Counsellor resource: developing an elective module for university prep
A school in Brazil has created an elective module for students to prepare them to apply to universities abroad and settle into life in a new country
Isabela Peixoto Andrade Rosenberg
In recent years, the number of Brazilian students enrolling in universities abroad has grown significantly. To meet this demand, schools are expanding their initiatives by offering bilingual education, implementing international curricula, establishing partnerships with specialised consulting firms, and promoting events and lectures that guide and prepare students for this academic journey.
Colégio Bernoulli, located in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, is an educational institution that has implemented a range of strategies to prepare students for admission to prestigious universities in Brazil and abroad.
One of the notable initiatives at Colégio Bernoulli is the International Office, which was established to support students interested in academic opportunities abroad. This department offers personalised guidance, assisting students in crafting applications, preparing for proficiency tests, and building a profile that meets the requirements of international universities.
The counsellors who manage the International Office are accredited by the Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Programme, ensuring that students receive advice based on best practices and the latest trends in global higher education.
Aiming to provide valuable information about the selection process for universities abroad, the International Office at Colégio Bernoulli created a high school elective to assist students aspiring to gain admission to these institutions. The course, “Exploring the application process for universities abroad: best practices”, offers a comprehensive and detailed view of the necessary steps for applying to international educational institutions.
The course covers best practices, guidance and essential strategies that help students stand out in the selection process. Throughout the programme, students are empowered to face the challenges of the application process, increasing their chances of acceptance at their desired universities.
The elective content is organised into modules that start with an introduction to the application process and incorporate self-assessment activities. These activities help students identify their strengths, weaknesses, interests and career goals. Additionally, the elective offers guidance on selecting the best universities by considering important factors such as academic reputation, job opportunities and cost of living.
Another significant focus of the elective is to promote a deeper understanding of various admission tests, such as the SAT, TOEFL and IELTS. In addition, students will concentrate on drafting essential application documents, including personal statements and résumés. They are encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences and skilfully weave these insights into their application essays, effectively showcasing their achievements and aspirations.
The elective also covers cultural and practical aspects of life abroad, emphasising the adaptation to new educational and social environments while discussing important topics such as cost of living, cuisine, climate and employability. To enhance students’ learning experience, the classes include interview training and simulations, along with a deeper understanding of the impact that teachers’ letters of recommendation can have.
During the classes, students are encouraged to develop a strategic plan, setting deadlines for each stage of the application process and using management tools such as Trello, Notion and Google Calendar.
This elective module has helped to raise students’ awareness about the application process, which is still a novelty for many in the local context. This initiative provided a learning opportunity and assisted students in developing preparation strategies. This approach enabled students to connect with individuals who shared similar experiences, engage with representatives from different international universities, and gain insights from organisations dedicated to preparing students for standardised tests and certifications.