Each month International School Community will highlight one of our members.  This month we interviewed Noah Bohnen:

Tell us about your background.  Where are you from?
I am Canadian, born in Toronto Ontario.  I have been teaching for 13 years, mostly MS, mostly math/science.

How did you get started in the international teaching community?
I had taught for 4 years in Peterborough, Ontario and my wife, who is also an international teacher, suggested that we do a stint overseas.  We loved the travel and adventure so much that we are still on the road 9 years later.

Which international schools have you worked at?  Please share some aspects of the schools that made them unique and fun places in which to work.
The Columbus School, Medellin Colombia.  Colombia is truly a gem.  Having traveled to over 50 countries, there is no place quite like it.  When we were there, there were still very few tourists and you really felt like you were on a cultural frontier.  The people are some of the kindest and happiest on the planet.  I still have very close Colombian friends with whom I keep in contact.  The school itself is one the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen.  It is on top of a mountain, with views of the city.  Its facilities are incredible.  The staff is young and a lot of fun.  The teaching can be challenging, but the workload is very manageable.

The Lincoln School, Buenos Aires.  This is the type of school where people typically stay 6+ years.  A true international school where English is the lingua franca.  The school is a lovely place to teach and work.  Resources are good and the kids are keen to learn.  Buenos Aires is a very nice place to live and raise a family with a ton to do, and abundant clean food, air and water.  The travel opportunities in Argentina are excellent, particularly if you are a fan of the outdoors.

Describe your latest cultural encounter in your current placement, one that put a smile on your face.
I was supervising a school dance and when I started teasing some Latino 7th graders about which girl they were going to dance with, they calmly told me 4 or 5 names and added, “Meester, we aren’t Canadian, so we aren’t afraid to dance with girls.”  Lost that one!

What are some important things that you look for when you are searching for a new position at an international school?
1. Living situation.  Housing, safety, medical, services for families, etc.
2. Opportunity for professional growth
3. Is it a true international school?
4. Potential savings

In exactly 5 words, how would you describe the international school teaching experience?
1. Rewarding
2. Different
3. Adventurous
4. Dynamic
5. Unpredictable

Thanks Noah!  If you are a member of International School Community and would like to be our next member spotlight, contact us here.  If we choose to highlight you, you will get a coupon code  to receive 6 months free of premium access to our website!