The University Guys

Episode 99: Korea

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0100

From K-Pop and K-Makeup to world-class STEM programs, South Korea is rapidly becoming a top-tier destination for international students. But while the "K-Wave" is exciting, the university admissions process is notoriously complex, paper-heavy, and strict.

In this episode, David Hawkins sits down with Justin Kurrass, a veteran high school counsellor with over 20 years of experience (including over a decade in Korea), to demystify what it actually takes to get into a Korean university.

In This Episode, We Cover:

The "SKY" Universities & Beyond: Why Seoul National, Korea University, and Yonsei are the "Ivory League" of Korea, and why KAIST is a powerhouse for STEM.
The Three Admission Tracks: Understanding the difference between the Pure International track, the Overseas Korean track, and the hyper-competitive Domestic track.
The "Study Plan": Why you need more than just a personal statement—and why Korean universities want a 1–3 page roadmap of your future career.
Logistics & Red Tape: Why the "Apostille" process and strict two-week application windows mean you cannot treat Korea as a "backup plan."
Hidden Gems: Exploring women's universities (Ewha) and international branch campuses like Ghent, Utah, and George Mason in Songdo.

Key Takeaways for Counsellors:

Start Early: Students should begin planning in 9th or 10th grade to ensure their subject choices align with rigorous Korean faculty requirements.
Nationality Matters: If a student or parent holds a Korean passport, they are almost always funnelled into the more competitive domestic or overseas Korean tracks.
ROI & Safety: Why the combination of low tuition, high safety, and worldwide degree recognition is driving the current surge in interest.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Study in Korea: The official government-run portal for international students.
KCUE (Adiga): The Korean Council for University Education (use Google Chrome for translation).
University Admission Pages: Justin recommends downloading the specific "Application Guide PDF" from each university’s site at least a year in advance.

Connect with The University Guys:

Website: The University Guys
LinkedIn: Connect with David Hawkins
Socials: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more global higher education insights!

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Episode 98: A Zest of Spain

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0100

In this episode, David Hawkins explores the rising popularity of Spain as a premier destination for international students. Joining him is Oliver Rodriguez-Pearson, a Madrid-based educational consultant with Lemon Tree Education who breaks down the unique "formula" that makes Spanish universities thrive: a blend of high-quality English-taught programs, a diverse international intake, and an unbeatable lifestyle. From the complexities of the Selectividad entrance exams to the cultural importance of learning Spanish even in English-led courses, Oliver provides a roadmap for families navigating the Spanish higher education landscape.

Episode 97: Gap Years

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0100

Richard Doring from CIEE joins David to discuss gap year opportunities.

Episode 96: Updates from Italy

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

David is joined by Roberto Valdo Cortese of Valdo Academics to discuss the current landscape of Italian university admissions.

Episode 95: The Bocconi Story

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

How did a specialised university in Milan transform itself from a national secret into one of the most selective and international higher education institutions in the world?

In the early 2000s, the idea of studying in English in Italy was practically unheard of. If you wanted a global business education, you went to the UK or the US. Today, Università Bocconi has broken that duopoly, becoming a top choice for students globally—including, ironically, those from the UK and US.

In this documentary-style episode, we tell the inside story of Bocconi’s 20-year rise. We sit down with the recruitment team members who lived through the transformation, tracing their journey.

Episode 94: in conversation with Sandy Furth

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

David is joined by Sandy Furth, a globally travelled international university advisor, who discusses her areas of specialisation, including "twice exceptional" students and her work at World Student Support.

Episode 93: Medicine in Ireland

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0100

Our guest this week is Claire O'Connor from RCSI, exploring medical studies in the Republic of Ireland.

Episode 92: The UAE

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0100

Find out about a university pathway in the United Arab Emirates, with Ango Mwakisu from NYU Abu Dhabi.

