Alumni Community

Le Vu Khanh Linh

AIS Marketing Intern
Bachelor of Commerce, University of New South Wales

Linh Le aspires to become a business or financial analyst and in February 2025 she will take the first step - moving to Australia to gain a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales. In the meantime though, she’s interning in the marketing team here at AIS, sharing her recent experiences as an AIS student and promoting the school’s many benefits.

One of those key benefits is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. In fact, Linh says her proudest achievement is completing it! Yes, it tested her patience and perseverance - and balancing assignments, exams and other activities wasn’t always easy – but her hard work paid off. Not only did Linh achieve results she is happy with, but she also developed valuable life skills such as time management and staying focused.

How has AIS prepared Linh for future success?

“AIS provided a strong foundation for my university and career, primarily due to its international environment. Being part of this community helped me develop essential communication and teamwork skills while appreciating different cultures. The diverse backgrounds of my classmates and teachers broadened my perspective and made me more adaptable. Through the IB programme and my involvement in activities like the Sports Council, I learned to think critically, manage my time effectively, and develop leadership skills. These experiences have prepared me well for the challenges I’ll face in my studies and future career.”

Sayaka Takagi

Mental Health Researcher Intern, Gold Coast University Hospital

Since graduating from AIS in 2021 Sayaka Takagi has been blazing a trail. Not only has she moved to a new country, but she has gained a Bachelor of Arts at Griffith University, Gold Coast, and is now interning as a mental health researcher at Gold Coast University Hospital. But that’s not all! Sayaka also juggles full-time work as a restaurant supervisor and is a passionate volunteer.

In fact last year, she was recognised as Griffith University’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year. The future is looking bright for this hardworking 22 year old, who aspires to make a positive impact by supporting individuals in their mental health and wellbeing. She is interested in working with diverse populations and has set her sights on forging a career in psychology, counselling and the mental health sector.

How did AIS contribute to Sayaka’s success? 

“The IB taught me how to structure essays and research effectively -  these foundational skills made a significant difference to my academic success yet many university students I met struggled with this. I felt more prepared to handle university work because of what I learned at AIS. The international environment at AIS also gave me the confidence to adapt to diverse settings and work with people from different backgrounds.”

Kanna Washer

AIS Intern
Master of Nursing/Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Sydney

Kanner Washer is Sydney-bound and will soon commence a Master of Nursing/Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney. Right now though, she is interning at AIS as the IB Enhancement Programme Intern! 

The 2024 alumna is deeply passionate about AIS and all it has given her – from the strong academic foundations to the close friendships she has forged. Performing has been another unforgettable highlight. A talented singer, Kanna recently teamed up with a group of other graduating musicians to put on a free two-hour rock concert. She describes it as an “overwhelming success”.

How will the skills Kanna gained at AIS prepare her for success in Sydney?

“One part of AIS that never changes is the community and kindness and enthusiasm that comes from it, and I really believe that having this sort of foundation in my early teens was vital to me becoming the person I am today. AIS gave me so many new accessible opportunities to explore myself, and what I was interested in, with support from teachers and peers along the way. This sort of approach to learning and understanding will stick with me throughout my life and has already led me to be more open and accepting of new ideas and opportunities.”

Andrew Quoc Anh

Class of 2020

From receiving a 45/45 IB predicted grade, three academic excellence awards for English, Economics and TOK (Theory of Knowledge), to receiving the DUX award, I’ve achieved a lot at Australian International School (AIS). However, what I will look back on most fondly is the time spent with my classmates. 

I will never forget the friends I have made from diverse backgrounds, the school spirit felt during the Year 12 camping trip, and the late nights and long weekends participating in - and organising! - events. These have been undoubtedly, some of the best moments for me during my time at AIS. 

Victor Vu

Class of 2015

The most valuable element I have gained from my time at Australian International School (AIS) is the exposure to a very international environment, which perfectly prepared me for college life. At AIS, I made a lot of great friendships and met some amazing teachers, who have continued to guide me through life. 

Under the IB Curriculum, I was taught to become an independent thinker who would not hesitate to challenge the status quo and come up with innovative solutions. My expected IB Grade at the end of Year 12 was below 30, however, I graduated with a 38! My time at AIS really unfolded my potential. I have graduated from the University of Melbourne with a BA in Finance (Class of 2017). I lived on campus at Ormond College, where I received a Scholar Award for High Achiever. Now, I am off to Madrid to do my Double MA in Management and Finance at IE Business School. After I graduate, I will take over the family business. My long-term goal is to transform the agricultural industry in Vietnam and become an industry leader in sustainable development. 

Terry Cao

Class of 2015

I am now a student at the University of Massachusetts. I went on a year-long exchange at the University of Manchester (UK), which led me to undertake a double MA in Sociology and Sport Management. 

I also work as a professional soccer coach with an elite soccer high school and in addition, I also manage the Junior Varsity team and run Hanoi Sports Academy Previously, I have been a community football coach with Manchester United Football Club. During my three years at AIS, the teachers were some of the best - if not the best! -  educators I have ever met. Now that I am an educator in youth sports, I have even more appreciation for how supportive, knowledgeable, and resourceful my teachers at AIS were.

Mai Phuoc Minh Quan

Class of 2020

Australian International School (AIS) has given me many opportunities to explore a variety of interests, both in and out of the classroom.  In addition to my classical music lessons, I took part in maths competitions, trained new members of the Model United Nations group, and founded the Student Support Group to promote the importance of mental health, while helping those who may be in need.