Support for students in exploring career paths.
The International French School (IFS) support students who want to apply to international universities and explore career paths. Beside the university fair in September (details below), students have access to other resources. We hear from one of the school’s University Counsellors, KATHRYN SNIDER.
What is the Parcours Avenir initiative?
This is a career guidance initiative designed to support Middle School students in exploring potential career paths. It also helps them in understanding the academic and professional opportunities available to them.
What does understanding career paths look like at IFS?
Through integrated sessions, our students engage in self reflection exercises that foster personal growth and decision making. The programme also focuses on the development of key life skills, such as effective communication and presentation, which are necessary for academic and professional success.
A key component of the programme is the preparation for the oral presentation of the Diplôme National du Brevet, where students work on articulating their career path aspirations and reflections. This helps students build confidence in presenting their goals and developing an informed approach to their future.
The programme is integrated into the curriculum through homeroom classes. It’s supported by pastoral care, offering a holistic approach to student development.
What support is available when students enter High School?
High School students have access to a variety of workshops embedded within homeroom sessions and orientation programmes, as well as in after-school activities.
These include professional conferences with industry experts and organisations to gain insights into various career fields and emerging industry trends; practical hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn directly from professionals in specific industries; and the Elles Bougent pour l’Orientation initiative, which emphasises career opportunities in STEM fields for female students by connecting them with female professionals in science and technology.
Grade 10 students participate in internships within fields they are passionate about. Students often utilise their personal connections to secure placements that align with their career path interests.
Students can leverage the alumni network for valuable guidance and inspiration. Events and annual alumni gatherings allow students to connect with former students who have successfully navigated diverse career paths. These interactions give students practical insights into potential academic and professional trajectories.
Tell us about the annual university fair hosted by IFS to provide further support to students.
Every year in September, IFS holds a one-day International University Fair, which brings together a diverse range of institutions from across the globe including the US, UK, France, Canada, Australia, European countries and Asian countries.
It’s a dedicated time for High School students to interact with representatives from over 80 institutions to gather information, gain personalised insights into potential academic paths and different university culture. This helps them make well informed decisions about their future higher education options.
Hear from a student…
“As a student in the Baccalauréat Français International course, I applied to international universities in the UK and Canada; the process was made smoother with the guidance from the university counselling team. Their advice was clear and straightforward, especially when I was editing my Personal Statement. This helped me stay organised and reduce stress. I was reminded to keep an open mind, remain realistic with my choices and avoid limiting myself to one option. The counsellors were always approachable, whether in person or via email, making the entire experience much more manageable.” – Daria Gutlin, Grade 12
International French School is at 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.
6805 0000 | ifs.edu.sg
This article about support for student career paths at IFS first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
Now read about IFS becoming the first international school in Singapore to receive the Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) certification. There’s also an exciting IFS campus expansion and news about the IFS Counselling Department.
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