Episode 91: Study in Prague

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100

Explore the wonderful world of higher education in Prague! David is joined by Caleb House from Charles University. To find out more, visit www.studycharles.cz and https://studyinprague.cz/

Episode 90: Medicine in Europe

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Ben Ambrose of Medical Doorway joins David to explore options to study medicine in Europe, taught in English.

Episode 89: Why Australia and New Zealand, with Stefan Watts

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore universities Down Under. Our guest is Stefan Watts, Founder & Director of Study Options.

Episode 88: Business in Asia

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Come and learn about a truly global experience, including lots of time in Asia, for students interested in an international business education. In this episode, David explores the opportunities at Tetr College of Business.

Episode 87: Reverse Admissions

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

David is joined by Julie Maloney from Meto to discuss a new way to apply to universities - reverse admissions.

Episode 86: New York City... and beyond

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Join David as he speaks with Adam Wu of Stevens Institute of Technology about the student experience in the New York metro area.

Episode 85: US College Tours

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Why should students visit US campuses before deciding where to apply? How is it best to spend time on campus? What key things do you need to know? Join David and Dr. Elizabeth Stone from Campanile College Tours to learn more.

Episode 84: The Claremont Colleges

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This episode explores the nuances of the Claremont Colleges in California, a distinctive offering within the US higher education landscape. Our guest is Jennifer Hirsch, Senior Associate Dean of International Admission at Claremont McKenna College.

Episode 83: US Summer Programmes

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ben Hsu of Venture Camp helps David unpack the purpose and variety of US summer programs for high school students.

Episode 82: Updates from the Netherlands

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0100

Denise Nijuis, the Coordinator of Student Recruitment and Admission at University College Roosevelt is our guest to provide updates on the current landscape of Dutch higher education admissions.

Dutch Universities Consortium

Study in NL

Episode 81: US Early Decision

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0100

David is joined by Anne Corriveau, the Director of International Admissions at Boston University, to discuss the ins and outs of US Early Decision applications.

Episode 80: Canadian University Updates, with Dan Seneker

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Dan Seneker, Associate Vice-President of Enrolment Management & Registrar of St Mary's University, joins us to discuss the current situation in Canadian higher education.

Episode 79: Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0100

Join David as he explores the 'HBCUs' with colleagues from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia,

Find out more about Spellman and the HBCUs at these links:

https://www.spelman.edu/

https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/

Episode 78: Intellectual Curiosity

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0100

David discussed the concept of intellectual curiosity and its role in US college admissions with Matthew Jaskol and Brett Fuller from Pioneer Academics.

From the conversation, the following weblinks were referenced:

Oberlin recently doubling the credit it awards to Pioneer Academics research scholars is explained on Oberlin’s website about the collaboration and the post about the doubling of credit here.
The push to publish been broadly publicized as being a ploy for wealthy students to make them look good is explored in this co-published article in the Chronicle of Higher Ed and ProPublica.

Episode 77: Rugby at universities in the USA

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0000

David is joined by Brendan McGroarty from Elite Rugby Scholars to discuss opportunities to explore rugby at US universities.

Episode 76: Research Projects for High School Students

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 20:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we explore the world of high-school research projects. Dhruva Bhat of Lumiere Education is our guest.

Episode 75: Germany's updated requirements

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0100

Episode 74: Multi-campus options with Sarah Sen of ESCP

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Many students seek to travel as part of their degree, and some universities allow students to move to a new location each year. Join Sarah Sen from ESCP as we explore their option that gives global mobility across Europe

Episode 73: US Art Schools

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Join Olivia Anderson from the Savannah College of Art and Design to discuss artistic education in the USA.

Episode 72: The digital SAT

Fri, 12 May 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Jason Smith of UES Education returns to the podcast to discuss the new digital SAT.

Episode 71: References

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:00:00 +0000

In this return to the podcast, we have a The University Guys team roundtable to explore the various references accompanying university applications and some ideas on how schools can approach them.

