University & Careers
Resource
Whether a student is planning to go to university, a gap year, military service or pursue other options, the Upper School University and Career Counselors provide personalized assistance in that transition.
Guiding Principles of the University & Career Counseling Program
At ZIS, every upper school student receives highly individualized and comprehensive support throughout their journey. Our dedicated team of three University and Career Counselors (UCCs) is committed to helping students discover the pathways that best align with their abilities, interests, and aspirations.
Through one-on-one meetings, family sessions, advisory presentations, and lunchtime workshops, our counselors deliver developmentally appropriate programming grounded in the CASEL Framework and International School Counselor Association Standards.
Your Child’s Advocate and Guide
Your assigned University Counselor is your child’s primary advocate throughout their upper school years and post-secondary planning process. Here’s how we support your family:
- Build strong relationships with your child based on trust and understanding
- Support your child’s unique goals, strengths, needs, and aspirations
- Access academic and extracurricular records, including input from teachers, advisors, and coaches
- Author official counselor letters of recommendation and UCAS references
- Serve as the key liaison for university admissions officers with inquiries about ZIS or student applications
- Provide insider knowledge about ZIS, its programs, student cohorts, and historical trends in university admissions
- Offer personalized, strategic insights that are essential to a successful post-secondary outcome
Global Expertise and Connections
ZIS University and Careers Counselors bring deep knowledge and global experience:
- Support applications across Europe, the UK, North America, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand
- Trained in career, emotional, and strength-based counseling
- Members of professional organizations like IACAC, NACAC, CIS, ISCA, IB, and ACCIS
- Regularly visit universities and attend global conferences
- Maintain strong relationships with admissions representatives worldwide
University and Career Counselor's Role
Meet the Counselors
Upper School Profile
Class of 2025 University Destinations
University Fair
ZIS is a truly international school, with students preparing for opportunities around the world.
Our reputation as a leading school has been shown by the number of university representatives that visit our campus each year.
The ZIS University Fair is a regular fixture on the Upper School calendar. Students and parents have the opportunity to open a personal dialog with university representatives from all over Europe and North America.
Information for University Representatives
Each year nearly 120 university representatives come to ZIS to meet with students, counselors, and interested parents.
Scheduling a Visit to ZIS Upper School
We look forward to welcoming you to our campus. Please contact Yoshiko Keller (ykeller@zis.ch) to arrange your visit. It is best to plan a visit during lunch.
Wishing you a safe and successful travel season!