I remember being sixteen like it was yesterday, stressing over assignments, juggling friendship, and feeling the pressure of university applications breathing down my neck. Like most students, I had a vague idea of what I liked and an even clearer idea of what I didn't want to do. But choosing a major, a university, and then applying? That felt overwhelming. It’s one thing to compete with your classmates, but when you're stacking your worth against faceless names from across the globe, self-doubt begins to manifest.
Much like therapy, university counselling is about having someone to hold space for you, guide you, and gently steer you through one of life’s first real crossroads. Because university decisions don’t just affect your LinkedIn page, but shape your emotional landscape, confidence, and sense of direction. To better understand the emotional architecture behind this role, we turned to Deepa Parekh, a seasoned professional within the community who has long been dedicated to guiding students through the complexities of academic life. Based at Bangkok Prep, a school celebrated for its holistic and heart-forward approach to education, Deepa welcomed Masala into her inviting, light-filled counsellor’s quarters for a conversation on pressure, potential, and the quiet power of being truly heard.
It’s not merely about getting into university, but also making sure students feel supported, heard, and balanced throughout the process.
Let’s begin with your story. Tell our readers about yourself.
I’ve called Bangkok home for the past 21 years, but my roots go all the way back to India, specifically, Kolkata where I grew up, though my family is originally from Gujarat. I studied at a convent school where academic rigor was simply a way of life. I was the quintessential “competitive student,” chasing top scores and pushing myself to take on the toughest path possible. That path turned out to be Chartered Accountancy, India’s most challenging professional course in commerce (climbing Everest might’ve felt easier on some days!) I also earned my honours degree in commerce, and that was the beginning of my lifelong affair with all things economics, accounting, and business
What brought you to the world of university counselling, and how did that journey lead you to Bangkok Prep International School?
I’ve always been rooted in education. First, as a teacher and examiner for IGCSE and A Level Business, Economics, and Accounting. Working closely with year 12 and 13 students, I began to notice something beyond the textbooks and exam prep: their vulnerability and quiet anxiety when it came to university plans.
Not to toot my own horn, but it seemed like students found it easy to talk to me. Maybe it was my naturally approachable manner, or maybe it was all those hours spent explaining complex concepts without judgment, but I quickly became a go-to sounding board for their worries and questions. At the same time, I was going through the same journey as a parent—my own son was navigating career and university choices. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got formally trained: NACAC course, BMI Tier 1 & 2 certification, workshops, campus visits, embassy receptions, dinner events with reps—you name it. I was diving headfirst into the world of university counselling and loving every minute of it.
That deepening involvement led me to my current home: Bangkok Prep, where I could combine my experience as an A -Levels teacher and Counselor, with my passion for guiding students on their academic journeys.
What’s a typical day like in your role? And what part of your daily work sparks the most joy?
The best part of my day? Without a doubt, it’s the students. Their energy, wit, and curiosity keep me on my toes. I often joke that I get schooled by them daily—especially when it comes to tech and new trends!
At Bangkok Prep, our Sixth Form Counseling Office is a buzzing space. Students book their appointments via QR codes on our glass walls (yes, we’re that cool), and our six-member counseling team is always ready to dive into everything from course selection dilemmas to the classic “I am not sure what I want to do?” conversations. The energy is warm, collaborative, and just the right amount of chaotic—we genuinely enjoy working together, and it shows.
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is learning from the 150+ university visits we host each year. This year, I had the privilege of serving as the university liaison, coordinating all of these visits—from icons like Cambridge to dynamic institutions across Europe and Asia. Each one offered valuable insights into evolving admission processes, emerging majors, and global trends that we bring straight back to our students.
And the joy? It’s when a student completes their application and rings the bell in our office. That single chime, with a smile that reaches their eyes, marks a moment of courage, hard work, and hope. It never fails to make my day.
In your experience, what are some common misconceptions students (and parents) have about the university application process?
