Blogs of international school teachers: “Life in Kunshan, China” (An international school PARENT at Kunshan International School) April 30, 2013Are you inspired to start up a blog about your adventures living abroad? Our 30th blog that we would like to highlight is called “Life in Kunshan, China” It is not actually written by a teacher, but by a parent! Check out the blog entries of this international school PARENT who currently sends their children to Kunshan American School in China.
A few entries that we would like to highlight: The Kunshan International School & Ikea Shanghai“The school is quite large. We were only able to see the kindergarten area today – a meeting with teaching staff and tour of the school will occur later in the month – but what we saw was impressive: the kindergarten has a room with beds for naps, a separate and large room with great play equipment, a traditional teaching room and a separate reading room with about a dozen PCs for the kids to work on. I was struck by the cost of the school: only 12,500 RMB/semester for Logan and 10,000 for Jordan. That works out to a little over $3,000/year for our two boys, a small fraction of what we’d have to pay to send the kids to school in Shanghai, and even less than we were paying in California for Jordan’s pre-school…” It is interesting to get the international school parents’ perspective once and awhile. I actually just witnessed a “tour” going on today at work with our school secretary showing around a new/prospective family. I was out on break duty and was wondering what the parents were thinking as they watched all the students running around. Were they impressed by the school’s playground and how the students were using it? We should have the school secretary share more about what kind of feedback/statements she/he hears when giving a tour of our school. It could prove to be quite intriguing to hear what prospective/new parents (and their children) are saying! And then there is the cost of sending children to the international school in question. Typically it can be very expensive for expat parents paying for themselves. But we all know that many expat parents don’t typically pay for the tuition themselves, their company pays for them. What a nice surpise then to find out the tuition at Kunshan International School is actually low when compared to other international schools in China. On a side note, we also have an article on our blog about international school teachers’ dependence on IKEA when living abroad. Check out the article here. The Kunshan International School“The teachers seem to take a deep interest in the kids. About a week before the start of school, Jordan’s (who was going to start kindergarten) teacher came to our house to visit on a Saturday, speaking with Jordan and answering questions we had. She was going to all the students’ homes, getting to know them and allow them to get comfortable with her (of course, this just doesn’t happen in the U.S.)…” I have never heard of this happening! How great that a teacher at this international school goes to each student’s house to answer questions that the student and family have! Does any one know of any other international school that does this kind of orientation? Want to work for an international school in China like this blogger sends their children to? Currently, we have 142 international schools listed in China on International School Community. Here are a few that have had comments and information submitted on their profiles: • Beijing City International School (31 Comments) If you are an international school teacher and would like your blog highlighted on International School Community contact us here.
Blogs of International Teachers
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Blogs of international school teachers: “Creating Collaborating Sharing” (A veteran int’l educator at Sinarmas World Academy) March 23, 2013Are you inspired to start up a blog about your adventures living abroad? Our 29th blog that we would like to highlight is called “Creating Collaborating Sharing” Check out the blog entries of this international school educator who currently works at Sinarmas World Academy (10 Total Comments on our website.) in Indonesia.
A few entries that we would like to highlight: “Some of you may have known that I have moved schools this year and have just started my job as the Elementary School IT Coach at Sinarmas World Academy. It is located in West Jakarta, Indonesia. It is a relatively new school (4 years old) and an absolutely beautiful campus. There is lots going on technology-wise as we are a 1:1 school from Grades 4-12 and then shared laptops for Grades 1-3. We have over 70 ipads in addition to that. The school is warm, has a community feel and a strong vision. One of the things I enjoy about the school is the fact that there is a strong blogging culture and all students, teachers and administrators have blogs which creates a learning community…” How great to work at a beautiful campus and to have such excellent technology resources! That is amazing that all teachers and administration have a blog. Working at a newer international school has it pros and cons, but this one seems to have a lot of pros! Why International Schools Should Remember Maslow “Moving to a new country and working at a new school forces everyone to seek out all these needs. You need to find a new home, car, friends and learn the culture before you can even think about the school. I believe administrators need to really consider their faculty and where they are at any given point in the school year. Obviously, the goal is to have all teachers at the top at self-actualization where people feel a genuine sense of purpose, intrinsic rewards and contributing to the community. During the 1-2 weeks of new teacher orientation, it is critical that administrators help teachers attain their basic and safety needs BEFORE even trying to talk to them about the curriculum. The other challenging is building community and helping new teachers integrate into the new community and feel a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen at one of the schools I worked at and resulted in new teachers being extremely stressed, frantic and behind the 8 ball from day 1. International schools need so spend that time supporting teachers in finding housing, setting up utilities, finding nannies, places to shop and eat, etc.…” I like that idea about how administration should make sure their new teachers have all their basic needs met before they talk to them about curriculum. It is important that international school administrators take note that their job also entails making sure their new hires are alright and adjusting well to their new environment. And as this blogger stated, it can all backfire very quickly if the new teachers are still not having their basic needs met by the first week of school with the students. Want to work for an international school in Indonesia like this blogger? Currently, we have 37 international schools listed in Indonesia on International School Community. Here are a few that have had comments and information submitted on their profiles: • Canggu Community School (10 Comments) If you are an international school teacher and would like your blog highlighted on International School Community contact us here.
