How Does an International School Prepare You for University?
In this episode Ana Mara Leppink, a Dutch German national who graduated in 2023 and is now a student at Harvard University, and Navin Proff, a German student set to begin his studies at Yale University share with us how they navigated the international school and beyond . They discuss their diverse experiences with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at ISH, detailing how it prepared them for university and shaped their personal development.
Ana and Navin highlight the rigorous academic challenges and the broad curricula of the IB, including the extended essay and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components, which they believe equipped them well for higher education. Beyond academics, they also share how engaging in extracurricular activities like sports teams, student council, and various clubs contributed to their growth, leadership skills, and sense of community. The alumni emphasize the significant support they received from the school's faculty, particularly in terms of college applications, and reflect on the lasting impact of ISH's culturally diverse environment on their perspectives and personal growth. They conclude with advice for current and prospective students and parents on making the most of their time at ISH, reinforcing the value of taking on challenges, seeking support, and immersing oneself in the vibrant school community.
Creators and Guests
Host
Sarah Reich
Sarah Reich, your host, serves as the Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg. With a career in European government relations and public affairs, Sarah has worked within EU institutions, the consular corps, and leading international companies. Her academic and professional interests have always centred on governance and citizenship, making the mission of the International School of Hamburg—to prepare students as tomorrow’s global citizens—a perfect fit. In 2022, upon joining the International School of Hamburg, Sarah launched the Kids Gone Global podcast. This initiative aims to provide a platform for sharing the insights of experts and students in the dynamic field of international education. Through the podcast, she engages parents and the broader community in discussions about modern educational approaches and how international schools are addressing contemporary challenges in learning and growing up in a global environment.
Guest
Ana-Mara Leppink
Ana-Mara Leppink, born in Hamburg, holds both German and Dutch nationalities and is now attending Harvard University and plans to do a double major in “Environmental Science and Applied Math”. Ana-Mara attended the International School of Hamburg from the age of five in 2010 until her graduation in 2023. Among her favourite school memories are the NECIS volleyball tournaments, in which she participated since 5th grade, the Duke of Edinburgh Trip in 11th grade, and the vibrant International Fairs. Throughout her school years, Ana-Mara was an active member of the student council and spearheaded various initiatives, including setting up the house system in 2022 with the students council and founding the Green ISH club to enhance environmental awareness and practices among her peers and the broader school community thereby setting the school on the path to an eco-school accreditation. Ana-Mara is a strong advocate of student-to-student mentorship and support and remains a dedicated member of the ISH Community.
Guest
Navin Proff
Navin Proff, a German national, graduated from the International School of Hamburg in 2024 and is about to begin his freshman year at Yale University, where he plans to pursue a double major in Philosophy & Economics. An avid learner, Navin started studying Law at the University of Hamburg at the age of 16 and has completed the Harvard Extension School undergraduate “Social Justice” certificate. Navin recently published his first book “Telosismus” in 2023 which he refers to in this episode. As the Founder and President of the international honour society Alpha Epsilon Omicron, Navin leads initiatives focused on philosophical, social, and environmental projects. His research at Universität Hamburg’s Center for Natural Science and Peace Research is centered on climate change and its societal impacts, conducted within the Cluster of Excellence (CLICCS). Navin has also interned at prestigious law firms and achieved his professional certifications from the New York Institute of Finance and The Wharton School. Driven by a passion for knowledge and social impact, Navin aims to leverage his diverse experiences at school and beyond to foster positive change and innovation. At ISH for example he took a number of extra-curricular initiatives such as lead the student Council, speak at the TEDx event hosted at the school in 2024, joined the Tunisia and Tanzania projects and started a number of popular clubs.