We’re very lucky. Most of our parents are engaged and proactive. Many of them attend what we call our higher education forums, options days, career days, and campus visits, so they do come in with a fair amount of awareness about the application landscape. But, understandably, with their demanding schedules, they may not always be up to date with how quickly things shift in university admissions.
One of the most common tendencies (not just a misconception!) is the emphasis on rankings. Parents being parents, they want the very best for their child, and sometimes that gets translated into a list of “top” universities. But what we try to gently guide them toward is this: the right university isn’t always the highest ranked. It’s the one where the student will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
We often encourage families to think beyond the brand. It’s easy to overlook the lifestyle and support systems that a student might need in a different country, far from home. There’s the academic fit, of course, but also cultural fit, class sizes, future career opportunities, and what life might look like after university. These conversations are eye-opening for many, and thankfully, our parent community is open-minded and receptive once they see the full picture.
Bangkok Prep is rooted in global-minded and forward-thinking approaches. From your perspective, how does the school prepare students not just academically, but emotionally, for life beyond school?
Well, a big part of that happens in our future classes with years 12 and 13. These sessions don’t just walk students through the nitty-gritty of applications, but go much deeper. We help them think about the bigger picture: What’s the city like? Can they handle the weather? What kind of community can they build? What do job prospects look like after graduation? These classes are where students start connecting the dots between university life and real life—and that makes all the difference.
Beyond that, we have incredibly strong counseling and safeguarding teams. Safeguarding here is treated as serious business, and we’re proud of how solid the response and support systems are. Every staff member is trained, and more importantly, retrained and reevaluated every year, so it’s a living, breathing part of our school culture. As for me, I took on the role of second tutor this year for my students. It gave me deeper insight into who they are as individuals, and helped me support them more holistically as their university counselor and as someone who really gets them. That closeness goes a long way in preparing them emotionally for what lies ahead.
How early should students start thinking about their university plans, and how do you help keep that process from becoming overwhelming?
It’s never too early, as they say. In fact, even our year 8 students have already had one-on-one meetings about their future aspirations! The goal of our university counseling team is to plant the seed early and embed future planning into young minds. Of course, the tone and content of a conversation with a year 8 student is very different from one with a year 13, but the idea is the same: start thinking ahead.
Students are free to book meetings with us anytime. I think just knowing that someone’s always available to talk helps them feel more secure and less overwhelmed by it all. And to make sure year 13 doesn’t become a mountain of academic pressure plus university deadlines, we’ve introduced an “application day” in year 12. We just had one last week! Students attended destination-specific sessions, worked on personal statements and essays, started creating their application portals, and got familiar with deadlines. So when August rolls around, they’re ready.
What role does student wellbeing play in your counselling philosophy?
I would say that’s really the crux of the whole matter. Without wellbeing, everything else tends to fall apart. It’s not merely about getting into university, but also making sure students feel supported, heard, and balanced throughout the process.
University applications can be stressful, especially when students are also juggling schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal pressures. So wellbeing becomes an integral part of our approach. We make space for honest conversations, encourage realistic goals, and check in regularly. Sometimes the most valuable thing we offer is just a calm space to talk things through.
How do you approach students who come in with a crystal-clear vision of their future, versus those who are still exploring and figuring it all out?
Both types come with their own unique intricacies, and I enjoy working with each! For the ones who are absolutely sure about what they want, I usually throw in a few curveball questions—not to confuse them, but to gently challenge their thinking and make sure they’ve explored all the possibilities. Sometimes we uncover an even better fit, or at least confirm that their chosen path really is the right one. It’s all about helping them look at their goals from every angle.
And then there are the explorers; the students who aren’t quite sure yet. With them, it’s more about building confidence and sparking curiosity. I might recommend a few psychometric or career insight tools to start with, then dive into conversations asking both open-ended and more specific questions. I also like to quietly study their transcripts, subject choices, and where they’re currently thriving. It’s a bit like detective work, but when the pieces start coming together, it’s incredibly rewarding.
How does the wider Bangkok Prep community shape the success of each student?
