School Advisor Articles

Yoon Chun’s Path from Nexus International School Malaysia to Amsterdam University College

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Feb 10, 2025

Yoon Chun’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Born in Egypt, Yoon has lived across multiple countries including the UAE, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Malaysia, each leaving its mark on her global perspective. 

She started at The International School of Choueifat before attending The British School of Tashkent. Later, she completed her IGCSE at the British International School of Tbilisi. During the final two years of high school, Yoon attended Nexus International School Malaysia as a scholarship recipient, thriving in a boarding environment that nurtured independence and academic excellence.

Yoon currently lives in the Netherlands, where she is pursuing her education at Amsterdam University College (AUC), a collaborative institution of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit. 

"My academic pursuits are concentrated in the Sciences, with a particular emphasis on Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, while also making a concerted effort to pursue a minor in the Social Sciences, focusing specifically on International Relations." 

 

Nexus International School Malaysia has some of the most caring and passionate educators Yoon (right) encountered.

 

Studying at Nexus International School

Yoon’s journey at Nexus blended highs and lows, much like any other student’s experience. One of the biggest shocks was the academic culture at Nexus. Yoon had anticipated a rigorous environment, but the sheer amount of time and effort students put into their studies and extracurriculars was unlike anything she had encountered. This environment created a sense of collective motivation. 

Many students, Yoon included, felt pushed to put in their best effort. Living in the boarding house added to this drive, as it provided a focused setting for academic and personal growth. Though the workload was demanding, Yoon found that this intensity created an energy that helped them stay motivated, even during the most challenging times.

A significant part of Yoon’s academic success was the support from Nexus's teaching staff. The teachers were passionate and dedicated, always willing to help with academic struggles and personal challenges. “Many went above and beyond for their students. Through this experience, I learned the importance of moderation, but I can confidently say that I pushed myself beyond my limits during my time there.”

Living in the boarding house was another defining aspect of Yoon’s time at Nexus. Being on campus 24/7 allowed her to dedicate more time to her studies and co-curricular activities. The boarding staff, who became like a second family, played an essential role in Yoon’s experience. Their love and support provided security, especially since Yoon’s parents were far away. 

One of the most memorable parts of boarding life was the camaraderie formed with friends. Whether it was organising fashion shows for school photoshoots or struggling through exam weeks together, Yoon’s boarding house memories are some of her most cherished. These moments, despite the stress, helped create lasting bonds that Yoon still values today.

At Nexus, Yoon chose to take Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics Analysis & Approaches as her higher-level subjects while studying English A Language & Literature, French B and Economics at the standard level. This combination of subjects helped Yoon build a well-rounded academic foundation. The challenges presented by each subject allowed Yoon to explore different fields and deepen her understanding of areas she was passionate about. Though demanding, this diverse academic experience helped shape Yoon’s perspective and prepared her for future challenges.

 

Yoon (left) was highly active in co-curricular activities at Nexus International School Malaysia.

Yoon’s Impactful Co-Curricular Involvement

Co-curricular activities (CCAs) played a significant role in shaping Yoon's Nexus experience. She quickly immersed herself in a wide range of CCAs during her first year of the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme, from the Student Council to the Nexus International School Malaysia Model United Nations Conference (NISMUNC). The variety of activities catered to her diverse interests, but as the demands of the IBDP grew, Yoon realised she needed to focus on a few key activities for balance and sustainability.

"Among all my CCAs, my involvement in the NISMUNC secretariat team stands out the most."

This student-led team organised the annual NISMUN conference, which hosted hundreds of delegates worldwide. The level of responsibility and dedication required was significant, but it was an experience Yoon found deeply fulfilling. The sense of community within the 24-person team was one of the reasons she chose to stay at Nexus despite considering leaving at one point. The friendships and support she gained from her seniors during tough times were invaluable and Yoon continues to cherish these connections.

Through her work with the NISMUNC secretariat, Yoon developed practical skills that would serve her well beyond school. “I developed essential skills such as effective teamwork, collaboration, and organisation to a degree that I believe are challenging to replicate in a typical school, classroom setting.”

In addition to her academic-focused CCAs, Yoon enjoyed being part of the Nexus U18 Girls' Volleyball team. Though practices were limited to lunchtime, she took the initiative to organise extra sessions before and after school, leading to the team’s participation in the AIMS volleyball tournament. 

“While I initially joined Nexus with the hope of being part of the swim team, a career-ending knee injury prevented me from swimming. Nevertheless, I was glad to fulfil my passion for sports by continuing to play volleyball.”

Playing volleyball allowed her to unwind and relax when academic pressures became overwhelming, and she formed lasting friendships, including one teammate who later joined her in Amsterdam for further studies.

 

Yoon immensely enjoyed playing as a libero for the Nexus U18 Girls’ Volleyball team.

 

Yoon’s Journey to AUC with Nexus HE Support

Yoon’s route to Amsterdam University College (AUC) was made possible with the support of the Nexus Higher Education (HE) team. Although the University of Amsterdam was introduced to her years ago in Tbilisi, it wasn’t until the summer before her final year that she seriously considered studying in the Netherlands. 

Financial constraints made studying in Canada, the US or the UK impossible, but Yoon knew she wanted to pursue both Chemistry and International Relations — a dream that seemed unattainable until she discovered the Liberal Arts and Sciences programme at AUC.

“The chance to study both subjects together was a lifelong dream of mine, and a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences fit perfectly, as I would still receive a Bachelor’s in the sciences as it is my chosen major.”

Throughout the admissions process, Yoon received continuous guidance from Ms Sarah, her university advisor at Nexus HE. She played a crucial role in helping Yoon draft her admissions essay and navigate the intricacies of applying to study in the Netherlands. Ms. Sarah also helped her prepare for her interviews and complete the two-year plan required by AUC’s application. 

"Ms Sarah was truly an immense help during my time at Nexus, looking out for not just me but also the rest of my year group as our "IB mom" both pastorally and academically."

 

Yoon's most valuable skill from Nexus was the courage and ability to ask for help when needed.

 

Parting message to future students

Yoon believes the most valuable skill she developed at Nexus was the courage to ask for help. Growing up, she was hesitant and often embarrassed to seek assistance, thinking it might make her look "dumb." However, at Nexus, she learned that there are no ‘stupid’ questions if you're driven to learn. 

"This was taught to me by the support from multiple teachers who were always willing to take extra time out of their day to answer and teach me material regardless of what the question was about." 

For aspiring students looking to join Nexus, Yoon advises them to embrace every opportunity and make the most of the resources available. She suggests exploring all the CCAs, even those that seem competitive. By taking on roles they never imagined, students can discover new interests, create lasting memories and learn valuable life lessons.

Yoon also emphasises the importance of engaging with teachers. "Nexus boasts some of the most caring and passionate educators I've had the pleasure of meeting and being taught by. They are not only knowledgeable but also a joy to interact with. Rest assured, they will always support you when you need help."