2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Beijing City International School. Since graduating its first class in 2009, the school has proudly nurtured over 600 alumni who have continued their educational journeys across six continents and in more than 30 countries and regions. From top-tier universities and liberal arts colleges to world-renowned art institutes, BCIS graduates exemplify academic excellence, professional achievements, and social innovation—testament to the school’s unwavering mission of cultivating compassionate, capable global citizens.

At the core of BCIS’s university placement success lies a steadfast commitment to honoring each student’s individuality. For two decades, BCIS has rejected a one-size-fits-all model, instead encouraging students to explore diverse interests, follow their intrinsic motivations, and evolve their paths with confidence. This personalized approach fosters a mindset of lifelong learning—equipping students not just to succeed, but to thrive in an ever-changing world.

When people think of BCIS graduates, they often recall individuals defined by confidence, creativity, and purpose. These qualities enable them to navigate complex global challenges with clarity and determination, grounded in a strong sense of self and community.

The trajectories of BCIS graduates are as distinctive as they are diverse. In the United States, over 300 alumni have studied on both coasts—at Ivy League institutions like Harvard and MIT, as well as specialized schools such as Pomona College and Parsons School of Design. In Europe, more than 100 alumni have attended prestigious universities including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of the Arts London, Sciences Po Paris, Berlin University of the Arts, and Munich Business School. Across Asia, destinations such as the National University of Singapore and the University of Hong Kong are popular, reflecting the cultural agility and global mindset of BCIS students. Alumni have also pursued higher education in Canada, Australia, and beyond.

BCIS graduates embrace interdisciplinary study, often transcending traditional academic boundaries. Around 30% pursue STEM fields, including cutting-edge areas such as AI, bioengineering, and environmental science. Business-related majors make up roughly 20%, with a rising interest in economics and fintech. Another 20% pursue humanities and social sciences, including international relations, sociology, and educational innovation. Approximately 15% choose art and design, especially in emerging interdisciplinary areas like digital media and sustainable architecture.

Lifelong learning is deeply ingrained in the BCIS ethos. Over 40% of alumni continue on to master’s or doctoral programs after completing their undergraduate degrees—well above the global average—underscoring the long-term impact of a BCIS education.

Top global universities—Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, and other institutions in the QS Top 10—consistently welcome BCIS alumni. For example, April Xu (Class of 2014) completed a doctorate at Harvard Law School and participated in a joint international law initiative by Harvard and MIT. Naike Ye (Class of 2017) joined a chemical biology lab at MIT, contributing to a national research project on enzyme-metal interactions. Other alumni have earned advanced degrees in business analytics, public policy, law, and healthcare from institutions such as Columbia, UPenn, and Johns Hopkins.

Beyond the UK-US axis, BCIS alumni are also thriving at the University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, and Sciences Po. Their research often tackles global issues—ranging from art history and philosophy at UCLA, to neuroscience and occupational therapy at USC and the University of Washington, to international relations at Tsinghua, and particle and condensed matter physics at Oxford.

This drive for inquiry and impact begins early. From a young age, BCIS students are encouraged to engage with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering both academic curiosity and global awareness.

Not all graduates follow academic paths—many enter the workforce directly and are already making their mark in industries around the world. In finance and consulting, alumni are contributing to green finance, cross-border payments, and investment strategy at firms like KPMG, Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Merrill Lynch. In tech and engineering, they can be found at Meta in Silicon Valley, CERN in Europe, and ByteDance in China, working on everything from algorithm design and chip engineering to high-energy physics. In law and public service, BCIS graduates are active at leading global firms including Fangda Partners, Blake Morgan LLP, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in London.

Entrepreneurship is another area where BCIS alumni shine. Jerry Shan (Class of 2018) founded a tech startup and returned to BCIS to teach a beginner-friendly course on AI and Python, encouraging students to explore gamified programming. Ruoyi (Class of 2009) launched a creative studio in New York, promoting Chinese culture through design. Mona (Class of 2013), now based in Hawaii, directed the award-winning documentary Kowloon!, which screened at numerous film festivals and was praised for its artistic voice.

Over the past two decades, BCIS alumni have maintained strong ties with their alma mater. A dedicated alumni website—created by four alumni—connects nearly 200 members worldwide. More than 60 alumni volunteers offer mentorship to current students through a growing online platform, while over 30 online and offline events have featured close to 100 alumni speakers who inspire and guide the next generation.

Many alumni return to campus for Open Days and educational forums, serve as guest speakers or classroom assistants, and participate in exhibitions that showcase their evolving journeys. Abroad, they gather at events like the Chinese New Year Market in Bryant Park or picnics in Central Park, keeping the BCIS spirit alive across borders.

At the heart of it all is a shared belief in the BCIS mission. Whether they are lawyers from Harvard, biochemists from MIT, or social entrepreneurs working on aerospace and clean energy, BCIS alumni carry with them two fundamental questions:

How can I use my expertise to contribute to a better world? How can lifelong learning empower my growth?

As BCIS celebrates 20 years of educational excellence, we remain committed to walking alongside our alumni—not only as a reflection of our belief in long-term impact, but as a reminder that the vitality, resilience, and forward momentum they embody are the true legacy of a BCIS education.