After Haileybury, the world awaits…
After graduating, some Haileybury students pack a suitcase to continue their studies at the world’s most prestigious universities.
Ethan Zhu (OH 2024) is an alumnus following an international pathway since graduating from Haileybury. Later this year, he will move to the US to study Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park.
“I applied to the US because of the overall culture. I feel that campus culture and life is a lot livelier in the US due to so many students living on campus and because of the sports teams and campus traditions,” says Ethan.
“There were also more opportunities for research at undergraduate level without having to take an honours year. There are also more opportunities to explore my chosen major as well as other areas, like languages and humanities, so I become a more rounded student.”
Ethan’s passion for computer science began in primary school and he eventually hopes to become a professor and to combine research with teaching.
“I loved creating simple video games with the programming language, Scratch. That interest continued and expanded through high school to include broader areas of Computer Science, like Machine Learning and AI. Technology has always been a big part of my life,” he says.
Ethan is looking forward to making the most of living and studying in the US later this year.
“I hope to take full advantage of the college experience by going to sports events, joining lots of clubs, visiting the local surroundings, playing board games in my dorm and going to the dining halls for late night snacks!” he says.
Ethan is quick to recognise the ‘massive’ role Haileybury played in helping him earn his place at university in the US.
“So many teachers were passionate about their craft and supported me in learning, so it was much easier for me to get competitive grades to apply for these universities,” he says.
“Haileybury certainly played a massive role in helping me get where I am today.”
For Isabella Zhang (OH 2024), Cambridge University beckons with the Haileybury graduate packing her bags to depart for the UK later this year. Isabella is reading Economics after being one of a growing cohort of female students choosing to study the subject at Haileybury.
“Haileybury has been a significant part of my life – if I hadn’t studied at the school I may not have got the results I needed to get into Cambridge. Initially I wasn’t studying Economics in Term 1A of Year 11 but I changed my subjects at the end of that term to allow me to study Economics,” says Isabella.
“I think my choice of subject has partly been influenced by the fact that I was born in Shanghai, which is a very commercial city and my parents work in commerce. During COVID I also started my own online business selling jade jewellery and I realised the commercial world has unlimited possibilities and that grew my interest in economics.”
Isabella believes studying overseas will broaden her horizons and allow her to attend a world-renowned university. Her move to Cambridge will be the first time she has visited the UK.
“If you are in commerce, it’s important to have a global mindset and I want to experience a different culture and meet people from all over the world. I understand that Cambridge has a beautiful campus and I’m looking forward to seeing that and to be able to travel around Europe during my university holidays,” says Isabella.
“Of course, I will miss my family, my friends and my teachers at Haileybury. I have amazing memories and so many people at school supported me and helped me to achieve my best. I feel a little sad to be leaving Melbourne but I will be back to visit.”
As Ethan and Isabella find their way in the world post-Haileybury we wish them all the best and look forward to witnessing them make a difference in their chosen fields.
