HHIS Alumni
A school community is not just about those who are working or studying there at any particular moment in time; it involves a wider group of people that includes parents, neighbours and the local community. As well as casting a wide geographical net, the school community reaches out into the future – for example, students and parents who are thinking about joining – and equally importantly, our alumni who have now moved on to the next stages of their lives.
As a young school, our first cohorts of graduating students are particularly important to us as they are trailblazers for HHIS. They have taken on board the school’s “I Values” and demonstrated their international outlooks, imagination and have been intrepid in their choices of study or work after graduating. The range of subjects and locations they have chosen, from Fashion in London through to International Relations in China, from Psychology in New Zealand to Liberal Arts in the Netherlands, has been and will be an inspiration to our current and future students.
Involving our alumni in the school community is an indication of how proud we are of them, and also of the values and experiences they can share with our students. They will always be part of the HHIS family.
Message From Our University Counsellor
I have been working with international students on university admissions for over 20 years, advising students on their applications whilst working in schools and on the other side of the fence, on behalf of universities. It has been an exciting opportunity to have been involved with HHIS from the school’s very first cohort of graduating students and to be able to use my school and university experiences to help them continue on their educational or vocational journeys. My own post-school study path started with a degree in Astrophysics from the University of London and in a very non-linear route, culminated in teaching Art and Photography.
James Burnet
Alumni Stories
Robert Vine
Year 2023 Alumni
I never considered attending university, so when I graduated from HHIS, I knew I needed to pursue a path where recruiters wouldn’t solely evaluate me based on my academic performance. However, my time at HHIS significantly contributed to my career developament.
HHIS taught me the importance of teamwork, which is essential in the yachting industry. Many individuals struggle to succeed in this field due to a lack of collaborative skills, but I was fortunate to develop these abilities during my time there.
Discipline is also a crucial element in yachting. When you receive your first paycheck on board a yacht, it can feel overwhelming because of the generous earnings. The stunning locations throughout the Mediterranean can make it tempting to spend, especially since many expenses are covered. For anyone considering this career path, it’s important to practice self-discipline and save as much as possible. Staying focused for a few years can provide the foundation to invest in future dreams.
One challenge I face daily is procrastination, which is not an option on a yacht. You serve the needs of your employer, and their directives take priority. However, the rewards are worth it, especially when you see the financial benefits.
A highlight of my journey was during my (Yacht Master Offshore Skipper) yachting course in England, where I sailed from the west to the east coast and explored the Channel Islands. Currently, I’ve decided to take a break from yachting and am working as a yacht broker and co-manager of my company. My experiences have equipped me with valuable skills, particularly in customer relations, and I am preparing my resume to pursue my goal of becoming a captain once I relocate.
Malou Jensen
Year 2024 Alumni
During my time at HHIS, I was fortunate to have numerous opportunities to work with students across various age groups and share my knowledge. This all began in Year 6 when I supported younger students in enhancing their maths skills, and it continued throughout my IGCSE and IB years, where I regularly tutored IGCSE Maths students during lunch and after school. These experiences ignited my passion for teaching. As a result, I decided to dedicate my gap year to being a teaching intern at HHIS to explore whether teaching could be a career path for me. So far, it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with students from diverse backgrounds and age ranges, watching them grow in confidence and ability every day. The joy of seeing their progress has only deepened my passion for education, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
