5 ways an international education prepares students for Oxbridge
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Few universities hold the prestige and allure of Oxford and Cambridge in the U.K.,
collectively known as Oxbridge. These institutions are renowned for their academic
rigor and historical significance, not to mention the “Oxbridge passport,” which gives
any young graduate an edge when it comes to finding a position in the job market.
But while gaining admission is a dream for many aspiring high-school students
worldwide, this desirability, coupled with the strict standards for acceptance, only
makes entry that much more difficult. With so many hopeful applications received
each year, the acceptance rate is just 17%.
So, how can students set themselves apart? While the path to Oxbridge admission may seem daunting, an international high-school education equips students with many unique advantages. These include: cultural fluency, interdisciplinary learning, independent thinking, extracurricular engagement, and global perspective. In this article, we’ll explore each advantage and how they prepare students to navigate the application process, while setting the stage for success at Oxbridge.
Cultural Fluency
Where cultural fluency is concerned, there is no replacement for an international high school education. When students come together from different backgrounds, the exposure to diverse cultures fosters an environment of cultural exchange and understanding. This best replicates the multicultural university experience, where seminar discussions are enriched by new perspectives and points of difference. Oxbridge understands that students who are culturally fluent are more likely to be understanding, receptive, and inquisitive about the thoughts and opinions of others. This helps with engaging with peers and faculty members from across the globe—not to mention that cultural fluency is an invaluable skill in an increasingly interconnected world.
Interdisciplinary Learning
International high schools often offer diverse curricula, either through a syllabus such as The International Baccalaureate (IB) or through school initiatives that encourage interdisciplinary learning. Students engage with a breadth of subjects, with a special focus on critical skills, creativity, and adaptability. Whether it’s combining literature with historical context or utilizing philosophy within the field of science, this holistic approach most resembles how university students are required to make connections across disciplines. Oxbridge is especially on the lookout for applications from students who have experience with interdisciplinary learning because these students are well-prepared to thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment.
Independent Thinking
When students travel away from home to participate in a high school education abroad, it necessitates independent thinking. For perhaps the first time, students are empowered to take ownership of their routines and their education. Additionally, the distance from home creates a degree of separation that allows students to see themselves as young adults, articulating their ideas and insights as scholars en route to university. This experience is invaluable at institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, where learning is self-directed, projects require total independence, time management, and organization skills, and students are expected to engage with complex ideas and contribute original insights. An international high-school education simply gives students a leg up on the competition, allowing them to thrive from day dot in Oxbridge’s rigorous academic environment.
Extracurricular Engagement
Looking beyond academics for a moment, it’s useful to remember that Oxbridge, alongside many of the world’s top universities, places a special significance on extracurricular engagement. It’s simply not enough to send off an application with perfect academic records if a student hasn’t done the work to round themselves out as a candidate through extracurriculars. International high schools are particularly understanding of this, and as students tend to be boarding 24/7 on-site, the potential for co-curricular activities is vast. From sports, arts, community service, public speaking, and leadership roles—these pursuits all foster personal growth while developing essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Oxbridge admissions committees see extracurricular engagement as non-negotiable because they demonstrate passion and commitment beyond the classroom while evidencing how a student will contribute positively to university life as a whole.
Global Perspective
Whether through Model United Nations conferences or cultural exchanges, international high-school students are well accustomed to thinking beyond national boundaries and engaging with global issues. This quality is highly valued and respected at Oxbridge, where students are encouraged to confront complex global challenges and approach their research and study with global interconnectedness and social responsibility in mind. While it’s possible for students studying in their home countries to engage in international debate and keep informed of the news, there’s no replacement for travel and first-hand experience.
A few final thoughts…
By fostering cultural fluency, interdisciplinary learning, independent thinking, extracurricular engagement, and global perspective—international high schools set their students up for success at Oxford or Cambridge. Ultimately, the journey to Oxbridge begins long before the application process. So, if you’re considering an international high school education to get you there, why not read more about EF Academy’s schools in New York, Pasadena, and Oxford ?