Episode 70: Rowing Recruiting for US Universities

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Join David with Ryan Sparks of Sparks Rowing to discuss everything you would ever need to know about rowing at college in the USA.

Episode 69: The What, Why & How of UCAS Firm & Insurance choices

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Join Joanne Tallentire, a higher education professional with over 25 years' experience in senior roles covering all aspects of the student journey from admission to graduation, to explore how UCAS Firm & Insurance work

Episode 68: undergraduate business in the USA

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Many students want to go to the USA to study for a degree in business, but might not be fully aware of what this actually means. In this episode, Idie Kesner, Dean of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University - one of the highest-ranked business schools in the world - shares her deep experience of undergraduate business education and the benefits of choosing one of the few direct-entry business schools available to prospective US undergraduates.

Episode 67: Large, Public US Universities

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Join Alex Smith, Assistant Director of International Admissions at Michigan State University, as we explore this type of US university and the benefits available to students.

Episode 66: Studying in London

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0100

So many students wish to study in London, but what's the experience really like. Join us as we discuss the student experience with Jo Philips, Director, Recruitment & Admissions at Regent's University London and Dr Jonathan Wilson, Professor of Brand Strategy & Culture

Episode 65: UK Pathways

Mon, 24 May 2021 12:00:00 +0100

Join David as he discussed the various different 'pathway' options to UK universities, with Simon Fitch. Simon is the Centre Director of the University of East London International Study Centre.

Episode 64: Exploring IB Diploma Courses and UK university entry

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0100

Join us as we explore the ways in which IB Diploma Courses can be used for entry to UK universities and hear from Amy Durrant, College & Careers Counsellor at the International School of Brussels, Alizee Cordes from York St John University, and Peter Fidczuk from the IB.

Episode 63: in conversation with Mike Nicholson

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Today's guest is Mike Nicholson, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach at the University of Bath. We reflect back on his career in higher education and the changes he has seen across the sector in that time.

Episode 62: In conversation with Jack Shull

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Jack Shull, a highly-experienced international school college counselor reflects on the past, present and future of the profession.

Episode 61: Healthcare in the USA

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Join David as he discussed healthcare options at US universities for international students, with Megan Mankerian-Stem of Creighton University

Episode 60: Inside a US University Admissions Office, with Parke Muth

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

As we hit application season, hear Parke Muth, formerly Director of International Admission at the University of Virginia, give an insight into the inner workings of a US university admissions office.

Episode 59: Catholic Colleges in the USA

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Caitlin Fairfield Hasson of Boston College joins this episode, to explore the world of Catholic colleges in the United States.

Episode 58: UK Art Schools, with Norwich University of the Arts

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Rhian John of Norwich University of the Arts joins the podcast, to explore the world of UK art schools.

Creative Skillset, mentioned in the podcast, has now changed its name to Screen Skills with a website at https://www.screenskills.com/. Also check out the NUA Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/norwichuniarts/?hl=en

Episode 57: The UK University Experience in 2020

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Kieron Broadhead from the University of Southampton joins me to discuss what a UK university experience will be like in the 2020-21 academic year.

Episode 56: A Level and IB Marking, 2020 Exam Season

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0100

Mark Stacey of the International School of Brussels shares his expertise as an IB and A Level examiner, exploring how both exam systems have been graded this year and passing on advice to college counselors and admissions officers.

Episode 55: How bespoke can your curriculum be? With Bennington College, Vermont, USA

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Across the USA, there are huge varieties in the educational experience available to students. Some universities, such as Bennington College, offer a hugely personalised curriculum, which students can tailor to themselves. Francesca Edwards from Bennington explains more.

Episode 54: Student Safety UK

Sat, 30 May 2020 05:00:00 +0100

Stephen Helliwell of Student Safety UK joins David to discuss how best to prepare students to be safe while attending university in the UK, and also the particular challenges that faced him and his team in helping students in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Episode 53: US Standardized Testing 2020. The international view, with Jason Smith

Sat, 23 May 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Jason Smith of UES Education returns to the podcast to examine the international perspective for the changed situation with US standardized testing.

