Moving from International School Stavanger (ISS) in Norway to International School Aberdeen (ISA) for Grade 11, Leonardo achieved an outstanding score of 39 points in the IB Diploma before navigating international university applications to secure a place studying Engineering at KU Leuven in Belgium – one of Europe’s most prestigious research institutions.
“Originally, I believed it would be difficult to transition to a completely different school and country right before starting the hardest time in my high school journey. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer welcoming nature of the ISA environment. My peers were really kind and available, while the teachers made the lessons fun and engaging, making me feel at home very quickly.
To prepare for my IB exams, I started revising the full course material well before the Mock Exams to ensure I was thoroughly organised. When results day arrived, I was extremely relieved and proud to see that all my hard work paid off, especially considering the toughness of my subjects – taking Higher Level Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics alongside Standard Level English Language & Literature, Spanish, and Environmental Systems & Societies.
When looking at higher education, I applied through UCAS as well as to universities in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium to keep my options open. I was lucky enough to receive offers from all of them, but I was particularly drawn to the cultural, highly international, and renowned approach of KU Leuven. As a prestigious university for engineering, I knew it would be the best choice for me.
Navigating university admissions outside the UK can take longer, but if you take the time to understand the process, it is not too difficult. KU Leuven was the only university I applied to that required a test. I chose to sit their non-binding Positioning Test in early July, which worked out brilliantly because it allowed me to move to Leuven more than a month early to settle in.
Relocating internationally also means thinking about practical logistics like housing and local administration. I was very fortunate to find housing right in the centre of Leuven. As an EU citizen, I didn’t need a visa – just a student registration, which only took a couple of days to complete. My main piece of advice to anyone looking at applying abroad is to start the process as early as possible so you are ready for any step ahead. Leuven is a safe, organized, and vibrant student city, and I am so excited to be here.
At ISA, I also had the pleasure of participating in extra-curricular activities that amplified my love for my hobbies. I am deeply grateful for how easy it was to get involved—it made my time at ISA truly unforgettable. Looking back, I would summarize my time at ISA as a welcoming, fun, and adventurous journey.”