Blogs of International Teachers
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Blogs of international school teachers: “Consider the Ordinary” (An educator at The American School of Tampico) February 19, 2013Are you inspired to start up a blog about your adventures living abroad? Our 28th blog that we would like to highlight is called “Consider the Ordinary” Check out the blog entries of this international school educator who currently works at The American School of Tampico (10 Total Comments on our website.) in Mexico.
A few entries that we would like to highlight: the American School of Tampico—my new home in mexico! “Here is my beautiful school!!!!:) It sits on over 33 acres of land…Here is my classroom from the outside (the one with the circle window)…Here are pictures from the outside and inside of the classroom…Here are the lovely stairs up to my class (before these there are 2 other flights! haha)…” It would be awesome if all international school teachers took as many photos of their campus to share with everyone. It is important and very helpful to know exactly what the school looks like before you sign the contract to work there. Thanks for sharing pictures of the The American School of Tampico campus! “My apartment is wonderful! The school provides it and they were so helpful, already had telephone hooked up, a little food and drinks in the fridge, and everything we needed set up!:) I’m so glad I’m here…Here is my roomies room- Her name is Robyn. We met her and her mom (Melissa) tonight..so far seems great!…There are 2 bedrooms (with AC) with bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, a large study room, a laundry room, and another room with bathroom that is in the back of the place—it’s all soooo big!!!…” What a nervous situation…arriving at a new, foreign country and finally seeing the apartment that you will be living in. Luckily for this educator, it turned out really well. It is definitely a relief after having seen your new place, and then get started with making it your new “home”. Also, meeting your new roommate can also be a bit nerve-wracking. But you never know, the person just might turn out to a really good friend of yours. What a nice surprise too when you take notice of the nice, big size of your new apartment. Sometimes international school teachers get lucky when they are living in a city where their benefits package or salary affords them the opportunity to live a bigger apartment than what they are used to. “I went to the beach for the first time last Saturday here in Tampico! It was great. I stuck my toes in and waded up to my ankles, but didn’t swim yet. The foreign staff from school went for a birthday barbeque for Michael—he’s our librarian. There was great food, a campfire, fun people, and sand, water, and sun—-all in all it was a beautiful day and a fun time:)…” It is great to take in all the new places that you can go to in your new city, especially if your new city is on the coast of an ocean so that you can enjoy its beaches. Some international school teachers are very luckily indeed! It is also important to say yes to any opportunities to go out with the school staff. Being open to exploring the city and to get to know the staff better are two important things to try and accomplish your first few months working at your new school. Want to work for an international school in Mexico like this blogger? Currently, we have 23 international schools listed in the Mexico on International School Community. Here are a few that have had comments and information submitted on their profiles: • American School Foundation of Guadalajara (15 Comments) If you are an international school teacher and would like your blog highlighted on International School Community contact us here.
Blogs of International Teachers
blogs of international school teachers, international school community, international school teacher, international schools, international schools in mexico, international teacher recruitment fairs, interviewing, life abroad, recruitment fair, teaching abroad, Teaching Overseas, The American School of Tampico, top tier, top tier international schools, veteran international school teachers,
“Finding Bliss and Balance in Barcelona” – A teacher working at ASB in Spain. January 10, 2013Are you inspired to start up a blog about your adventures living abroad? Our 27th blog that we would like to highlight is called “Finding Bliss and Balance in Barcelona” Check out the blog entries of this international school educator who currently works at American School of Barcelona (91 Total Comments on our website.) in Spain.
A few entries that we would like to highlight: “Living abroad has presented challenges in my life that I didn’t know could exist. Still, almost weekly, I have to learn new things about how to live within a new culture and a new system. Routine things, like going to the dentist or getting your hair cut, present new experiences and ask me to adapt to new ways of doing things. Another big challenge lately has come about because of a bike accident Dave had on a rainy night in October.…” We actually have an article that we have written about the topic of getting a haircut in another country. You can read the full article here. A haircut is one thing, but when a big accident occurs while you are living in another country, that can be quite a different, more intense experience. It is never a good feeling when you are hurt and in need of hospital care and then there being a big language and cultural barrier potentially creating problems and stress. My experience though in foreign hospitals has all been quite positive. Many people might be surprised to know that the majority of your experiences in foreign hospitals are actually better than they would be in your home country! A Surprise Christmas in January “The incessant ringing caused Dave to do something quite uncharacteristic of himself in the mornings; he exited the warm bed and ran through the frigid hallway to answer the doorbell. From my sleepy stupor I inferred by the muffled Spanish being spoken through our intercom that it was in fact the correos (mail), but that she needed to deliver a package to us instead of just needing to be let in the building to reach everyone’s mailboxes. Again, Dave did something uncharacteristic of himself in the mornings: he threw on his glasses and clothes in a snap. I heard the rapid footsteps of the mail carrier make her way up 4 flights of steps and knock on our door. Dave accepted the package, “Gracias….” Kind of a strange feeling when you get a buzz on your intercom (when living in a foreign country) and you are not expecting anyone. Then when the voice starts talking to you in the local language, things can get a bit confusing and quick! Soon enough you figure out who the person could potentially be and make a connection to the thing you were actually expecting to receive via delivery/the postal carrier. More often than not, the postal worker does their best to give great service and to try to communicate with you with the least confusion. But once they arrive at your door, there is not much that is really needed to be said; when you most likely just need to sign your name on some sheet of paper. “I will have to admit that when we originally decided on a “stacation” I wasn’t stoked as I am always eager to leave the bustle of the city and explore the beauty that the Spanish countryside has to offer. Nevertheless, after a little guidebook research and recommendations from friends at work, we managed to plan a packed week full of eating, drinking, music, and sightseeing in Barcelona. We also snuck in a quick jaunt to Cadaques, which turned out to be the highlight of my vacation…” We always think about where we (international school teachers) are going to go next. Actually, many of us feel uneasy when our next trip isn’t planned yet. No trip to look forward to can be an uneasy feeling! We do sometimes forget that staying in your host city (or nearby your host city) can actually be an attractive alternative to flying somewhere via a plane. Want to work for an international school in the Spain like this blogger? Currently, we have 25 international schools listed in the Spain on International School Community. Here are a few that have had comments and information submitted on their profiles: • Benjamin Franklin Int’l School (13 Comments) If you are an international school teacher and would like your blog highlighted on International School Community contact us here.
