At the International Sharing School in Lisbon, Sofia Vila-Chã has been guiding students as a Careers and University Counselor for the past four years. Her efforts are part of a long-standing collaboration between the school and SRT Fairs, which has spanned over a decade and played a pivotal role in connecting students from International Sharing School with universities worldwide.
With a PhD in Chemistry and over 15 years of experience as a high school teacher and leader, Sofia brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to her counseling work. Reflecting on her experience working with SRT, Sofia described the organization as “reliable and professional,” qualities she considers essential for schools. Her involvement with SRT includes hosting international university fairs, attending the inaugural SRT Counselor Fly-in France Week, and participating in multiple SRT E-Conferences for International Educators.
Supporting students through international university fairs
For Sofia, the international university fairs hosted by SRT Fairs are valuable support for her work. These events bring representatives from 30–40 universities directly to the school, offering students invaluable face-to-face interactions.
“For students unsure about what they would like to do after finishing high school, the fairs give them the tools to establish a clearer idea. Even those confident in their choices can benefit by learning more about important processes such as applications and scholarship opportunities,” Sofia explained.
She shared one memorable success story: “A student attended a fair, connected with a university representative, and later enrolled at that university. That kind of direct impact is priceless.”
Expanding opportunities with diverse events
Sofia also took the opportunity to participate in SRT’s innovative Fly-in Week in France, where counselors visit university campuses and gain firsthand insights into campus life and local communities.
“The fly-in allowed me to see universities up close and learn details I’d never get from a brochure – like what life in the city is really like,” she shared. “It’s a huge resource, not just for me but for the students I support.”
The SRT E-Conference further enhanced her knowledge by providing opportunities to connect with universities and gain deeper insights into admissions processes. “It’s a fantastic way to connect with diverse universities from around the world without even leaving your desk, making it easier to build relationships and offer more tailored advice to students,” she said.
Photo caption: Sofia Vila-Chã with SRT Event Coordinator Olivia Amos
