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On May 9-10, 2025, Dalian American International School had the privilege of hosting the Nord Anglia China College Counselling Conference, welcoming counselors and educators from across the region. The theme, “Together is Better,” truly reflected the spirit of the event, which was filled with meaningful dialogue around student support, global university admissions, and emotional well-being.
The conference featured a rich lineup of sessions led by inspiring voices such as Amanda Yan, Daniel Gould, Jessica Lim, Michael Cai, Jenny Lian, Queenie Zhang, Alexander Olya, and Jiawei Huang. Their insights sparked valuable conversations and collaboration among attendees.
Amanda Yan opened with a session on effective tools for guiding students in career exploration, college majors, and future planning. Participants gained hands-on experience with platforms like UCAS, BigFuture, and O*NET, and explored how frameworks such as Holland Codes and Ikigai can enhance student conversations.
Jessica Lim and Queenie Zhang led a powerful discussion on the social-emotional support of students during the college application process, focusing on recognizing signs of stress, anxiety, and depression, and guiding students to develop coping skills.
Meanwhile, Daniel Gould facilitated a student panel, where students shared reflections on their application journeys – what worked, what didn’t, and how counselors can better support them.
Mr. Gould also presented on unlocking the gates of healthcare, highlighting the industry’s potential for students and offering strategies for guiding them toward successful careers in this field.
Alexander Olya invited attendees to reflect on how we support high-performing students in non-selective school environments. His session, "How Can We Get Top-Tier Students into Top-Tier Universities?," prompted discussion on aligning efforts across instructional and specialist teams to better serve driven learners.
Later, Mr. Gould hosted a "Job-A-Like" sharing session, where counselors exchanged insights on effective programming and common challenges.
Jiawei Huang explored collaboration between college guidance and subject teachers, emphasizing the importance of communication, co-developed growth plans, and student engagement in extracurriculars. Real-life examples and solutions to common challenges enriched the discussion.
Michael Cai’s session, "Study in Europe: An Antidote to Global Uncertainty?," examined why studying in Europe remains underrepresented among Chinese students. He highlighted the unique advantages of European education and post-graduation opportunities.
Jenny Lian offered a deep dive into university admissions in Finland and Sweden, sharing key insights and resources for navigating these systems.
Daniel Gould returned with a session on reflective essay writing, introducing a dialectic approach that helps students uncover meaning and personal growth through their narratives.
Amanda Yan, Jenny Lian, and Michael Cai co-facilitated a session titled "Where Are They Now?," exploring the paths of students with low academic grades. Through case studies and alternative education routes, they demonstrated how diverse strategies can lead to success.
The conference concluded with a guest panel discussion reflecting on the state of university guidance in China. Panelists discussed shifts in the professional landscape and how counseling teams can adapt their strategies to better support today’s student populations.
The 2025 Nord Anglia China College Counselling Conference was more than a professional gathering – it was a celebration of shared purpose and collective growth. The theme “Together is Better” resonated throughout, reminding us that collaboration is key to unlocking student potential and shaping brighter futures.
