For families exploring an international school in China for overseas students, choosing the right education environment is often about more than academic results. Parents want a school where children can feel secure, develop confidence, receive personalized guidance, and prepare for future opportunities around the world.

The story of Wang Sishi, a student from Spain who spent six years at Hailiang International School (HIS), shows how an international education experience in China can shape a student’s personal growth and academic journey.

From feeling uncertain after moving countries to receiving offers from leading UK universities, her transformation reflects the power of a supportive international learning environment.

A New Beginning: From Spain to China

In early 2021, Wang Sishi moved from Spain to China and joined HIS during her secondary education.

The transition was challenging.

She faced differences in curriculum, a new language environment, and the adjustment from living with her parents to experiencing boarding school life.

At first, she felt unfamiliar with her surroundings and was hesitant to ask questions.

However, HIS provided a welcoming and inclusive environment that helped her gradually build confidence.

Teachers treated students with respect and encouraged open communication. Classmates supported each other through daily learning and school activities.

Slowly, she changed from someone who was afraid to ask questions into a student who actively explored knowledge.

Building Confidence Through a Supportive Community

One important reason international students choose to study in China is the opportunity to experience a diverse and supportive educational community.

At HIS, Wang Sishi was able to balance academic learning with extracurricular development.

She participated in:

• IEPQ academic projects;
• student ambassador activities;
• International Chinese Festival;
• Spelling Bee competitions;
• charity fundraising events.

These experiences helped her develop skills beyond textbooks, including communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.

Her teachers noticed her growth.

Her class teacher, Winnie, described her as a student who developed from a quiet newcomer into a confident and determined young person.

Academic Growth Through the British Curriculum

After adapting to the new environment, Wang Sishi achieved excellent academic results.

During her IGCSE studies, she achieved:

• Mathematics: A*
• Chemistry: A
• Physics: A
• Economics: A
• ESL: A

She also achieved an IELTS score of 7.5.

However, she understood that these achievements were not only the result of individual effort.

Behind every result were:

• classroom discussions with teachers;
• after-class academic support;
• encouragement from classmates;
• structured learning guidance.

This reflects an important feature of high-quality international education in China: academic success is supported by both professional teaching and a strong student community.

Discovering Interests and Future Direction

A successful education journey is not only about grades.

It is also about helping students understand themselves.

During her years at HIS, Wang Sishi gradually discovered her interest in business and economics.

Through guidance from teachers and reflection on real-life experiences, including helping manage financial records in her family’s retail business, she developed a clearer understanding of her future direction.

Eventually, she chose Economics and Management as her university pathway.

Preparing Students for Global Opportunities

After six years at HIS, Wang Sishi received offers from several prestigious UK universities, including:

• University College London (UCL);
• King’s College London (KCL);
• University of Manchester;
• University of Bristol.

Her journey demonstrates that studying in China can provide international students with strong academic preparation while helping them develop independence and confidence.

For overseas families, choosing a Chinese international school is not only about education location.

It is about finding a community where students can grow.

A Global Education Journey Starts With the Right Environment

Wang Sishi’s story represents the experience of many international students who choose China for education.

From Spain to China, and eventually from China to the UK, her journey shows how a supportive school environment can help students become independent thinkers and global citizens.

A strong international school does not simply prepare students for university.

It prepares them for life.