Connecting students with over 120 global universities, inspiring questions, clarity, and future pathways.

• by Aakash Babu, Student Career Ambassador, Grade XII Good Shepherd International School

The University Fair at GSIS this week was truly an experience to remember. With more than 120 universities from across the globe—including the US, UK, Canada, India, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Spain, and many others—the campus was filled with curiosity, conversations, and countless possibilities for the future.

From my perspective, what stood out the most was how actively our students engaged with the representatives. Seeing my peers and juniors reach out to such a diverse set of universities, asking thoughtful questions about courses, scholarships, application processes, and even campus life, was both reassuring and inspiring. It was not just about collecting brochures—it was about exploring real opportunities and gaining clarity on what lies ahead.

Many students shared that hearing about programs directly from the source made their choices feel more tangible. Some discovered courses they had never considered before, while others gained a clearer understanding of how their subject interests align with admission requirements.

It wasn’t only the students who benefitted. Teachers across sections also interacted with universities to better understand how they could adapt their teaching to support students in preparing for tertiary education.

This year, we decided to do things differently and extended the fair’s reach to other schools in Ooty as well. We were delighted to welcome students and teachers from Hebron School, Woodside School, Nazareth School, and Army Public School. Their 12th-grade students gained valuable exposure, clarity on courses and scholarships, and fresh insights into career prospects.

A special mention must go to the institutions that went the extra mile to conduct group sessions for our students:

• Study in Europe: Bocconi University and IE University engaged students from Grades X–XII, providing early insights into European higher education.

• Canada Panel: Experts from the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and University of Waterloo addressed pressing concerns, including student support and socio-political challenges, helping to dispel misinformation and reassure families.

• Study in Japan: The University of Tokyo opened students’ eyes to Japan’s strengths in technical education—especially relevant for our STEM aspirants.

• Study in Australia: The University of Sydney drew strong interest, with representatives highlighting Australia’s reputation for cutting-edge research and innovation.

• Education New Zealand: This session introduced students to niche courses such as Agriculture, Plant Science, Veterinary Science, Pilot Training, and Aviation Studies.

The range of institutions represented was remarkable. Whether students were interested in liberal arts, engineering, business, medicine, or design, there was a university ready to match their aspirations. This exposure broadened perspectives and reinforced that higher education is not about “fitting in” but about finding the right fit.

On a broader note, I feel the fair boosted confidence among students. For some, it confirmed their choices; for others, it opened doors they had never imagined. Above all, it reminded everyone that the journey to university is as much about exploring and asking questions as it is about applications and grades.

Overall, the fair was more than just an event—it was a step forward in helping GSIS students dream bigger, plan smarter, and feel supported in shaping their futures.