Students of the Doukas IB Programme recently completed a seven-day academic programme in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, visiting fifteen distinguished universities and exploring diverse models of higher education.
The initiative offered IB Year 1 students the opportunity to become familiar with international university systems while observing how leading institutions organise teaching, research and student life.
Discovering university pathways
Throughout the programme, students attended presentations, discussions and campus visits at renowned universities across both countries. Among the highlights were specialised workshops at the University of the Arts London (UAL), alongside meetings with admissions representatives from Imperial College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Guided campus tours and open conversations with faculty members and current students offered valuable perspective on academic expectations, programme structures and daily life within globally recognised institutions.
Exploring academic interests
Participants encountered a wide spectrum of study fields, ranging from engineering and law to design and the visual arts. Interactive sessions and campus activities enabled students to observe how different disciplines are taught and how universities support intellectual development, research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration.
At the same time, visits to institutions with contrasting settings allowed students to compare learning environments and consider which type of academic community best aligns with their personal aspirations.
A clearer vision for future studies
Direct contact with university representatives proved particularly enlightening, offering practical guidance on programme selection and admissions procedures.
“Speaking with admissions officers at Leiden University clarified my study options, and walking around these campuses made me picture my future here,” noted IB student K.
“Visiting both city-based universities like UCL and campus universities like Warwick helped me realise what environment suits me best. I loved the energy of London, but Warwick’s close-knit community felt more personal and focused,” added IB student G.
Encounters with admissions teams, faculty members and international student communities encouraged thoughtful reflection on future study choices and helped IB students form a clearer picture of the academic paths available to them.
