13–15
Dreaming of an exchange or a school abroad
FLEX, HMC and ASSIST scholarships at boarding schools in the UK and the US.
For teens 13+ and their parentsFor teens 13+ and parents
Get into universities worldwide with one-to-one support
From choosing countries and programmes to applications, essays and interviews. A plan, deadlines and scholarships, with a mentor who walked this path himself, from a school in England to Cambridge.
Who it’s for
Who this support is for
For teens and families planning to study abroad who want to prepare step by step, not in the last two months.
16+
Getting ready for university
Choosing countries and programmes, portfolio, tests and bachelor’s applications.
Aiming for a scholarship
A profile committees notice: projects, competitions, essays and interviews.
Not sure what to choose yet
Interests and strengths first, then the subject and the countries.
The programme
What the support covers
Six blocks, from finding direction to applications and interviews. We take the ones your child needs, in the order the deadlines demand.
Interests and careers map2 sessions
Know where to put the energy
A look at interests, thinking style and the setting where your teen comes alive. Together we explore 10+ careers and map the possible paths.
- The Compass test and a debrief
- 10+ modern careers that fit the profile
- A paths map: what to try right now
A profile for scholarships and universities2 sessions
A profile committees notice
What strengthens this particular profile: volunteering, debate, competitions, courses. A one-year strategy and a passion project: a podcast, a blog, research or a social project.
- Profile and gap review
- A one-year development plan
- Launching a passion project
Thinking, productivity and focus0–2 sessions
Manage attention instead of fighting it
GTD and a “second brain”, planning tasks and focus, dealing with procrastination and the phone. Plus a look at how your teen takes in information.
- A system for tasks and focus
- Less procrastination
- A learning-style check
FLEX, HMC, ASSIST scholarships2–3 sessions
Ready to apply to international programmes
We pick the right programmes and deadlines, work on motivation letters and essays, practise interviews and set the application strategy.
- Programmes and deadlines
- Letters and essays
- Interview practice
Finding your way among universities1–2 sessions
Apply on time to places that want you
Countries and education systems, what a major, foundation year or liberal arts means, choosing universities and scholarships, exams and requirements.
- Countries and education systems
- A programme shortlist
- Exams: SAT, IELTS, TOEFL
Communication and self-presentation1–2 sessions
Talk about yourself with confidence
Public speaking and debate, self-presentation and essays, Model UN, forums and competitions, exercises for confidence and resilience.
- Speaking and debate
- Model UN and competitions
- Presenting yourself at interview
And meeting real students. Your teen can talk to students and graduates of the universities they’re considering: Cambridge, TU Delft, Sciences Po, Bocconi.
How it works
Five steps to a university offer
Your teen works one to one with the mentor. Parents join the strategy meetings.
- Step 1Assessment
Interests, strengths, grades and English.
- Step 2Education strategy
Countries, programmes, budget and a deadline calendar.
- Step 3A stronger profile
Projects, competitions and achievements for the application.
- Step 4Documents and essays
Motivation letters, essays and references.
- Step 5Applications and interviews
Beside you until the decisions arrive.
Who leads the support
Career mentor and education consultant. Since 2021 he has helped teens and families get into universities in Europe and the UK.
Arcadie Cotruta
Admissions mentor, Big Fish co-founderHe won an HMC scholarship to a school in England, then a place at Cambridge. Now he guides others along the same path.
Education and experienceArcadie Cotruta
Admissions mentor, Big Fish co-founderHe won an HMC scholarship to a school in England, then a place at Cambridge. Now he guides others along the same path: from the first talk about careers to the offer letter.
Blundell’s SchoolEngland, HMC scholarship
CambridgeLaw
SorbonneMaster’s, international law
UN, USAID, WHOInternational education programmes
Big FishFounder, camps since 2009
TEDx speakerDebate coach for 10+ years
Results
Where our students got in
100+ families mentored, with admissions to the UK, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Spain, France and more. Every story is different.
HMCuniversity
CambridgeA full HMC scholarship at a British school, then the University of Cambridge.
