At BCIS, the heart of our high-quality learning and teaching lies in a student-centered approach, where instruction not only meets high academic standards but is also deeply personalized to support each student’s unique journey. Our goal is to foster a culture of inquiry, independent learning, and personal growth, empowering students to chart their own paths to success while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Since the launch of the BCIS Scholarship Program in 2007, BCIS have continually expanded our offerings to support aspiring students. Last academic year, BCIS introduced two new initiatives: the APEX Scholarship for Innovators and the Scholarship for Future Leaders. These programs were designed to strengthen our support for external applicants and their families who wish to join the BCIS community. Over the past 18 years, our scholarship program has helped hundreds of students become integral members of the BCIS community, driving positive change and inspiring others to do the same.

When speaking with this year’s scholarship recipients, they all indicated that these scholarships are not just a recognition of past achievements but also a powerful motivator to continue striving for excellence and remain committed to their goals. It serves as a responsibility, encouraging them to envision the future with a broader perspective. The application process for the BCIS Scholarship is now open, and you can find the latest scholarship guidelines at the end of this post.

As a recipient of the 2024-2025 academic year scholarship, Bella (G12) shares her journey of growth at BCIS. Her story illustrates how education has shaped her worldview and deepened her understanding of the true meaning of learning. Through charity projects for children with autism, deeply meaningful cultural and historical research, and embracing the concept of global citizenship through community learning, Bella’s time at BCIS has solidified her vision for the future. Her belief in the school’s philosophy of challenging and empowering oneself to better the world around them has inspired her to pursue a career in education. Let’s dive into her story…

One experience at BCIS has stayed with Bella to this day. She led a public Community & Service project at a center for children with autism, where truly felt a genuine human connection. “That was when I began to understand that ‘normal’ isn’t only what I see as‘standard’. Respecting different groups and personalities, we are not so different from each other.” Through this project, Bella learned the power of empathy and understanding and saw how education can help break down prejudices, bridge gaps, and create authentic connections between people.

The inclusive and empathetic environment at BCIS not only nurtured Bella’s personal growth but also made her realize the importance of cultural diversity and a global outlook. “As a Chinese person, only by deeply rooting myself in my identity and culture can I truly engage with the world.”

BCIS’curriculum and activities emphasize the integration of traditional culture and modern education, which sparked Bella’s passion for cultural exchange. “In the Chinese Cultural Project I led, students from all over the Secondary School participated, as we designed lessons to help younger students learn about historical figures from different dynasties and periods. This process not only helped others but also allowed me to define and understand Chinese culture on a deeper level,” Bella shared.

In 10th grade, Bella turned her passion for Chinese culture into concrete action. For her trade class project, she chose to research the global development of the Chinese tea trade and how tea spread across the world over the centuries. She not only presented her findings in class but also shared Chinese tea culture and etiquette with a wider audience, including leukemia patients, through an Extracurricular project. “Only by deeply grounding ourselves in tradition can we truly branch out into the global world,” Bella said. Through such cultural exchanges, she believes we can help others, give back to society, and, in the process, change both ourselves and the world.

At BCIS, Bella has gained a clear sense of direction for her future studies, thanks to the school’s focus on globalization and cultural diversity. “My time at BCIS has been incredibly rewarding. I love the community’s learning atmosphere and the practical opportunities I’ve had, which have shaped my future choices,” Bella shared. “These opportunities made me realize that education is the foundation of society. The power of education connects cultures and communities, ultimately impacting each of us. The influence of individuals feeds back into society—that’s the full circle of education.” From uncertainty in her initial choice of major to a now clear goal, it was BCIS’s open, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment that provided her with the direction she needed. Over the years, Bella says that BCIS has not only inspired her but also given her the energy to look toward the future.