When news broke that one of United Lisbon International School's IB students had been accepted to the University of Oxford to study Experimental Psychology, we knew we had to learn more about the journey behind this remarkable achievement.
We sat down with Adriano, a thoughtful and humble member of the Class of 2026, to discuss his experience in the IB Diploma Programme, the skills he has developed, and the project that reflects his passion for psychology and student well-being.
Supporting Well-Being Through CAS
A key part of the IB Diploma Programme is CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service), which encourages students to develop beyond the classroom through meaningful projects and experiences.
For his CAS project, Adriano created a student well-being initiative inspired by his interest in psychology.
"The project focuses on improving student well-being and encouraging people to speak more openly with one another. Since I plan to study psychology at university, it felt like a meaningful way to explore an area I care about while contributing to the school community."
Beyond the project itself, Adriano believes that opportunities to collaborate with others play an important role in student life.
"Working on projects with other people helps students become more engaged and willing to try new things. We have a strong student community and a great support network, which makes a real difference."
Building Skills for the Future
When reflecting on his time in the IB, Adriano highlighted the practical skills the programme has helped him develop.
"The IB has definitely improved my ability to manage my workload. I was always organised, but I used to work in a more sporadic way. The programme helped me become more consistent, which has made me a better student and a more efficient person overall."
According to Adriano, these skills extend far beyond academic success.
"The planning, organisation and independence you develop in the IB will be incredibly useful at university. They also give you the flexibility to balance your studies with other interests and opportunities."
Life as an IB Student
One aspect of the programme Adriano particularly enjoys is its variety.
"No two days are exactly the same. There is always something different to prepare for, which keeps things interesting and helps you stay engaged."
While the programme is challenging, he feels the structure of the school day helps students stay on top of their responsibilities while maintaining a healthy balance.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Fellow IB student Serafima shared a similar perspective, emphasising the importance of research skills, independent learning and the wide range of experiences available to students.
For younger students considering the IB pathway, her advice is simple:
"Develop strong research and planning skills early on. One of the biggest changes is learning how to manage multiple projects and subjects at the same time, so staying organised is incredibly important."
She also highlighted the support students receive throughout their learning journey.
"We're encouraged to explore topics in depth and use a variety of resources to support our research. The school provides excellent tools and opportunities to investigate subjects from different perspectives."
According to Serafima, learning at United Lisbon goes well beyond academics.
"There are so many opportunities to get involved in creative projects, themed events and activities outside the classroom. These experiences help broaden your perspective, make learning more enjoyable and allow you to connect with other students in meaningful ways."
Preparing for What's Next
The experiences shared by Adriano and Serafima reflect the broader impact of the IB Diploma Programme at United Lisbon. Beyond strong academic results, students develop confidence, independence, critical thinking skills and a genuine curiosity about the world around them.
Whether they are pursuing places at leading universities, launching community initiatives or exploring new interests, IB students leave United Lisbon equipped with the tools to take on their next challenge and make a positive impact wherever their journey leads.