At the heart of everything we do at Bangkok Prep is community. As a thriving A-Level international school with over 1,700 students and about 300 teachers as well as staff, offering both A-Level and BTEC pathways, our strength lies in being a place that welcomes and supports every learner. We are proudly inclusive, adaptable, and always focused on what’s best for our students.
Our recent CIS accreditation visit reflected that spirit where the visiting team highlighted the genuine warmth of our school and the strong safeguarding culture we uphold. Safeguarding isn’t just a policy here; it’s a shared responsibility embedded in every aspect of school life.
Our parent community, Friends of Bangkok Prep, plays an active and enthusiastic role. Whether it’s organising “take your child to work day" for year 7 and 8 students, or hosting vibrant careers days where professionals (often parents) share insights from fields as diverse as aviation, design, law, hospitality, and tech, students gain real-world perspective beyond the classroom.
And our community doesn’t stop there. University reps from around the globe visit us year-round. Alumni return to speak to current students. We welcome guest speakers, education partners, and embassy officials. The result is a rich, interconnected environment where our students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to shape their own futures.
With the rapid changes in higher education, how do you stay ahead of the curve to best support your students?
In a landscape that’s constantly evolving, staying current means more than just reading updates—it means being on the ground. Visiting university campuses has been one of the most transformative aspects of my professional journey. This year alone, I’ve explored eight campuses across Australia and the UK, including Oxford, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney. Looking ahead, I’ll be attending the IACAC Conference in Boston, where I look forward to engaging in invaluable sessions and networking with global peers. While in the U.S., I’ll also be visiting universities in New York, Boston, and across New England to further deepen my understanding of the student experience across a wide range of institutions. During visits, I’ve sat in on classes, spoken with faculty, reviewed summer programme options, and even stayed in student accommodation to experience daily student life firsthand.
Professional development is another key pillar. Attending the BMI London Conference was intense but immensely rewarding—26 one-on-one meetings with universities, workshops, and sector updates. I’ve also represented Bangkok Prep at embassy-hosted events, where timely updates on international policies, scholarships, and trends are shared.
Equally important is bringing the world to our students. This year, I coordinated nearly 150 university visits to our campus. These sessions are informative and empowering. They give students direct access to admissions representatives and help them begin to visualise their own academic journeys. I’m grateful for the incredible support from our Events and Marketing teams, whose collaboration ensures these visits are impactful and seamless.
Whether through campus visits, global conferences, or embassy events, these touch-points ensure that I stay ahead of the curve, and that my students receive the most relevant, real-world guidance possible.
And finally, what’s something about your job—or Bangkok Prep—that you wish more people knew?
I wish more people knew just how much depth there is behind each university application. It’s never just a matter of filling forms or chasing rankings. There are real stories, personal struggles, and lots of small but meaningful conversations that shape each student’s path. At Bangkok Prep, we take that seriously.
Our work isn’t transactional—it’s deeply relational. We get to know students beyond their grades, understand what makes them light up, what worries them, and what they’re truly looking for in life after school. And being part of a school that values that kind of whole-student support from the futures classes to safeguarding the incredible sense of community makes all the difference.
I also wish more people knew how much behind-the-scenes learning goes into this role. Whether it’s campus visits, conferences, embassy events, or one-on-one chats with reps—each experience adds a layer of insight that we bring back to our students. And of course, there are the perks that come with this work, like getting to meet so many inspiring people from different backgrounds. Every interaction broadens our horizons and deepens our understanding of the ever-evolving global education landscape. That’s something I genuinely love about working at Bangkok Prep: we’re constantly learning and evolving together with the students always at the centre.
But the most exciting news? Bangkok Prep is officially hosting its first-ever “Greater Bangkok University Fair” this September, ahead of the CIS conference. Only a few schools in the city have had the honour of hosting this in the past, and with our central location, excellent facilities, and vibrant student body, we are ideally placed. This event will bring over 250 universities from around the world to our campus—an incredible opportunity for our students and the broader Bangkok community.