Sophia and DianaFull scholarship
University of ExeterFour years of a bachelor’s degree on a full scholarship.
NadiaASSIST scholarship
A school in the USTwo years of study, with tuition and board paid.
Nikole5 offers
Top UK universitiesA cybersecurity profile and offers from five universities.
DragosArcadie helped Michael secure a full ASSIST scholarship. What seemed impossible became reality. He knew exactly what the committee was looking for.
When Zahar said he dreamed of Wageningen, I wasn’t sure it was possible. He got in. Arcadie understood the Dutch system perfectly.
Aron needed structure and clarity for his A-levels and UK applications. Arcadie gave him both, and his confidence has grown tremendously.
And also:UCLLSEWarwickDurhamBocconiIE UniversityErasmus RotterdamWageningenManchesterESCP
When to start
Admissions take a year to eighteen months
The best opportunities have early deadlines. What to do in each school year so nothing is left to the last minute.
- 8th–9th gradeExchanges and boarding schools
FLEX, HMC, ASSIST. Applications open from October to December.
- Year before the lastStrategy and profile
10th or 11th grade: countries and programmes, first English tests, a portfolio project.
- Final year, autumnEssays and applications
11th or 12th grade: motivation letters and references. Many European universities: deadline 15 January.
- Final year, springInterviews and decisions
Interviews, offers from universities, the final choice and scholarships.
Already in the final year and short on time? Start with the free call: we’ll tell you honestly what can still be done.
Prices
Choose your level of support
Start with the free call. Afterwards you’ll know whether you need support, and how much.
Free 30-minute call with ArcadieSchool year, grades, English and goals. We’ll tell you honestly where to start.
Pick a time Discovery session
A focused first step toward clarity
€20090 min with Arcadie, online
- Compass test: career and personality assessment
- 90-minute debrief session
- Written summary of strengths and directions
- Suggested next steps
Continuing with a package? We credit the €200 toward it within 60 days. With another Big Fish coach: €150, 80 min.
5-session package
Clarity plus a personalised plan
€7505 sessions of 60–90 min with Arcadie
- Compass test and full debrief
- 4 mentoring sessions
- Country and programme shortlist
- Personal positioning plan
- Email support between sessions
10-session package
Full support across the application season
€1,30010 sessions of 60–90 min with Arcadie
- Everything in the 5-session package
- 5 additional sessions
- Personal statement and essay coaching
- Application strategy and timeline
- Interview preparation
After the Discovery session
You get a strategy map
One document that tells the family what to do next, even if you carry on on your own.
- Countries and programmes: dream, target, safety
- A calendar of deadlines and tests
- A one-year profile and portfolio plan
Strategy map · Marko, 10th gradeExample
ProgrammesDreamUCL · EconomicsTargetWarwick · PPESafetyExeter · Business
CalendarMarIELTS, target 7.0JulSummer portfolio projectOctEssays and references15 JanEuropean applications
Profile1Passion project: an economics podcast2An olympiad or essay competition3Summer volunteering
Questions
What parents ask
Didn’t find your answer? Write to us and we’ll reply.
No serious consultant can: the university makes the decision. What we do guarantee is a clearer direction, a stronger application and a realistic list of programmes where your teen will thrive.
The Compass test (career and personality assessment), a 90-minute debrief online, a written summary of strengths and directions, and suggested next steps. If you continue with a package within 60 days, we credit the €200 toward it.
Most of Europe, plus English-taught programmes around the world. Our students have been admitted in the UK, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Spain, France, Denmark, Poland, Czechia and beyond, and in the US.
Sessions take place online, so we can work with families anywhere. In-person meetings are possible on request. Languages: English, French, Romanian, Russian and Ukrainian.
Sessions are mainly with the teen: that’s where the work happens. Parents join at key moments and receive written summaries.
Yes. Arcadie’s 5- and 10-session packages can be paid in two instalments. The Discovery session is a single payment.
Start with a call
A good application starts with a plan
30 minutes with Arcadie online, free. You get an honest assessment and the first steps.
Pick a time for a call