Henri van Wasen is graduating from Bavarian International School (BIS) this June and has already been accepted to study at the University of Oxford. As of October 2020, the 18-year-old will study Human Sciences at the "best university in the world" (Source: Times Higher Education). Van Wasen himself describes Oxford as a university "which is surrounded by a palpable atmosphere of intellectual wealth, tradition, and zealousness."

The young cosmopolitan attended the Seacrest Country Day School in Naples (Florida) and an international school near Frankfurt/Main, before moving to the Bavarian International School with the motto "Believe. Inspire. Succeed" in 2014. "The teachers and the team at BIS are exceedingly talented and kind, and the BIS students are extremely close knit," says Henri van Wasen, who also appreciates the international nature, the collaboration and the rich diversity of extracurricular opportunities at BIS. Born in Lohne in Lower Saxony (between Osnabrück and Oldenburg), Henri has been involved, for example, as editor-in-chief of the digital BIS school newspaper "Lions Chronicle", in the production of school events, in the Haimhausen social helpers' circle and, last but not least, was also a member of the BIS swimming and basketball teams. While at BIS he has developed a healthy scepticism towards information and knowledge and, with a great deal of diligence, has been able to learn independently. These are qualities which are likely to earn him the best possible overall grade in the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) and will undoubtedly be among the necessary basic skills at Oxford. 

When BIS Director Dr. Chrissie Sorenson often speaks of "flourishing personalities" in connection with the holistic goals, this aligns, albeit less religiously oriented, with the University of Oxford's motto: "Dominus Illuminatio Mea" ("The Lord is my light", Psalm 27, 1). This is the motto of the oldest university in the English-speaking world, which was founded in the 12th century. For Henri van Wasen, the focus of his “light” will be the interdisciplinary field of the human sciences; in short a mix of biology, sociology, psychology and anthropology. "I expect to be challenged as well as overworked, and to make great friends and invaluable connections during my years at Oxford," says the young Haimhauser, looking ahead to his time in England. 

He emphasises that not only excellent grades were important for admission to Oxford University, but also a "high score on the standardised test and a convincing interview". As alternatives to Oxford, van Wasen had offers from University College London, Washington University St. Louis (USA) and McGill University in Montreal (Canada). Henri van Wasen does not yet know which career path he would later like to pursue – perhaps in healthcare, pharmaceuticals or the financial sector. Many paths are open to him. First of all, despite the coronavirus crisis, it is important for him to try to enjoy the successful completion of his schooling and to arrive at Oxford, the location of his next challenge. The inspiration for his future career path will most certainly follow while at Oxford.