Leanda Wood

BA, GradDipEd, MEd, Cert. of International School Counseling, British Council Certified.

I'm Leanda Wood, an independent university and college counselor based in Zurich, Switzerland, with over 20 years of experience in international education.

As a dual national who has lived and worked in four countries, and as the mother of two sons, I've been through this process myself. I know what it feels like to juggle different curricula, cultural transitions, and applications to universities you may never have visited. My goal is simple: to give every family clear, honest guidance so their child can apply with confidence.

My career began in Australia, where I taught English before moving abroad with my family. I went on to teach at international schools in the Middle East and then in a Top Tier international school in Beijing, where I was Grade Level Leader for Grades 11 and 12. Along the way I taught AP, IB and GCSE English and Journalism. I also spent six years as an IB Examiner in English, which showed me first-hand how universities and examination boards evaluate students' work.

I moved into counseling at Zurich International School, where I served as Head of Counseling, guiding students and families through university applications around the world. For eight years I also led the Swiss Counselors' Group, working with counselors across the country to strengthen college counseling throughout Switzerland.

Today, I work directly with families to help students find universities that are the right fit academically, personally and financially. I also mentor school counselors as they build their own programs. I'm a member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) and the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and I've presented at international conferences on college counseling.