Gaianeh joined ISA in Grade 6 after moving from Beirut, Lebanon, and it was the start of an educational journey deeply rooted in global citizenship. Over her years at ISA, she immersed herself in every facet of school life – from Student Council and volleyball to language tutoring and the National Honor Society. Securing a stunning 39 points in her International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, she confirmed her place at the prestigious Sciences Po Menton campus to major in Law and Economics with a minor in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Studies.
Gaianeh explains more about her experience here:
“I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, and moved to Aberdeen in 2019, joining ISA as soon as I arrived in Scotland. Being in an environment surrounded by different cultures and having the opportunity to learn about different countries – for example, through Model United Nations (MUN) or IB Higher Level Spanish – definitely fuelled my passion for an international career and learning more about global politics.
During my time at ISA, I completed my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, served on the Student Council, participated in MUN, and played for the volleyball team. Within every activity, the teachers and coaches always encouraged active participation. They helped me truly improve by working with me one-on-one, whether that was refining my public speaking in MUN or working on my serving skills in volleyball.
Throughout the years, constant support from our High School University Counsellor, Ms Barker, helped me find the best path after high school – guiding me through legal work experience, while helping me find and secure a university place that combines my love for languages with my desire to study both law and economics on a global scale.
The Extended Essay was my favourite part of the IB because it gave me a platform to thoroughly explore an issue I cared deeply about regarding my home country. I wrote an interdisciplinary History and Economics essay examining the 2020 Beirut Blast and how historical factors made Lebanon vulnerable to the disaster. The academic research and formal writing skills I gained were incredible preparation for degree-level study, making every late night worth it!
Another highlight was our IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project. My group raised over £1,300 for a local charity, Friends of Roxburghe House, by completing the 29km Kiltwalk and organising a sustainable book drive. The charity provides incredible palliative care support, and we felt honoured to contribute to their work.
Preparing for Sciences Po’s rigorous admissions process involved an intensive interview, which included analyzing unseen material on global issues on the spot. I felt quite overwhelmed in the lead-up, but my IB English teacher, Mr Ordonez, gave up his own time during lunchtimes and after school to run mock sessions with me until I felt ready. That dedicated support, along with my family’s encouragement, gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.
When IB results day arrived, I was so happy to achieve 39 points, confirming my unconditional offer for Sciences Po while also meeting the conditional offer for my second choice, the University of Glasgow to study Law and Spanish. At Sciences Po’s Menton campus, I am most excited to explore a wide variety of my interests without being limited to just one discipline, while also integrating and strengthening the languages I grew up with.
If I were to offer advice to a new student starting out at ISA next year, it would be simple: make full use of all the resources and opportunities available to you – they will take you further than you can imagine.”