In addition to his comments in the interview, Jason adds later that, "The ACT will not be introducing at-home testing for international students until 2021. They will be concentrating on rolling this out for US students in fall or early spring. There is no guidance as yet on the likelihood of the at-home SAT being available for international students this year."

Episode 52: US Standardized Testing 2020. The view from America, with Akil Bello

Sat, 23 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Akil Bello of Fair Test and I discuss what's going on with US standardized testing in the US context, as well as the history of test-optional admissions.

Episode 51: Christian Universities in the USA

Wed, 13 May 2020 19:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore a niche of US Higher Education which may not be immediately apparent to an international audience: the Christian university sector. Kristi Griem, of KC360, outlines the options available to students and how to find out more.

One of these ways could be the upcoming KC360 virtual fair:

Students and families are cordially invited to participate on May 19-20, 2020 in the KC360 Virtual College Fair. Students register for the Fair here. Registration and attendance to the Fair are free. Christian based universities will engage with students and families in 15 minute increments, so it will be a fast, fun event, slated to cover as many time zones as possible.

The Virtual College Fair will be hosted via Facebook Live on the KC360 Facebook page and through Zoom (link will be to students who register) featuring over 20 Christian based universities and colleges looking to connect with your students at the following times:

May 19: 8:00am CST - 10am CST USA

May 19 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST USA

May 20: 8:00am - 10:00am CST USA

May 20 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST USA

Episode 50: The University Girl Takes Charge

Sat, 09 May 2020 09:00:00 +0100

To mark episode 50, the tables are turned, as a new co-host decides to shake things up.

Episode 49: Study in Germany

Sun, 03 May 2020 08:00:00 +0100

Anna Boyd, of Frankfurt International School, joins me to discuss the process of applying to universities in Germany.

For more information and resources provided by Anna, please click here

Episode 48: Study in India

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 11:00:00 +0100

Ankur Vohra, of O.P. Jindal Global University in New Delhi, India, joins me to discuss the new wave of Indian universities that have disrupted the traditional forms of university study in that country, and which now offer a great opportunity for students.

To find out more about JGU, this YouTube video gives an overview.

Other universities mentioned in the episode include:

Ashoka University
Bennett University
Flame University
KREA University

Episode 47: Study in Ireland

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Deirbhle O'Reilly of Trinity College Dublin joins me to discuss all the opportunities available to students who choose to study at a university in the Republic of Ireland.

To contact Deirbhle, email Deirbhle.OReilly@tcd.ie

Useful links are:

www.cao.ie – for info on the CAO system
www.tcd.ie/study - for info on UG and PG courses, applications etc.
www.careersportal.ie – for information on all of the Irish institutions.

Episode 46: Study in Belgium

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 08:00:00 +0100

This episode explores the country of Belgium, with some wonderful opportunities available there to study in English. My guest is Vince Cornwell, from Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences & Arts, an institution where for a very low tuition fee, students receive three international study experiences.

Episode 45: The University of California

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 05:00:00 +0100

Cuca Acosta from the University of California, Santa Barbara joins me to explore the wonderful system of the University of California.

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/

https://www.ucsb.edu/

Episode 44: The profession of College Counseling

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:00:00 +0100

Anna Wright, Director of College Counseling at the Benjamin School in Florida, shares her insight on what a full-time college counselor does, and what UK and UK-pattern schools could learn from a very different model of provision for advising students on their university choices.

