School Advisor Articles

How ISKL Helped Dhwanni Succeed at the University of British Columbia

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Mar 17, 2025

Originally from India, Dhwanni Suri spent most of her childhood in Singapore, where she completed her early education. Growing up in a fast-paced, multicultural city shaped her perspective and instilled discipline, adaptability, and ambition. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when her family relocated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she attended an American school for five years.

"Moving to Brazil was a significant shift — not just in language and culture but also in how I experienced education and daily life," she says. "The vibrant, laid-back atmosphere of Rio was a stark contrast to Singapore’s structured and efficiency-driven environment."

At first, the transition was challenging, but over time, Dhwanni embraced the spontaneity and diversity of life in South America. Studying at an American school in Brazil gave her a global outlook and friendships with people from all over the world.

In her final year of high school, another major change awaited her. Due to her father’s job, she moved to the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) to complete her IBDP. Despite the challenge of relocating during a crucial academic year, she believes that the move was ultimately a transformative experience.

“The experience of studying at ISKL, even for a short time, played a crucial role in shaping my future aspirations and preparing me for the next chapter of my life.”

Due to her father’s job and her parent’s desire for the best academic preparation, Dhwanni transferred to ISKL for the final year of her IBDP journey.

Studying at ISKL

Moving to ISKL for the final year of high school was a whirlwind experience for Dhwanni — exciting, overwhelming, and transformative all at once. While transitioning in the middle of the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) was daunting, ISKL’s learning environment made it more than just an academic challenge. 

The school encouraged intellectual independence, critical thinking, and creativity, ensuring that learning wasn’t about memorisation but proper understanding and application of knowledge. Teachers played a crucial role in this, pushing students to challenge ideas while offering unwavering support. Despite the pressures of senior year, students at ISKL never felt alone—there was always someone ready to guide, mentor, or simply listen.

What truly sets ISKL apart is its multicultural community and how seamlessly it embraces new students—something Dhwanni immediately felt. "Walking into a classroom, I was surrounded by peers from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Yet, despite our differences, there was a strong sense of unity."

The school’s pastoral care system reinforced this by ensuring that every student felt supported academically and emotionally. Counsellors and teachers were always approachable, whether for university applications, stress management, or simply adjusting to a new environment. ISKL understood that education wasn’t just about academics—it was about well-being, personal growth, and preparing students for life beyond high school.

The campus itself played a huge role in easing the transition. ISKL’s facilities were designed not just for learning but for exploration and self-discovery. From high-tech classrooms and well-equipped science labs to the impressive performing arts centre and extensive sports facilities, the school practised a culture where students could excel in both academics and extracurricular activities. Whether it was an intense study session in the library, a creative project in the arts wing, or a friendly game on the sports field, ISKL provided the perfect balance between structure and freedom. 

“Looking back, my time there wasn’t just about finishing high school. It was about finding my independence, embracing change, and preparing for the next chapter of my life with confidence.”

As challenging as the IBDP was, Dhwanni believes nothing prepared her for university better than IB.

Taking the IBDP programme

The IBDP at ISKL felt like a ‘battlefield’, especially for Dhwanni, who joined the programme in her final year. Trying to match a previous school’s syllabus with ISKL’s curriculum was overwhelming, and the workload never let up. At one point, keeping up meant cutting off from social media entirely — switching off the phone for two months just to stay on track.

"My life became a constant cycle of going from home to school and back, buried in textbooks and assignments. The only way I stayed connected with my family was through my iPad, which, in hindsight, was both funny and a little sad.  My sleep schedule was completely flipped as well. It was exhausting, isolating, and beyond difficult."

But in the end, it was worth it. Dhwanni scored 41 points, which made every sleepless night, every sacrificed social event, and every moment of doubt feel justified. As gruelling as IB was, she believes nothing could have prepared her for university better. It instilled discipline, time management, and problem-solving skills like no other program. 

"It shaped me into a well-rounded and independent person, someone who can handle pressure and adapt to any challenge thrown my way. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was hell while I was in it, but it turned me into someone I’m proud of today."

A considerable part of that journey was the teachers. ISKL’s IB faculty-guided, encouraged, and pushed students to go beyond what they thought they were capable of. Their support made all the difference in surviving a curriculum as demanding as IB.

One such standout educator was Mr. Huang, the Biology teacher. Biology was already among Dhwanni's strong subjects, but his passion made it even more engaging. "He had a way of explaining even the most complex processes in a way that made them click instantly. His engaging teaching style and constant feedback helped me stay on top of my coursework, and he always encouraged me to think beyond just the syllabus."

Then there was Ms. Woodward, the English teacher, whose detailed feedback on Dhwanni's essays and insistence on clearer articulation pushed Dhwanni's writing skills to the next level. And of course, Ms. Cross — the Math teacher. Math had always been a struggle for Dhwanni, and moving into a new school during IB only made it more challenging. But Ms. Cross never gave up on her. "She was incredibly patient and took the time to break down concepts until I finally understood them. Her belief in my ability to improve gave me the confidence to keep pushing through, and by the end of the year, I had come so much further than I ever thought I would. I ended up getting a 7 in IB Math, which, 2 years ago, I had thought was nearly impossible to do. 

Today, Dhwanni is pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia, and she credits ISKL for giving her the confidence to tackle university life both socially and academically.

Pursuing Pharmaceutical Sciences at The University of British Columbia

The higher education team at ISKL played a crucial role in helping Dhwanni secure a spot at the University of British Columbia (UBC). More than just guiding her through deadlines and documents, the team helped shape a compelling narrative that highlighted her strengths. They worked closely on refining her personal statements and ensured that transitioning into ISKL in the final year was seen as an advantage rather than a challenge. 

“Beyond academic support, they were my emotional support system, constantly reminding me of my strengths when the stress felt overwhelming. Their guidance didn’t just help me get into UBC — it gave me the confidence to believe that I belonged there.”

The impact of ISKL extended far beyond the application process. The diverse and international environment at ISKL made adapting to life at UBC much smoother. Having been part of a multicultural student body, Dhwanni was already accustomed to engaging with people from various backgrounds. This experience made it easier for Dhwanni to connect, form friendships effortlessly, and navigate a university setting that was just as diverse.

Academically, the rigorous IBDP programme provided a strong foundation for her university-level studies. The demanding coursework, tight deadlines, and research-based assignments prepared her for the academic expectations at UBC. “IB forced me to master time management, independent learning, and critical thinking—skills that are essential in university.”

While UBC required an added level of independence, Dhwanni felt the transition was far less overwhelming, thanks to the solid preparation received at ISKL. “In a way, ISKL gave me the confidence to take on university life head-on, both socially and academically.”