile to ensure our students are prepared for life beyond our campus. This trip is just one example of how we invest in understanding the hopes, dreams and challenges of our students—and how we work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals.

Parents, your trust in us drives these efforts. We know what matters to you: not just “Can my child get in?” but “Is my child truly ready?” And that’s exactly why we do what we do. Together, we’re building a future where every student can thrive.

Want to learn more about how we prepares our students for global success? Want your child to connect directly with admissions officers? Throughout second semester, we will have various university representatives visit us with the fresh admissions information. Follow our school website or Ms. Lee's emails for the latest updates.

P.S. To all of our alumni, we always love to hear from you and reconnect with you. If you plan to pay a visit, or have any stories you'd like to share with us, please don't hesitate to reach out to Ms. Lee (megan.lee@isqchina.com).