Episode 43: Two counselors, two countries: some thoughts on our current situation

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:00:00 +0000

Juan-Camilo Tamayo of JCT4Education and I discuss the issues - both practical and emotional - facing students and counselors in the light of the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Connect with and follow JCT4Education on social media:

Twitter: @jct4education
Facebook: JCT4Education
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jct4education/

Episode 42: In conversation with Jackie Vogl

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Jackie Vogl, Associate Vice President for Global Education at SUNY Plattsburgh and I look back over her career in international higher education, discuss the changes that have occurred over that time, and with the benefit of her wisdom look at the current deeply challenging situations that the world is now facing.

Episode 41: University Entry in 2020, a recorded webinar with expert advisers

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 11:00:00 +0000

On Friday 20th March 2020, I moderated a Q&A session on the changed university admissions processes in the UK, and for students from the UK holding international offers.

Experts Alan Bullock (Alan Bullock Careers), Melanie Moorehouse (St Clare's Oxford), Mike Nicholson (University of Bath) and Anne Richardson (The American School in London) answered questions submitted from those attending the live webinar.

Show notes: NACAC link referred to by Anne: https://www.nacacnet.org/college-admission-status-coronavirus

Episode 40: Study in Italy

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:00:00 +0000

'La Dolce Vita' - why not think about the opportunity to study in Italy, taught in English?

Parker Siddall of Bocconi University and I discuss the different options available to students in Italy, and why they should give serious thought to this country as their higher education destination of choice.

Episode 39: Studying in the USA's South

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Students considering the USA will often say 'East or West coast' only, not fully understanding how they might be missing out on some amazing opportunities based on an outdated stereotype. To address this, Tim Neil of Sewanee, the University of the South, and I discuss the 'Twenty-First Century South' and why students should not overlook this fantastic region when looking at universities.

Episode 38, Engineering in the USA

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

How does a STEM education in the USA differ from that in other countries? It's a question that students don't ask enough, given how different STEM - and particularly Engineering - works at US universities. In this podcast, Marivi Walker from Florida Tech and I explore this issue.

Episode 37: Chris Ramsey, former Chair of the HMC and GSA Universities Committee

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 01:00:00 +0000

Chris Ramsey, the Headmaster of Whitgift School in London, has been at the forefront of recent debates about the transition to UK Higher Education from schools over recent years, having served as a member and then chair of the Universities Committee of the Headmasters' and Headmistress' Conference and the Girls' Schools Association.

Episode 36: In conversation with Dan Seneker of Bishop's University, Quebec, Canada

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In my final episode of this mini-series on Canada, I discuss the trends, changes and predictions in Canadian Higher Education with Dan Seneker, Director of Student Recruitment and Retention at Bishop's University in Canada.

Episode 35: Applying to Canadian Universities, with Craig Brown

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Craig Brown, Director of University Guidance at Shawnigan Lake School in Canada, gives me his top tips for any students thinking about applying to universities in Canada.

Episode 34: Sport at Canadian Universities

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

There's lots of information around about sports at US universities, but what is the situation in Canada? In this episode, I discuss opportunities for talented athletes with Leanne Stillman, Assistant Registrar, International Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Guelph, and her colleague Meaghan Howett. For more information visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/ and https://gryphons.ca/

Episode 33: What's it like to be a US Sports Scholar? Featuring Holly Cram of AspireUSA

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Holly Cram, a former US sports scholar, Great Britain hockey star and founder of AspireUSA and I discuss the realities of life as a sports scholar at university in the USA.

Episode 32: US Sports Scholarships - the why, what and how, with Rob Thomas

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 20:00:00 +0000

Rob Thomas of Sporting Elite USA and I discuss the key features of US sports scholarships, looking beyond the myths and misunderstandings about this complicated part of international university applications.

Episode 31: Pearson College London and Degree Apprenticeships, with Caroline Cox

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:00:00 +0000

UCAS has a wealth of specialist institutions available to students, and Pearson College London is one of my favourites. In this episode, I discuss their unique offerings as well as the wider world of degree apprenticeships with Caroline Cox, their Head of Student Recruitment.

