One alumna’s journey from McGill to Cambridge to Oxford

"Plot twist: things turn out better than you think!"

It's the advice she would give her younger self, and perhaps any student wondering what comes next.

When Eunju Choe graduated from Canadian International School (CIS) in 2018, she knew she was heading to Canada for university. What she didn't know was that the next eight years would take her from Singapore to Montreal, then to Cambridge, and eventually to Oxford for her doctorate studies.

Like many students, she remembers wondering what came next and whether she was on the right path. Looking back, she realised that success wasn't about having all the answers- it was about remaining curious, embracing new opportunities and continuing to learn.

Her first stop was McGill University in Montreal, where she spent four years completing her undergraduate degree. Living abroad for the first time was both exciting and challenging, but it also helped her grow in confidence and independence.

While studying, she discovered a passion for research; an experience that would change the direction of her future. That interest eventually led her to apply for a Master's degree at the University of Cambridge. 

"Studying at Cambridge was a surreal experience," she says. She found herself walking through centuries-old colleges and learning alongside friends and professors from all around the world.

After graduating from Cambridge, she returned to Canada to gain work experience and spend time teaching in the classroom. Then came another life-changing email: an offer from the University of Oxford. "It felt like an incredible opportunity," she recalls. Once again, she packed her life into suitcases and moved across the world.

Today, as a doctoral student at Oxford, she can trace many of the habits that have shaped her success back to her years at CIS. 

The IB's inquiry-based approach encouraged her to think critically, ask questions, analyse and reflect; skills that would serve her well at every stage of her academic journey. "The IB taught me how to think, rather than what to think," she says. 

Equally important was learning how to embrace unfamiliar experiences, whether it’s moving to a new country, starting at a new university or building a life far from home. “Moving abroad comes with exciting opportunities to explore and grow, but it also means saying goodbye to people and constantly stepping outside your comfort zone,” she says.

CIS prepared her well for exactly that. Growing up in an international community taught her to adapt quickly, appreciate different perspectives, and feel comfortable meeting people from all walks of life. "Being open-minded, taking ownership of my learning, and having the confidence to step into new spaces have been the most useful in my journey beyond university," she says. 

Her story is a reminder that sometimes the most exciting opportunities come from simply staying curious, working hard, and being willing to challenge yourself. After all, a journey that started in CIS ended up taking her from McGill to Cambridge to Oxford. And according to her, the best opportunities were often the ones she never saw coming!

Thank you, Eunju, for sharing your story. We are so proud of you and wish you every success as you continue to learn, lead and inspire others.