Many international school educators dream of teaching abroad while still having easy access to nature. Whether it’s a forest, a large green park, or open water nearby, time spent in natural spaces can be a powerful antidote to stress and an important factor in overall well-being.

Escaping into nature—even briefly—can help reset our minds and bring stress levels back to something more manageable. For many of us, this access isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Some international schools are already located directly in natural settings. They may sit within a forest, alongside a lake or coastline, or near expansive green spaces. Others are based in city centres that, while urban, offer an impressive number of large, well-maintained parks and green corridors. (If you haven’t already, you can explore Part 1 and Part 2 of this series for more examples.)

However, not all international schools are located in cities with easy or immediate access to nature. Some cities may have a few tree-lined streets or scattered pocket parks, but these are often outweighed by dense development. In some cases, pollution and dust can dull what little greenery exists, making it feel less restorative than it appears at first glance.

That said, even if an international school is located in a heavily built-up city centre, it can still be worth considering if meaningful access to nature is available nearby. Reliable public transport, short car journeys, or easy weekend escapes can make a significant difference. Having multiple day-trip options into nature can be a major selling point when choosing where to live and work.

For many international educators, access to nature plays an important role in long-term happiness and sustainability abroad. That’s why it’s worth asking questions, doing research, and speaking to current staff before committing to a move.

Fortunately, International School Community (ISC) was designed to help educators find exactly this kind of practical, experience-based information. Using our Comment Search feature (available to premium members), we identified 316 comments that include the keyword “Nature.” From those, we’ve selected 11 examples that highlight international schools offering meaningful access to natural surroundings.

Here are 11 international schools—shared by educators themselves—that are close to nature:

Japan

“FIS is located in Fukuoka City, Japan’s sixth-largest city and the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Fukuoka offers a high quality of life, blending modern amenities with beautiful natural landscapes. Its compact NATURE and efficient public transportation make it easy to navigate, with the city centre within easy reach.” – Fukuoka International School (74 total comments)

Hong Kong

“Single teachers and young couples may have a better experience spending time on the island, as it is vibrant and full of bars and nightlife. Families might opt to live in the Sai Kung area next to the ocean, surrounded by mountains and beautiful NATURE. This area is a quieter, more relaxed living style, and the houses or apartments are not as expensive as in the city, so they can find bigger housing for their family. Gay couples are accepted just like straight couples.” – Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong (SHK) (34 total comments)

Bulgaria

“There is amazing NATURE if you like hiking, trail running, skiing, etc.” – Anglo American School of Sofia (124 total comments)

Kenya

“Most expats spend weekends around City Mall, Haller Park, or Old Town, which offer a blend of shopping, NATURE, and culture. It’s a great balance between comfort and coastal charm.” – Braeburn Mombasa International School (31 total comments)

Tunisia

“If you want to enjoy deep NATURE, you might need to go further than Tunis downtown. Car is a must as public transportation is not developed…” – American Cooperative School of Tunis (93 total comments)

India

“NATURE Enthusiasts: Green Spaces: Despite its urbanization, Gurgaon offers green spaces like the Aravalli hills, providing hiking trails and nature walks. Eco-Tourism: Nearby attractions, such as the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, appeal to those seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities.” – Pathways World School (47 total comments)

India

“NATURE: For those seeking a break from the city, Hyderabad offers several nearby nature spots, including Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar Lake, and the Necklace Road. These areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, picnics, and nature walks…” – Aga Khan Academy (Hyderabad) (24 total comments)

Hong Kong

“All lifestyles are catered for in Hong Kong. You can live the big city life, enjoying nightclubs and fine dining, or go hiking or swimming in one of the many NATURE reserves…” – Discovery Bay International School (15 total comments)

Latvia

“If you love nature, you’ll love Latvia. Stunning NATURE, sea and forest, easily accessible from central Riga. Latvians highly value spending time outside in every season…” – International School of Latvia (67 total comments)

South Korea

“For a single person, it can be hard because the schools are in a rural area. People do go to the city, but it’s about a 40-minute drive away. We have some LGBTQ people at our school, but they came as a couple. The area is great if you like the outdoors and NATURE. If you like big cities and what they have to offer, then you need to fly to Seoul…” – St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju (SJAJ) (47 total comments)

Croatia

“It is a much better quality of life for couples and families. Singles have found the city small and a bit boring, with a lack of variety of activities. However, if you really search and make an effort, some interesting events are happening all the time. There is one gay club, Hot Pot. There are also queer events at clubs/bars around the city at least once a month. NATURE and parks are easily accessible…” – American International School of Zagreb (52 total comments)

How is the nature around your international school? Share your comments here