Episode 30: A new world of US admissions? Discussing the NACAC rule changes with Steve Thomas

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 19:00:00 +0000

In September 2019, the US National Association for College Admission Counseling, under pressure from the Department of Justice, was forced to change three key rules that govern how US admissions works. In this episode, I discuss the possible impact of these changes with Steve Thomas of Rhodes College.

Episode 29: The IB Diploma and the UK

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 09:00:00 +0100

In this longer episode, I explore the IB Diploma and the context of UK schools and UK universities. Speaking with Pippa Gibbs from Oakham School, Joanna Shearer from ACS Cobham, Mark Stacey from the International School of Brussels and Peter Fidczuk from the International Baccalaureate Organisation, I discuss a wide range of issues involving the IB Diploma.

Episode 28: New English GCSEs, with Dr Andy Kemp

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode I interview Dr Andy Kemp, Head of Senior School at Wells Cathedral School in England. Our focus is the new suite of GCSEs, giving information that should prove useful to admissions officers assessing these qualifications.

Episode 27: Do you need to use UCAS to apply to UK universities?

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0100

Though the vast majority of students will apply to UK universities using UCAS, from time too time other routes seem possible. In this episode I explore the topic with Paul Teulon of King's College London, James Seymour of the University of Buckingham, and James Durant from UCAS.

Episode 26: In Conversation with Nancy Beane

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

It was a great privilege to interview Nancy Beane, former NACAC President and a college counselor in Georgia, about her work, our profession, and her career in the field.

Episode 25: The New IB Maths & UK University Entry

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

An overview of how the changes to IB Maths may impact entry to UK universities, with discussion from Melanie Moorhouse of St Clare's School in Oxford, Charlie Pybus of the University of Bristol and Peter Fidczuk of the IB Organisation.

Episode 24: Alex Kelly, the Unifrog story

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I took time out of our busy schedules to catch up with Alex Kelly, founder of Unifrog, a university and careers advice platform which has revolutionised school provision in the UK and increasingly internationally. I hear the roots of Alex's journey into this field, and how a green trout almost came to be part of a guidance counselor's vocabulary.

https://www.unifrog.org/about

Episode 23: The US College Admissions Scandal - what exactly has happened?

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I try to provide a summary of what exactly makes the scandal in US college admissions so bad, aimed at explaining things to those not intimately familiar with how US college admissions works. I also offer some thoughts on how schools in UK and Europe might protect themselves and their students in the future.

Episode 22: 'Colleges that Change Lives', with Reon Sines-Sheaff of the College of Wooster

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Reon and I discuss the Colleges that Change Lives, an amazing group of US colleges, as well as her own college, the College of Wooster.

Episode 21: SAT & ACT, top tips for UK students

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

For students at schools in the UK, there are particular challenges when it comes to preparing for the ACT or SAT. In this episode, I discuss the process with Jason Smith of UES Education, one of the UK's top test preparation organisations.

Episode 20: The SAT & ACT, tips on preparation for international students

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Jeremy Craig of Test Takers Singapore and I discuss how international students might go about preparing for US standardized testing

Episode 19: Beyond medicine - the Allied Health Professions

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

If you want to work in health but don't want to be a doctor, what else can you do? In this episode, I discuss the Allied Heath Professions with Katy Robinson of King's College London. We reference the Bench to Bedside resource, found here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/bench-to-bedside/index.aspx

Episode 18: What's it like to be a doctor in the UK National Health Service?

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In the second of the miniseries on UK Health Sciences, I interview doctor Bobby Barthakur, a UK GP, on his experience of a medical career in the UK's National Health Service.

Episode 17: UK University Medical Applications

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode I chat with Dr Christopher Nordstrom of The Medic Portal (https://www.themedicportal.com/) on how to make a successful application to UK medical schools.

