The Thunder Bolt

As another incredible school year comes to a close, Concordia International School Hanoi looks back with immense pride as the Class of 2026 prepares to take their next giant leaps. From London to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley and the streets of Tokyo, our seniors are heading to some of the most prestigious universities across the world.

Our graduates recently shared exactly where they are going and why. Here is a look at how the Concordia journey has shaped them, and what lies ahead for our future alumni.

Global Powerhouses and Ivy League Excellence

Concordia’s graduates continue to gain admission to world-renowned institutions, choosing schools that perfectly align with their niche passions.

• Brown University: One neuroscience major chose Brown specifically for its highly regarded open curriculum, allowing for an interdisciplinary education to explore a little bit of everything.
• King’s College London: Set to study law in the UK, this Senior chose King's College London for its reputation as a global powerhouse consistently ranked among the top 20 law schools in the world. The location was a major benefit, allowing them to complete their education right in the heart of London.
• University College London (UCL): One student chose University College London (UCL), drawn by its highly rigorous Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) program, high-quality professors, and incredible networking opportunities.
• University of Edinburgh:The University of Edinburgh attracted a student to its finance and business program due to its global reputation and vast student internship network.
• Sophia University (Tokyo): A new alum looking for strength in the humanities chose Sophia for its intimate Catholic school environment and rich English curriculum.

Capitalizing on the Big Cities

The American East Coast proved to be a major destination for our recent Senior class. Access to internships, networking, and global financial hubs made this location a massive draw.

• New York University (NYU): Students chose NYU for its top-tier Economics and Mathematics programs, as well as its global network with study-away options like NYU Abu Dhabi and the Stern School of Business.
• Fordham University: Fordham University was chosen for its tight-knit academic rigor and a perfect student-life balance right in the middle of New York City.
• Barnard College: One Senior fell in love with Barnard’s hybrid nature, which offers the close community of a small liberal arts college combined with the massive resources of Columbia University.
• George Washington University: Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., this business and marketing-bound senior chose GWU to secure premier job opportunities and build a global network.

Excellence from Coast to Coast

Whether heading out to the West Coast or making their way to premier campuses along the East Coast, our Seniors chose institutions that pair high-level academics with incredible career opportunities.

• University of Southern California (USC): Two future Trojans are heading to LA! They cited USC’s perfect balance of academics, roaring school spirit, and pre-professional opportunities. One student heading to the Marshall School of Business highlighted USC’s deep ties to the Big Four accounting firms and the LA entertainment industry.
• UC Berkeley: UC Berkeley stands out for its overall academic supremacy, unparalleled research opportunities, and compelling campus energy.
• UC Santa Cruz: After visiting the campus during a 2024 college tour, this Senior fell in love with the friendly atmosphere and its proximity to Silicon Valley tech internships.
• Emory University: Emory University draws students to Atlanta for its outstanding academic reputation, top-tier business school, and specialized programs in public health and nursing.
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): One future computer scientist is heading to Georgia Tech, drawn by its nation-leading computer science program.
• Davidson College: One senior chose Davidson College specifically for its reputation as one of the most cooperative and supportive campus communities in the US.

Engineering, Data, and Liberal Arts Excellence

Our recent graduates are diving straight into specialized fields, from paleobiology to cutting-edge tech.

• Purdue University: Renowned for engineering and data science, Purdue attracted students with its hands-on learning and a long-standing reputation as a dream school for launching successful technical careers.
• Smith College: A future engineer on a pre-med track chose this historic all-women's institution because its values aligned with hers by supporting women in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields.
• Amherst College: In a unique academic pursuit, this student chose Amherst College specifically for its deeply rooted history and world-class resources in paleobiology.
• Tufts University: One alum is heading to Tufts University, drawn by its interdisciplinary majors and a student body deeply committed to active citizenship and community service.

Destinations Across the Globe

From leading international business capitals to premier creative centers, our graduates are stepping onto the global stage at world-class institutions across the map.

• UBC Sauder School of Business (Canada): Multiple students are heading to Vancouver, drawn by the school's strong track record for post-graduation employment and direct pipelines into top Canadian accounting and consulting firms, plus the beautiful beachside campus.
• University of Melbourne (Australia): The University of Melbourne is the perfect fit for a commerce student looking for an internationally focused environment while remaining closer to family in Vietnam.
• University of Hong Kong (HKU):This future business analytics major picked HKU to be right at the center of the action, taking full advantage of the networking and internship opportunities in a massive global commercial hub.
• Monash University (Australia): This student is heading off to pursue a unique double degree in business and design to perfectly balance the strategic and creative sides of marketing and visual branding.
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): An artist heading to SAIC chose it because they love how the school prioritizes experimental and innovative work over rigid technical precision.
• University of Amsterdam (Netherlands): This senior chose this university because it is perfect for diving into data science and econometrics within a lively urban environment that also happens to be close to home.

When looking back at their time at Concordia, the seniors were quick to credit their teachers, the rigorous AP coursework, and the school culture for their success.

“The faculty and staff have been very supportive throughout my High School journey. They created a space where I could thrive and learn as a student and a human.”

Students noted that balancing time-demanding art projects or sports with AP classes taught them vital time management, independence, and critical thinking. Furthermore, Concordia's diverse international environment helped them become open-minded collaborators, while leadership opportunities in activities like TEDx and Model United Nations (MUN) built the confidence they need to take on university and the world.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We cannot wait to see the impact you make on your new campuses and beyond. 

Learn more about Concordia's Alumni.