Council of International Schools

The CIS Global Team came together in Leiden over the last few months to connect and celebrate with each other in meaningful ways! We took time to bond over food in a national dish potluck, share homemade gifts and games for the holidays, and appreciate our colleagues who are starting new journeys. We are excited about the many opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and are deeply grateful for the commitment of our global team. We are excited to share these moments with our dedicated members who are collectively shaping the future of international education. Many exciting things are coming in 2025, so stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey together!

From the team at CIS—we wish you a happy, safe and relaxing holiday season. Our global team will be taking this time to rest and recharge, so we can better serve you, our members, and continue our commitment to connect ideas and cultures across the world developing socially responsible leadership through international education. Here's to another year of shaping the future of international education, together!

Join us for our regional University Exploration Day, a virtual event connecting universities worldwide with students looking to study internationally. Two events are now open for registration: - Eurasia: Organized in collaboration with Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, Kazakhstan - Africa: Organized in collaboration with the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), HALI Access Network, and Meto. We balance the number of participating universities and students to maximize quality interactions, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to raise the visibility of your university with international schools across the regions. The event is integrated into academic schedules for maximum participation. You will engage with students in real-time at your virtual booth via text, video chats, and live presentations. Plus, we’ll send you GDPR-compliant lead reports of interested students immediately after the event. CIS member universities can register now in the CIS Community portal: https://lnkd.in/efgef3ia

It’s been a year of innovation here at CIS as we reviewed a fundamental part of our work: CIS International Accreditation. Our new developmental, differentiated approach to accreditation will align school practices with its strategic priorities. It’s an exciting time as we receive early feedback in response to the launch of our new framework and process. We are now heading into the implementation phase and preparing schools seeking our accreditation or reaccreditation in 2025. Read our latest blog as we celebrate this milestone and share our reflections and insights from our review process over the past year: https://bit.ly/3Vmr1jS

Our 2025 CIS Fairs in the Middle East support your student recruitment efforts in the Middle East. They’re an excellent opportunity to engage with high-achieving students from CIS, BSME, and IB schools. Universities should join us to promote your institution, network, and meet prospective students. Our barcode scanning technology for student contact details simplifies follow-ups and gives you more time to engage with students. CIS member universities can register now: https://lnkd.in/d7wgMmTF

This year's theme for Human Rights Day emphasises how human rights empower individuals and communities to build a better future that is more peaceful, equal, and sustainable. The United Nations is focusing on 'how human rights are a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good.' Read more from the UN: https://lnkd.in/gXJPPJq At CIS, we are united by our shared purpose: connecting ideas and cultures across the world to develop socially responsible leadership through international education. Our work is grounded in human rights and dignity for all. By intentionally designing learning that includes diverse identities, perspectives and discussions, learners have opportunities to critically explore equity and social justice issues to work toward positive social transformation that upholds human rights. CIS member schools can access practical new resources to support this work and develop socially responsible leadership in their learning community: https://lnkd.in/e5_RwVb3 #OurRightsOurFuture #HumanRightsDay

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteer peer evaluators for their valuable contributions this year on International Volunteer Day. Evaluators make a positive impact on our global membership community while learning and refining skills to use throughout their educational career. By the end of 2024, 772 volunteer evaluators will have collaborated with 261 schools to review practices, share commendations, and discuss improvements to support the schools' journey to complete CIS International Accreditation. Thank you for your perspectives, knowledge, and dedication to international education.

The steady rise in young people's use of online platforms and social media brings benefits and risks. When it comes to the risks, we encourage schools to take proactive and preventative action as part of their safeguarding efforts for their students' safety, mental health, and well-being. In this professional learning experience, you’ll access training and resources tailored to international school communities. Experts from CIS, Childnet International, SWGfL - Safe, Secure, Online, and UK Safer Internet Centre will lead discussions on preventative strategies. You will: - develop the knowledge and skills to respond effectively when children are at risk through unsafe online spaces - participate in designing and examining school responses using complex case studies - return to your school to facilitate community-wide learning and growth. CIS member schools can register now in the CIS Community portal: https://lnkd.in/gtT9jDNC

Join us for two days of professional development, networking, and group discussions focused on students and schools in the Latin America and the Caribbean. It's a great opportunity for guidance counsellors and future pathways advisors at international schools in the region to meet admissions professionals from CIS colleges and universities worldwide. Our 15+ years of experience in Latin America make this institute a key event for the region's international admission and guidance community. We plan it in partnership with the Latin American Tri-Association and in cooperation with the American International Schools in the Americas (AMISA), the Latin American Heads Conference (LAHC) and Uncoli. CIS member schools and universities can register now in the CIS Community portal: Schools: https://lnkd.in/gfktfKvb Universities: https://lnkd.in/g3iKXW2t

Join us in Doha in February for two days of professional development, networking, and group discussions focused on students and schools in the Middle East. It's a great opportunity to meet and promote your school to college and university admissions professionals from around the world with an interest in enrolling students from the region. Learn about their admissions requirements, financial aid, scholarship possibilities, and the latest options for your students. Expand your network of fellow guidance counsellors and future pathways advisors at CIS and BSME schools too! CIS member schools and universities can register now in the CIS Community portal: Schools: https://lnkd.in/eyA2WqMb Universities: https://lnkd.in/er5e4kWC