Episode 16: International School College Counselling

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we look at the transition from UK teacher to international school college counsellor, with Claire Gilbert of St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, Thailand and Francis McIvor of the International School of Florence, Italy

Episode 15: Tales from a Dutch Coffee House.... with Anne Kuijs

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode I return to the topic of Dutch Higher Education, discussing the past, present and future of Dutch international higher education admissions, with Anne Kuijs from the University of Tilburg

Episode 14: CIS Forum 2018

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 21:00:00 +0000

A snapshot of impressions of the Council of International Schools Forum on Higher Education, held in Vienna in November 2018. For more information about this event, visit https://www.cois.org/page.cfm?p=2132

Episode 13: Confessions of a UK Director of Admissions

Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100

What happens between an application being sent from a school to UCAS, and a decision being returned to a student? In this episode I delve inside the black box of UK university admissions with Paul Teulon, Director of Admissions & Registry Services at King's College, London.

Episode 12: Nepal

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In April 2018, an unprecedented situation hit over 60 students from Nepal who held scholarships to study in the United States. In this episode, I explore what happened next. To read more, please follow this link http://tiny.cc/nepalarticle and to donate go to http://www.everestedfund.org/

Episode 11: In Conversation with Alan Bullock

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Alan Bullock is one of the UK's most highly regarded careers advisors, in great demand from schools across the country and internationally for his talks and advising sessions. In this episode we discuss trends Alan has seen across his career and the need for high-quality advising.

Episode 10: Jen Dewar, Duolingo and Access

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode I chat to Jen Dewer, Head of Strategic Engagement for the Duolingo English Test, and formerly a university admissions officer. Our conversation returns regularly to theme of access, not only to testing but to quality guidance.

Episode 9: UCAS Hidden Gems

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Five UK university recruitment officers discuss 'hidden gem' degree pathways at their universities, covering St Andrew's, East Anglia, Sussex, London South Bank and Essex.

Episode 8: ACT Computer Based Testing, thoughts from Anne Richardson

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0100

As the first sitting of the ACT Computer Based Testing occurs, I speak with Anne Richardson, Director of Academic Advising and College Counseling at the American School in London, Chair of the International Initiatives Committee at NACAC, and Chair of the International ACAC Ad Hoc Committee on Testing. In the light of issues have occurred today and earlier this week - meaning that students were unable to test or had to deal with disruptions to their testing plan - Anne gives guidance to students, counselors and college admissions officers on next steps, which can be shared with colleagues and families. To contact Anne to report issues, email Anne via anne_richardson@asl.org

Episode 7: The IC3 Conference 2018

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Episode 6: In Conversation with Jenny Howenstine, St Olaf College

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this discussion with Jenny Howenstine, Director of International Recruitment at St Olaf College in Minnesota, we discuss the benefits of a liberal arts education, why students should consider studying at a small college, the concept of Colleges that Change Lives, and the past and future trends in international higher education recruitment.

Episode 5: In Conversation with John Wilkerson, Indiana University Bloomington

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0100

A chance to chat all things International University Admissions with John Wilkerson, of Indiana University Bloomington, including past and current trends in international admissions, a top tip for international travel, and the role of empathy in college advising.

Episode 4: The International ACAC Conference

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Ahead of the 2018 International Association for College Admission Counseling annual conference, Holly Smith (University of Sussex), Craig Brown (Shawnigan Lake School), Juan Camilo Tamayo (JCT4Education) and Tim Neil (Sewanee, the University of the South) discuss their top tips for making the most of all the event has to offer.

Episode 3: UK Unconditional Offers

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100

A global view on unconditional offers in the UK, featuring Richard Judd from Taunton School, Bobbe Fernando from New York University, and Elisabeth Marksteiner of EKMEC

Episode 2, Dutch Universities

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0100

For more, check out www.theuniversityguy.com, @UniGuyDavid or email david@hawkinsglobaleducation.co.uk

Episode 1, BTECs

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

What is a BTEC? How do universities in the UK and internationally use them for admissions? David interviews four key influencers to explore this issue.