For Amir, joining the International School Aberdeen (ISA) in 2024 for his final two years of high school was the start of a whole new chapter. Having attended seven different schools across the UK and Azerbaijan, moving to a new environment was nothing new – but the welcome he received at ISA made all the difference. He completed his IB Diploma Programme here, paving the way to study Law at the University of Oxford.
Amir tells his story here:
“I am originally from Azerbaijan but grew up mostly in the UK. I’d attended seven different schools before joining ISA in 2024, coming from another international school in Azerbaijan where I’d been for four years. I’d gotten very used to my community there, so coming to ISA was like wiping the slate clean and starting from scratch.
Luckily, I was welcomed with open arms by the staff and my peers, which made the transition so smooth. I found ISA in particular to be very friendly, inclusive, and even more international than other schools I had attended around the world.
The range of IB subjects offered at ISA allowed me to pick Higher Level classes in Economics, History, and English Language and Literature. These were specifically catered to the path I wanted to take at university, focusing heavily on my essay writing and analytical skills.
On top of that, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) classes added a level of critical thinking that was challenging without being overwhelming. Working on my Extended Essay allowed me to refine and improve my independent research skills – which was fantastic practice for writing long research essays and building written arguments for university.
I decided to study law because it offers a clear, structured pathway toward becoming a barrister or solicitor, while also serving as a gateway into fields like diplomacy, business, or government.
I started thinking seriously about applying to Oxford in the summer before starting the IB. When I arrived, initial conversations with Ms Barker, our High School University Counsellor, made me feel completely confident that ISA would give me the best possible support to get there.
ISA was particularly helpful during the interview period in December. Classmates taking part in university interviews were all given quiet, dedicated spaces around campus where we could prepare, sit our interviews, and cool down afterward. When I finally met my offer, I just felt a huge wave of relief that all the time spent studying and practising had paid off.
Outside the classroom, I took part in Model United Nations (MUN) and traveled to conferences at other schools across Scotland. As an MUN delegate, you get an excellent opportunity to build confidence in public speaking, learn more about real-world issues, and network with students from diverse backgrounds. The formality and procedure of MUN is also brilliant preparation for a professional environment.
My teachers were deeply supportive throughout my two years at ISA. My History teachers, Ms Garry and Mr Budd, in particular, brought out the absolute best in our HL History class through their engaging teaching styles. All the high school teachers treat diploma-age students as responsible young adults preparing for the real world, which makes the transition to university and living independently so much smoother.
My advice for any student joining ISA who wants to aim for a top-tier university is to be completely upfront about your goals with your teachers and school staff right from the start. That way, they can tailor their support to help you achieve your specific ambitions. Looking back, if I had to describe my time at ISA in three words, it would simply be: time well spent.”
