A word from the Counseling department: going abroad with an IB

Lycée Etoile has its own counseling service to assist students with their post-baccalaureate orientation abroad.  

Interview with Ms. S. Pichard, director of the counseling service at Lycée EIB Etoile.  

How does the school's counseling service support students in their search for post-baccalaureate studies abroad?  

As an international guidance counselor and IBDP-trained counselor, I support students throughout the two years of the IBDP.  

This support includes:  

• A presentation of educational systems and admission requirements  
• An annual “University Fair” bringing together dozens of foreign universities within the school.  
• Personalized support for:  

1. Choosing universities and programs  
2. Reserve scheduling for enrollment  
3. Managing and optimizing application files  
4. Reference letters and official translations.  

How visible is the IB diploma in international admissions?  

As an international guidance counselor for EIB High School, I assist many students with their applications around the world. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is obviously the best-known and most recognized international program in applications to the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia.  

The IB is the most mentioned and most represented international diploma in the top 20 higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States. Obviously, admissions depend on the quality of academic records. It is interesting to note that IBDP students are likely to receive university credits based on their diploma results.  

I was also impressed by studies conducted in Australia, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the United States, which emphasize how social, political, economic, religious, and cultural values are reinforced in IB program students.  

The IB is an increasingly sought-after diploma: why is that?  

The IB is indeed an ideal springboard for higher education abroad because:  

• IB students are clearly more independent and better prepared when they arrive at university. The IB is designed as a pre-university diploma.
• IB students already have experience of an international education and environment; they are capable of taking a global approach to different subjects.  
• They are organized and know how to manage their time.  
• They know how to analyze and synthesize.  
• They have learned to do research through the extended essay and internal assessments.  
• They value many extra-curricular skills thanks to the CAS program.  

 

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