Meet Marie Barberon

From the classrooms of ISL to the bustling halls of University College London, Marie, class of 2019, has carved a path in medicine with curiosity, dedication, and a passion for learning. Now, having just completed her final medical exams, she is preparing for the next chapter of her journey: starting her career as an NHS doctor in the UK. As she reflects on her time at ISL, she credits the school’s rigorous IB programme, supportive teachers, and international community for shaping her academic ambitions and preparing her for success.

Where are you living now?

London, United Kingdom

What did you do after you left ISL?

After graduating ISL in 2019, I went to University College London (UCL) in the UK to pursue my studies.

Throughout university, I kept in contact with some great friends from ISL, experimented with new hobbies such as Mixed Martial Arts, and worked part-time tutoring and doing first-aid at Wembley Stadium for their events!

What did you study at University?

I studied Medicine and also completed an intercalated degree in 'Maths, Computers and Medicine’.

What are you doing now?

I have just finished and passed my final exams of medical school! I am currently back in Luxembourg for 6 weeks to complete an internship in Traumatology & Orthopaedics, a specialty I would love to pursue in the future. I am also enjoying the break before I start working as an NHS doctor in the UK, this July.

Do you think that your time at ISL helped you pursue this? If yes, how?

Yes! Even though I was only at ISL for the last two years of high school during the IB, ISL is where I was able to ignite my academic interests.

ISL played a key role in shaping my academic path—it was there that I refined my interest in medicine and decided to pursue it as a degree. Additionally, a maths assignment at ISL inspired me to present my work at the ‘Fondation Jeunes Scientifiques Luxembourg,’ which ultimately led me to take a year out of medicine to study maths and computer science!

What advantages has studying at ISL given you?

The IB programme at ISL was rigorous and prepared me well academically for university. The language program was also incredible, helping me strengthen and maintain my French.

Beyond academics, volunteering and the CAS programme played a huge role in boosting my confidence and encouraging me to take on leadership roles throughout university and beyond.

Finally, being part of an international community made ISL feel like home from the start. The welcoming atmosphere helped me integrate quickly and navigate the challenges of the curriculum with support.

What advice would you give students to help them make the most of their time at ISL?

It's okay not to have everything figured out, and it's normal to have doubts about the future.

When I was in high school, I felt a lot of pressure when thinking about future careers and often questioned whether I was making the right choices. Over time, I realised that things are fluid— there’s no single ‘correct’ path. As long as you follow what genuinely interests you, you’ll carve out a path that brings you happiness, whether it's conventional or not.

Were you engaged in any ISL clubs/activities? What did you enjoy about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?

I participated in MedSoc, which greatly helped with the stressful university application process.I also enjoyed cross country, swimming, and being involved in band. I was very grateful for being encouraged to do sports at school— a huge change from my previous school in France!

Please describe some of the things that ISL does above and beyond teaching and learning.

The opportunities and support available at ISL go above and beyond academics. The wide variety of leadership roles available at ISL, through CAS projects or involvement in sports clubs to name a few, helps foster confidence and soft skills that textbooks cannot teach. In terms of support, the higher education advisor team offered invaluable advice for your future beyond high school. I also had some incredible teachers who inspired me and shaped me into who I am today.

What do you think is unique about ISL?

I think the international community is unique to ISL, and makes up its strength.

If you could thank a teacher or staff member, who would it be?

There are so many staff members I would love to thank—it’s impossible to name them all! I was lucky to have encountered many incredible teachers during my time at ISL. Mr. Gravé-Rousseau, Mr. Foyster, Miss Runnalls, and Mr. Penn were all incredibly kind, passionate, and patient educators, to name just a few.

I am especially grateful to Miss Charnaud, who has always been a huge inspiration to me (and my whole family). Her encouragement and mentorship have had a profound impact on my journey, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support.

Please describe ISL in 5 words.

Lots of opportunities and inspiration!