One of the most exciting aspects of living and working in China with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools is the incredible travel opportunities. With convenient access to both domestic and international destinations, our teachers and their families have embraced the chance to explore new cultures, landscapes, and experiences. From weekend getaways to extended holiday trips, these adventures not only broaden perspectives but also create unforgettable memories. In this blog, our educators share their recent travels, highlighting the incredible experiences they’ve had while teaching abroad!
Frequent Travel Opportunites from Shenzhen
Working in China at BASIS International School Shenzhen offers incredible travel opportunities for our family. Living in Southeastern China, adjacent to Hong Kong, has allowed us to travel frequently to many new destinations. Since moving here in July, we have been to Vietnam, Seoul, South Korea, the Philippines, and many cities in China (including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xi’an). We have traveled as a family and with many new friends from our school who have become our China family. This summer, after visiting family back in the United States, we will visit Thailand for three weeks. It has been an exciting adventure so far, and our passports are filling up quickly, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mark Jenkins
High School English Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
Marina Jenkins
Primary School Visual Arts and High School Ceramics Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
Lunar New Year Getaway to Bangkok, Thailand
During the Lunar New Year holiday, my family and I traveled with some of our closest family friends to Bangkok, Thailand. It’s one of our favorite places to visit because of the amazing weather, delicious cuisine, and kind-hearted, welcoming people. While in Bangkok, we visited Safari World Park, where we fed giraffes and capybaras, and got up close with a variety of animals. We also spent time at Sea of Life Ocean World, exploring marine life like sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and seahorses. We ventured through the bustling local markets to try authentic Thai dishes and ended our days with a relaxing dinner cruise, taking in the city’s stunning night views. Thailand offers so many unique experiences for families, and it continues to be one of my top destinations. It’s a place we love visiting and will always return to!
Isabel Billups, BA
Science Teacher, Grade 5
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
A First-Time Visit to Australia
Over the Lunar New Year holiday, I was fortunate enough to visit Australia for the first time. I visited three different cities—Sydney, Melbourne, and Airlie Beach—hoping to see as much as I could while also building in time to relax. The trip was full of time spent lounging at the different beaches, strolling along the various coastal walks, visiting museums to see art by artists that I teach about in AP Art History, and eating a variety of foods (but mostly avocado toast and coffee). I also participated in a historical tour of The Rocks, a well-known and old neighborhood in Sydney, that deepened my understanding of the settling of Sydney, life of the convicts, and changes that occurred over the next several decades. The tour also shed light on the complicated history of Australia and the depth of its cultural heritage which just makes me want to learn more. There were many places I did not get to see on this trip, but I will be sure to return to such a vibrant and welcoming place for a future holiday.
Samantha Straky
Chair of Middle School Social Sciences
Grade 8 World History and AP Art History Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
A Year of Unforgettable Adventures
One of our main reasons for moving to Shenzhen was the exciting opportunities to travel. Over the past year, we have been fortunate to embark on incredible adventures in China, Vietnam, New Zealand, and the Philippines. It has also been amazing to meet up with other BASIS International & Bilingual Schools families and share our travel experiences along the way. We’ve had many unforgettable experiences, like kayaking to secret lagoons in Palawan, cycling to ancient temples in Sin Binh, Vietnam, and celebrating a summer Christmas with family in New Zealand. I always look forward to our holidays, as they are the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge after a busy term, and the adventures we share beautifully bring us even closer as a family.
Rachael Houston
Humanities Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
Embracing Nature and Adventure
As a nature lover, one of the factors that initially attracted me to Shenzhen was its coastal location and abundance of mountains and trails. Since moving to Guangming seven months ago, I have made the most of my weekends and holidays with a variety of domestic and international travel experiences. I have sailed, kayaked, and swum at beaches and marinas in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong; spent the Mid-Autumn Festival in the high-altitude mountains and hot springs of a Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Western Sichuan; explored Koh Phangan, Thailand, over the National Day holiday; dined on local Guilin delicacies during Thanksgiving in the karst mountains of Yangshuo, Guangxi; and spent Christmas trekking in Japan.
Elle Mason
Humanities Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen
A Special Visit to South Korea
I hope everyone had a fantastic Lunar New Year holiday! This year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Korea to visit my college roommate, who lives and works there. It was heartwarming to see how far we’ve come since our university days in the United States, now living just a short distance apart—with her in Seoul and me in Shenzhen.
This trip was particularly special as it was my daughter’s first time in South Korea and her very first experience with snow! We prepared for the chilly weather, but the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones in a new setting was truly unforgettable. Together, we created beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. We’re excited for future travels and the adventures that await us.
Working at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools has given us the flexibility and opportunity to explore new places during school breaks, creating lasting memories. We look forward to more travels to come!
Shalonda Johnson
English Language G9 and AP English Language Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
Conclusion
Travel opportunities while working at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools have been an enriching experience for our educators, allowing them to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, reconnect with loved ones, and create lasting memories. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, trekking through the mountains of Japan, or discovering the history of Australia, our teachers are making the most of their time in China and beyond. With more adventures on the horizon, we look forward to seeing where the next school break takes them!
For more information on teaching with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