Alternatively, check out some of our other articles:
- The top 5 qualities that universities look for in applicants
- What really matters during the university admissions process?
- Is your child university ready?
So, how can students set themselves apart? While the path to Oxbridge admission may seem daunting, an international high-school education equips students with many unique advantages. These include: cultural fluency, interdisciplinary learning, independent thinking, extracurricular engagement, and global perspective. In this article, we’ll explore each advantage and how they prepare students to navigate the application process, while setting the stage for success at Oxbridge.
Cultural Fluency Where cultural fluency is concerned, there is no replacement for an international high school education. When students come together from different backgrounds, the exposure to diverse cultures fosters an environment of cultural exchange and understanding. This best replicates the multicultural university experience, where seminar discussions are enriched by new perspectives and points of difference. Oxbridge understands that students who are culturally fluent are more likely to be understanding, receptive, and inquisitive about the thoughts and opinions of others. This helps with engaging with peers and faculty members from across the globe—not to mention that cultural fluency is an invaluable skill in an increasingly interconnected world.
Interdisciplinary Learning
International high schools often offer diverse curricula, either through a syllabus such as The International Baccalaureate (IB) or through school initiatives that encourage interdisciplinary learning. Students engage with a breadth of subjects, with a special focus on critical skills, creativity, and adaptability. Whether it’s combining literature with historical context or utilizing philosophy within the field of science, this holistic approach most resembles how university students are required to make connections across disciplines. Oxbridge is especially on the lookout for applications from students who have experience with interdisciplinary learning because these students are well-prepared to thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment.
Independent Thinking
When students travel away from home to participate in a high school education abroad, it necessitates independent thinking. For perhaps the first time, students are empowered to take ownership of their routines and their education. Additionally, the distance from home creates a degree of separation that allows students to see themselves as young adults, articulating their ideas and insights as scholars en route to university. This experience is invaluable at institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, where learning is self-directed, projects require total independence, time management, and organization skills, and students are expected to engage with complex ideas and contribute original insights. An international high-school education simply gives students a leg up on the competition, allowing them to thrive from day dot in Oxbridge’s rigorous academic environment.
Extracurricular Engagement Looking beyond academics for a moment, it’s useful to remember that Oxbridge, alongside many of the world’s top universities, places a special significance on extracurricular engagement. It’s simply not enough to send off an application with perfect academic records if a student hasn’t done the work to round themselves out as a candidate through extracurriculars. International high schools are particularly understanding of this, and as students tend to be boarding 24/7 on-site, the potential for co-curricular activities is vast. From sports, arts, community service, public speaking, and leadership roles—these pursuits all foster personal growth while developing essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Oxbridge admissions committees see extracurricular engagement as non-negotiable because they demonstrate passion and commitment beyond the classroom while evidencing how a student will contribute positively to university life as a whole.
Global Perspective
Whether through Model United Nations conferences or cultural exchanges, international high-school students are well accustomed to thinking beyond national boundaries and engaging with global issues. This quality is highly valued and respected at Oxbridge, where students are encouraged to confront complex global challenges and approach their research and study with global interconnectedness and social responsibility in mind. While it’s possible for students studying in their home countries to engage in international debate and keep informed of the news, there’s no replacement for travel and first-hand experience.
A few final thoughts… By fostering cultural fluency, interdisciplinary learning, independent thinking, extracurricular engagement, and global perspective—international high schools set their students up for success at Oxford or Cambridge. Ultimately, the journey to Oxbridge begins long before the application process. So, if you’re considering an international high school education to get you there, why not read more about EF Academy’s schools in New York, Pasadena, and Oxford ?
Alternatively, check out some of our other articles:
- The top 5 qualities that universities look for in applicants
- What really matters during the university admissions process?
- Is your child university ready?