Barbara Chen | Global Education Strategist
Barbara has worked on both sides of the desk gaining valuable insights at selective U.S. college admissions offices and university advising at several IB and AP international high schools in Asia.
fast facts
20+ Years in Asian & US Education Markets
Architect of Ivy League Professional Certification Programs
Third Culture Kids (TCKs) Specialist and academic researcher
Barbara × University of Pennsylvania
Designed, marketed, and implemented online certificate program exceeding enrollment goals by 25%, generating revenue of $750K
Cross-functional team collaboration with HR, legal, administrators, and marketing led to accelerated program launch date by six months
Executed strategic partnership goals deepening global certificate program recognition
International Leadership & Recognition
U.S. State Department (EducationUSA): Recognized for excellence in undergraduate admission workshop delivery.
The College Board: International Counselor Distinguished Visiting Faculty
Global Board Positions: Northwestern University-Qatar, International ACAC, China ICAC, and AUCA
BARBARA × UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
Pioneered 7 initiatives including holiday promotions, yielding 17% of all China applications and 33% of award nominees
Surveyed and analyzed gaps in competitor outreach and executed programming to capture the third tier and rural market
Created and branded Hidden Gems consortium; piloted two city tour increasing meaningful interaction with targeted constituents
Your trusted partner for
navigating complexity with current-day clarity
Barbara leads with a future-ready toolkit, anchored by Times Higher Education (THE) Accreditation, AI-Certification for International School Contexts via Eblana Learning, and advanced training from the Harvard University Summer Institute of College Admissions. These core competencies are supported by Google’s Foundation in Program Management certificate. Barbara’s commitment to student well-being and equity are evidenced by her I-CARE Mental Health Triage and DEIJ leadership certifications from the University of Pennsylvania, UC Irvine, and ISCA.
Education
M.S. Ed. University of Pennsylvania
B.A. Georgetown University
UCSD College Counseling Certificate
Undergraduate Admissions
Serving as the primary reader for undergraduate applications, Barbara conducted the initial evaluation for thousands of candidates. She leveraged deep expertise in international education systems and evolving application trends to discern the subtle indicators that elevate an admissible student to an admitted one.
Global field expert: Barbara conducted annual visits to over 100 high schools in three countries, gaining a first-hand perspective on the global landscape of international applicants to highly selective universities.
leadership and instruction
University of Pennsylvania International College Advising Certificate Program
As the architect of the University of Pennsylvania’s International College Advising Certificate, Barbara spearheaded the program's design and implementation, exceeding inaugural enrollment goals by 25% and generating over $750K in tuition revenue. She recruited a diverse global faculty while personally instructing 40% of the live curriculum, ensuring a high-touch, interactive learning experience for every cohort. By integrating original research on Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and shifting global application trends, she established a premier professional development pathway for experienced counselors navigating the complexities of international university advising.
The College Board, International Summer Institute
Serving as Distinguished Visiting Faculty in Shanghai and New York City, Barbara collaborated with university stakeholders to strengthen global professional development. She conceptualized and delivered high-impact workshops for over 200 international counselors, translating complex institutional goals into engaging, actionable training sessions.
Conference Presenter
Recognized for facilitating dynamic and immersive workshops at premier global forums, Barbara has a proven track record of collaborating with university and school-based peers to provide the most current insights. Her presentations at International ACAC, CIS-EARCOS, and China ICAC are designed to move beyond theory, offering turnkey solutions and high-utility frameworks for counselors navigating the nuances of international admissions.
Workshop Facilitator
Working at the intersection of student ambition and parent support, Barbara facilitated mission-aligned workshops for EducationUSA and Americans Promoting Study Abroad (APSA) that demystify the university application process. She focused on expanding the foundational capacity of students and parents by delivering context-rich guidance that equips them with cultural fluency and strategic awareness to move through the selection process with confidence and clarity.
School based college advising
A versatile university advisor, Barbara has consistently hit the ground running at leading international schools to lead high-stakes application seasons across both IB and AP curricula. Her approach seamlessly integrates rigorous academic planning with the social and emotional support necessary to navigate diverse post-secondary paths, from gap years to national service to the most selective global universities.
The InitialView Fellowship
For an entire applciation cycle, Barbara interviewed over 600 applicants for undergraduate admissions, during which she developed a keen eye (and ear!) for the nuances of authentic student storytelling. This high-volume experience honed her ability to cut through rehearsed, autopilot responses and identify the compelling stories that stand out in a competitive pool and truly resonate with admissions committees.