Anchoring Vision: 

Education for a Shared Future

The conference featured a comprehensive program, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, 31 parallel sessions, a high school fair, a global college fair, and a principal forum.

At the Opening Ceremony, Vivian Zhu, Chairwoman of ChinaICAC, reflected on efforts over the past year to promote the standardization of the counselling profession through industry frameworks and global partnerships. She outlined three priorities for the future: more structure, a stronger community, and a more confident voice — continuing to raise industry standards and empower students throughout their global university application journeys.

Dr. Mark Wang, Founder and Chairman of UWC Changshu China, delivered the keynote address. Welcoming educators from around the world, he emphasized UWC's mission to connect young people through empathy, understanding, and collaboration, using education as a force for peace and sustainability. 

Drawing on his personal journey — from surviving a plane crash to studying at UWC on scholarship and founding the school — he illustrated the transformative power of education. As he noted, "Each of us can create a ripple; together, those ripples can become a wave," underscoring the collective impact of educators.

At the principal forum, Head of School Simon Head spoke on education's role in advancing shared human prosperity. He urged a shift beyond individual success toward collective human flourishing. Referencing the film Don't Look Up, he cautioned against focusing only on surface-level AI concerns such as academic integrity, while overlooking deeper risks. 

Drawing on the "Overview Effect," he emphasized the importance of cultivating a global perspective. He further highlighted UWC's model of intercultural dialogue and experiential learning, calling on educators to nurture empathy, deep listening, and collaboration across differences, preparing students as peacebuilders and changemakers.

Rethinking Admissions: 

From Strategy to Meaning

At the Opening Ceremony, Hung Ngoc Bui, Senior Director of University Counselling and Alumni Relations at UWC Changshu China, moderated a fireside chat.

Hung said, "As the host school, UWC Changshu China feels both honored and responsible. Guided by the UWC mission and supported by the Davis UWC Scholars Program, we have, over the past decade, supported nearly 3,000 UWC CSC graduates through their university application journeys. Exploring admissions pathways together reflects our mission in practice. Ultimately, university admissions are not just about outcomes, but about enabling meaningful and transformative student growth."

The chat focused on "The Most Critical Elements of a Successful, Meaningful University Experience," and featured Shari Wilson, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford University; Shelly Bai, Regional Director of ACT China; and Yi Wang, Executive Director of Harvard Center Shanghai and Co-founder of UWC Changshu China.

The discussion explored four key areas: defining success in university, choosing majors, understanding admissions, and the future of counselling. Speakers agreed that meaningful university experiences depend on community integration, clarity of purpose, and transferable skills. They emphasized that major choices should reflect genuine interest, while admissions prioritize authenticity and holistic development. Looking ahead, they noted that counselling must adapt to a globalized, AI-driven landscape while remaining grounded in holistic education.

The parallel sessions addressed core aspects of international university admissions, including pathways to major study destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia; overseas recruitment strategies; holistic review practices; mental health support for international students; college planning in the AI era; multi-country application strategies; and applications to specialized majors such as medicine. Sessions also explored ethical standards and career development in college counselling.

At the principal forum, three panel discussions examined key issues shaping the field, including trends in international admissions, the professionalization of college counselling in international high schools, and the evolving policy and ecosystem landscape for international education in China.

Admissions officers, college counselling professionals, and school leaders from around the world gathered onsite, sharing practical insights, interpreting trends, and collaborating to strengthen systems and build a more robust ecosystem — delivering clear, actionable support for frontline counselling.

Global College Fair: 

Engaging 200+ Universities

A major highlight, the Global College Fair brought together over 200 institutions from leading study destinations across the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

Participating institutions represented a diverse spectrum, from globally recognized comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges to specialized institutions with strengths in niche fields, spanning pathways in science, the humanities, the arts, and career-focused programs to meet varied student needs.

More than 400 families participated, engaging directly with admissions officers on institutional strengths, application requirements, and academic pathways, creating a vibrant and highly interactive environment.

Campus Immersion: 

Experiencing UWC in Action

Beyond professional exchange, UWC Changshu China students played an active role in shaping the conference experience. In addition to Opening Ceremony performances, student volunteers designed and led 10 activities, including cultural exchange, arts and sports, workshops, and campus tours.

Highlights included the Global Café, organized by the International Relations Zhi Xing student group, facilitating open dialogue on global education, and the International Kitchen, where Indian chai served as a bridge for exploring cultural connections and identity. Activities such as Bollywood dance and martial arts further showcased the school's diverse and inclusive community.

Over three days, the conference fostered meaningful connections across the global education community through dialogue and collaboration.

By combining intellectual exchange with cultural immersion, it generated fresh insights and momentum in international university admissions, while reinforcing UWC's mission to advance peace and sustainability through education and support the next generation of global learners.