Rachelle Bernadel is the IB’s University Relations Administrator at the IB Global Centre in Bethesda, MD, USA. She is also an IB graduate of Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland.
As we approach the season of conferences, things tend to get a bit crazy in our offices. Registration, session proposals, exhibitors, the rush of a conference can be exhilarating to say the least. For our stakeholders, we hope that IB conferences/symposiums evoke a different type of rush. They are perfect opportunities to get the inside scoop of what is going on with the IB and clear up some of the overwhelming feelings that can arise. This can be particularly true for university admission staff. The world of IB is constantly evolving and the IB strives to make sure there are adequate opportunities for you to keep on top of this evolving landscape. The 2015 annual Higher Education Symposium in the Netherlands is a forum to do just that.
These annual symposia bring together university admissions staff and IB World Schools to discuss best practices in recognizing and advising IB students. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the previous symposia, and this year’s event, held at Erasmus University in the modern city of Rotterdam, Netherlands, will be the first ever to take place in Europe.
Attendees will hear from a range of inspiring and informative speakers and panels covering the latest research on the impact of IB programmes, tips for developing effective admissions policies and advising IB students, and exciting new tools and services from the IB. In addition to extensive networking opportunities throughout the event, the “university fair” allows participating universities the chance to showcase their institutions and programs.
Last year at the University of Hong Kong, one participant noted that “it was great to get everyone on the same page and work toward a common vision.” I think this is what makes this symposium so unique and valuable. Admissions directors and professors from all over the world can join together to share common threads about things that matter on their campuses for IB students and the best practices in addressing them.
The Symposium takes place October 27-29 in Rotterdam, NL. As the IB AEM Annual Regional Conference is just a short train ride away in the Hague, October 29 to November 1, participants can easily attend both events if they so wish.
Hope you can make it!
Registration is now open for the 2015 IB Higher Education Symposium!
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