It’s Christmas break at Copenhagen International School, but plans for next academic year’s new recruits are already underway – and that means up to 15 scholarships will soon be awarded to the top applicants with entries open until 28 January.
Staying over the waters of Nordhavn, the school has been part of the international community since its founding in 1963. Today it boasts 900 students with over 60 languages spoken in between, and thanks to its scholarship program, it is proud to say that they come from all walks of life.
“The goal is to give students who may not be able to afford tuition fees the opportunity to participate. We have offered scholarships for as long as I have been here, and I think that reflects how important we find inclusion, diversity and opening up our community, ”explained Mary Donnellan, International Master’s Coordinator.
“It’s designed for students who are interesting or academically gifted, or who can bring something to our community and really want to benefit from the International Baccalaureate program and international thinking.”
Open to all
It may sound like a demanding process for the students – but the school wants to assure applicants and parents that there is no reason to stress too much.
“Parents always ask me, ‘What should my child study?’ And we say, ‘Nothing!’ The tests are set at a level they need to work on right now, so we do not require anything extraordinary, ”said Mary.
Last year, the school saw 35 applicants call for up to 15 scholarships, so there is a very realistic chance that students will get a place if they are able to submit a strong application.
There are three main categories for the scholarship: Academic Excellence, Arts and Sustainability. All three involve an exam and interview phase – but as the students will tell you, you do not have to fit the categories perfectly as long as you show your drive and passion.
We spoke to some of Copenhagen International School’s impressive scholarship students to find out how they found the process and what advice they would give to future applicants.
Across the board, they have painted a picture of a thriving community.
Tarang: Really want it
Tarang is a class of 10 Indian student who received a scholarship for academic excellence. One of her heroes is Parisa Tabriz, ‘Google’s security princess’, and Tarang hopes that she too can continue to become one of the world’s best white hat hackers and give women the opportunity to join the tech industry.
“I was already studying at Copenhagen International School when I decided to go to the scholarship, so for me it felt like a huge personal achievement for me,” she excited.
Her advice for future applicants?
“You really have to have it. If you think about it through the exam round and the interview round – if you really, really want it – the evaluation committee will see that you put your very best. ”
Jazmin: Be yourself
Jazmin received a sustainability scholarship from the school and plans to continue studying medicine at the University of Copenhagen. In her own words, the Hungarian’s first visit to the school was “love at first sight”.
“Before I came to an open day, it was out of the question for me to go to school because it was so far away from where I lived. But when I came here and walked around the grounds, it was love at first sight – and I knew this was just the place for me. I was sitting in a room looking out over the sea, and I remember looking out the window and thinking, ‘This is the view I want to see every day,’ ”she recalled.
Her advice to applicants who want to get a scholarship is simply to be as authentic as possible.
“There are all these specific categories for the scholarship – art, sustainability and academic – and I knew many students who thought they would not fit into any of these categories – so they did not apply. But the categories are much wider than some might think, so I would encourage applicants to research and think about what you bring – because you might just find out that the scholarship is for you, “she advised.
Anwita: Do not stress
Anwita applied for the grade 11 scholarship program after friends and siblings recommended the school. The Briton is interested in pursuing medicine after graduation, but also took topics with a solid foundation for studying law in response to advice from the school’s guidance counselor.
“The most challenging aspect of my studies has been the workload. I do a lot of leisure activities, so it has been quite a challenge to keep an eye on these, my homework and revise for tests – but it is also a challenge that prepares you for the future, and I have had great friends to help me. along the way, ”she revealed.
“I want to say, do not stress – there is nothing to worry about. I know that applying for a scholarship seems like a big stressful ordeal, but the application process is pretty simple. Just know your strengths and try to be sure to communicate them so you can show that you are the one who deserves the scholarship.
New year, new start?
Getting a scholarship may sound like a daunting goal, but Tarang, Jazmin and Anwita is proof that it’s worth fighting. At an international school, they are in the hands of experts who are adept at gathering talent from around the world, giving students the chance to pursue their own interests in an environment designed to help them thrive.
The inclusion of art and sustainability along with academic expertise shows that the school is interested in more than just qualifications. As Mary put it: “More than anything else, we want someone who is kind and good – a wonderful human being.”
Applications are already open and run until January 28 with open days to tour the school itself between January 11 and 28.
Source: The Nordic Page