Blogs of International Teachers
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Blogs of international school teachers: “A Leaf Around the World” December 5, 2012Are you inspired to start up a blog about your adventures living abroad? Our 26th blog that we would like to highlight is called “A Leaf Around The World” Check out the wealth of information in the blog entries of this international school educator who currently works at Yokohama International School in Japan.
A few entries that we would like to highlight: “I have been reading this book called ‘How to Be an Explorer of the World’. It’s basically a guidebook/ reminder of my creative thinking, whenever I feel like, I turn the pages and roll in. Last night, I came across the exploration #4 which is a very simple practice. During your walk to your work/school,etc. you pick up 30 things. A collection of 30 random things… I decided that I will pick one object everyday and will record my findings and thoughts here. It will take a month and in the end I will try to create an artwork with my findings. It is a challenge for me to break away from my daily routine of speed walking to the train station while I am nibbling over my so called breakfast consisting a piece of toasted bread with cheese, paying attention to nothing but the road that leads me to my destination. A nice challenge though, one that will make me look at things rather than seeing them passing by…” What a great idea! I think every one should have a go at this if they are living in a foreign country. Sometimes we can walk down a street many times in a foreign city and not notice certain things, even things such as a store. If we can remember to take a look around ourselves while living abroad, it could only help us to better understand our current situation and aide you in making new connections with regards to your life living in your host country. “If you are living in Japan, you make a big commitment to recycle. The moment that you register with your neighbourhood ward, you are given an A4 paper of how to separate your rubbish. There are certain days for certain garbage and you need to tie them up as shown in the picture and moreover you need to wash your plastic garbage before you put it out in front of your door…” I love the topic of recycling in other countries. Each one does it slightly different. Sometimes it takes awhile to get into the swing of things when trying to recycle things from your home after you have just moved to a new country. If you are living in Shanghai, there isn’t really a city recycling programme. But that doesn’t mean people in Shanghai don’t recycle. There are always people with big bags going to and looking inside of garbage cans in Shanghai. They are the recyclers. Actually, they look at their recycling other people’s garbage as their job, according to an article I read on the That’s Shanghai website. “Every morning, I walk to the train station in Yutenji. On my way to the station I meet the same people everyday, the little old lady neighbour who sweeps her front door, the young woman on her fancy bike with a trendy green backpack, the father and daughter walking down to Nakameguro, the big old neighbourhood watchman sitting on a bench in Yutenji park which is the smallest park ever with its own rules and regulations written on a sign in both Japanese and English. The most interesting thing every morning for me, is the board that hangs on the wall of a very old house with weekly messages from a wise neighbour. Everyday when I walk down that road, I stop, read the message and think about it on my way to the station…” Your journey to work is an important one. Going to work in a car is a bit different than going to work by bike or walking. You can see and interact with more people when walking to work. You can get some exercise biking to work. It is important to research how teachers get to work at international schools you are intersted in working at; will it be a good match with the preferred way you like to get to work? If you are also interested in starting your career in the international school community, feel free to check out the 1300+ international schools that are listed on International School Community here. Also, don’t forget to check out our latest submitted comments and information about these schools. We have over 6000+ submitted comments and information as of this blog entry! Want to work for an international school in the Japan like this blogger? Currently, we have 37 international schools listed in the Japan on International School Community. Here are a few that have had comments and information submitted on their profiles: • American School in Japan (19 Comments) If you are an international school teacher and would like your blog highlighted on International School Community contact us here.
Blogs of International Teachers
blogs of international school teachers, international school community, international school teacher, international schools, international teacher recruitment fairs, interviewing, life abroad, recruitment fair, teaching abroad, Teaching Overseas, top tier, top tier international schools, veteran international school teachers,
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