How ISB's Curriculum Helped Alumni Succeed in Their Career

A true jack of all trades, Austin Li, an ISB alumni, found his footing in his 10-plus years at the International School of Beijing (ISB).

Through the school curriculum and the co-curricular activities, he discovered his love of baking, working as a student representative, being the voice of his classmates, and, perhaps most notable, his passion for design. 

“A few years ago, I bought my own tablet and started to draw webcomics that I would post onto Instagram under the name EggsToTheShake,” says Li. “Since then, I've expanded my career to design my own clothing line, created elaborate illustrations, and even took design commissions for members of the ISB community.”

These exciting opportunities included designing the new line of ISB Swim Academy uniforms, the Nightingale Charity Club t-shirts, and even the Class of 2021 Senior Hoodies.

This passion carved his path to post-secondary; he’s now studying Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation at the lovine & Young Academy within the University of Southern California (USC).

ISB curriculum helped Li“bolster art and design projects”

 When Austin entered High School, he did not know what he wanted to do academically.

“In other words, I was a blank piece of paper,” says Austin .

But then he signed up for the new Impact Project elective – a student-directed course encouraging learners to explore their interests. Austin used this time to pursue comic illustrations.

It’s opportunities like the Impact Project that help our students hone their unique skill sets. ISB’s approach to education doesn’t follow a set curriculum, rather the school picks the best standards from around the world and designs courses accordingly. Learn more about what makes a good international school, here. This approach empowers students with purpose, passion, and inspires a genuine love of learning. Click here to learn why ISB chose to curate their own curriculum and how it benefits your child.

“My hours spent in the library during Impact Project classes were the times that my comics career really took off,” says Austin. “Under that semester, I drew dozens of webcomics and even published a few in the school newspaper.”

He loved this course so much, he took it two more times. 

“Over time, the hours and hours of open time dedicated to visual arts allowed me to develop and shift my interests,” says Austin. “I expanded to learn design at the Fabrication Laboratory, which encouraged me to devote myself to the visual arts.”

Ultimately, he signed up for IB Art as one of his Higher Level (HL) courses as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. It was both this course, as well as the Impact Project that helped prepare him both “artistically and academically” to attend his dream school in post-secondary.  

“It’s not only just in the facilities, but also in the classes that ISB offers,” says Austin regarding what excited him about ISB. “As an IB Art HL student, I've used both the old and new art facilities, which has been quite the experience.”

“I've been able to gain access to industrial technology and request professional help to further bolster my art and design projects… I never thought I'd be able to learn how to use a 3D-printer, 3D-scanner, laser-cutter, and even a CNC mill, but here I am today.”

From challenging  academic courses to co-curricular activities, there’s a lot that occurs during a school day at ISB.  Click here to get an in-depth look from the point students are picked up in the morning to the moment they’re dropped off.

Beyond the school curriculum

The education of children from a young age goes far beyond the international school curriculum; it’s the community, the friendships they make, and the opportunities they have to explore where their lives are truly enriched. 

When asked about  moments that stick out to him, Austin touched on the curriculum and highlights such as finishing the IB, but it was “beyond the curriculum” where he flourished. 

He served as his grade’s Student Council representative for seven years – three of which he was the President. He also had the opportunity to help with community events both big and small – such as Smile Week, Homecoming, and Prom. 

“Through these experiences, I've not only developed friendships within my class, but also within administration, Sodexo, and security,” says Austin. “Honestly, it's really cool for me to connect with different people from all parts of the ISB community, and it gave me a bit of scope to how ISB ran as a whole.” 

In addition to working in a leadership role, he was one of the student representatives on ISB’s Mission and Vision team, raised a record number of donations for Smile Week in Grade 8, traveled to Thailand for a tournament  in Grade 9, earned a spot in APAC Forensics and traveled to Shanghai in Grade 10, was awarded both the Principal's Award and Art Award, and was nominated for the role of student speaker at graduation – which he graciously accepted. 

[Insert picture from his speech]

Becoming the ‘Austin’ he is today

The debate as to which international school to send children to is all too familiar for expat families. When asked how Austin’s life might have differed had he attended a different school, he’s quick to touch on the Art and Design courses at ISB and the construction of the new Art and Design Center and Performing Arts Center. 

Austin also acknowledges how important his relationships were through his educational journey.

“I know that without the experiences that I've shared with my peers during my time here at ISB, the ‘Austin’ you'd see would not be able to compare to my accomplishments over the last 10 years.”

Our innovative curriculum helps our students find their passions and hone their unique skill sets. Intentionally designed to provide optimal learning at any age, the academic program at ISB is inspired by curriculums from around the world, instills a deeper understanding in students, and ensures Social and Emotional Learning. 

To learn more about our customized curriculum, click the link below.