About U CAN
We are a team of experienced college counselors dedicated to supporting internationally mobile students in achieving their university dreams.
Our Counseling Philosophy
U CAN counselors are committed to providing authentic, honest, and personally tailored college counseling services based on a best fit approach — helping high school students find the right environments to build their personal and academic futures.
We work with students from anywhere in the world who are seeking undergraduate options globally. We understand the major global university systems, and we have deep experience across the International Baccalaureate, US High School Diploma with Advanced Placement, and British curricula. Our approach is based on best fit, not prestige. We support you in finding the right environment for you.
Personally tailored counseling based on a best fit philosophy — never one-size-fits-all.
Deep understanding of international school systems and global university admissions.
Your wellbeing and goals are at the centre of every decision we make together.
How U CAN Began
U CAN was founded through the collective efforts of highly experienced high school counselors who wanted to bring genuine, personalised college counseling to students and families worldwide. We saw students and families who needed expert guidance navigating the complexity of global university admissions — and we knew our decades of experience working inside international schools positioned us to help in a way few others could. U CAN exists to make that expertise accessible to every family, wherever they are in the world.
Meet the U CAN Team
Our team brings decades of collective experience working with internationally mobile students across the world's major university systems. We've all worked extensively within the curricula that international schools use — the International Baccalaureate, US High School Diploma with Advanced Placement, and British curricula — so we understand the systems your student is navigating from the inside. All of us are or have been active members of the International Association for College Admissions Counseling.
Founder of U CAN. David has spent years as a high school and college counselor in international schools across China, Korea, Dubai, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, helping hundreds of students achieve their post-secondary dreams. He has served as a member of the International Association for College Admissions Counseling Professional Development Committee, tasked with helping train college counselors new to the profession.
Outside of work, David enjoys cycling, tennis, fitness, and following his hometown Chicago White Sox.
Ray has over 25 years of experience helping students and families navigate international admissions. He served as the Director of College Guidance at the American School of Quito and as President of International ACAC.
Ray also founded a high-altitude mountaineering company in the Andes, bringing his unique global perspective to his work with students and families.
Stephen has extensive experience working with internationally mobile students across multiple international school settings, from public high schools in the US to boarding schools in the Swiss Alps, and top-tier international schools in Dubai, Switzerland, and Korea. He brings deep expertise in guiding students through diverse university systems worldwide.
Outside of work, Stephen enjoys cycling and skiing in snow-covered mountains.
Sam has broad experience in international education across multiple roles and organisations, supporting students and families in navigating global university systems. He is a member of the International Association for College Admissions Counseling and has served on the organisation's Executive Board.
Sam grew up in Washington State and has since worked across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Pittsburgh, building a vast network in international and higher education.
Ready to Work With Us?
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