Wuhan might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering teaching abroad, but for those who take the leap, it quickly becomes something more. At BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, educators aren’t just stepping into classrooms, they’re building, creating, and shaping a school experience. For José Valcárcel, Upper School Art Teacher, that creative journey has meant finding both professional freedom and a vibrant life beyond campus.
Choosing BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
Three years ago, when I told my family and friends that my next destination would be Wuhan, their reaction was one of surprise, almost shock. Although some people first heard of Wuhan during the time of Covid, it offers a true glimpse into the heart of traditional China.
What I discovered upon arriving, however, was a city full of life and creativity. Wuhan is surprisingly vibrant, with a growing network of art galleries, independent cafés, creative spaces, and beautiful natural scenery just outside the city. As an avid cyclist, I also found the time to co-found a cycling club where both international and Chinese riders meet for weekend rides. The club is called Reganmian, named after Wuhan’s famous hot dry noodles, a local breakfast staple and a symbol of the city’s character and warmth. Now, in my third year at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, I can confidently say that I could not be happier with the decision I made back then.
Building a School from the Ground Up
Teaching at a brand-new school is never easy. It comes with challenges: new students, new colleagues, new systems, and protocols that need to be created from the ground up. But at the same time, it is deeply rewarding. You are not simply stepping into an existing structure, you are helping to build it. You are given an empty field and a clear mission: to contribute, shape, and leave a meaningful mark.
Freedom and Trust in the Classroom
After 17 years of international teaching experience across different countries, schools, and educational systems, I can say with certainty that no two schools are ever the same. BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan is no exception. What I value most in my professional life is freedom and trust, and these are two things I have truly found here. Freedom to implement my own teaching philosophy, develop ambitious art projects, and curate meaningful exhibitions, and trust from the school to do so at the highest level.
Rising to High Expectations
Expectations at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan are high, and rightly so. I am extremely proud of my students, their dedication, their creativity, and the way they rise to these expectations. My goal as an Art teacher has always been clear: art and creativity should be visible and alive in everyday school life, not confined to occasional exhibitions or classrooms.
Making Creativity a Part of Everyday Life
At BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, creativity is present everywhere, every day, throughout the year. Student artwork fills corridors, learning spaces, and communal areas, becoming an integral part of the school’s identity. Their work contributes to the spirit and soul of the campus. In a time when video games, instant content, and social media dominate students’ attention, choosing to spend hours, sometimes several weeks, working patiently on a canvas is no longer just an assignment; it is a necessity. Research in arts education consistently highlights that sustained creative practice develops focus, resilience, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, skills that are essential well beyond the art room.
Where Art Meets Every Subject
One of the achievements I am most proud of during my time at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan is making cross-curricular collaboration a reality. I have worked closely with teachers from Music, History, Drama, and even the Science department, blending Physics and Photography to help students understand both subjects through a creative lens. These collaborations enrich learning and show students that art is not isolated, it is deeply connected to how we understand the world.
A Gallery-Level Experience
Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of being an Art teacher at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan is the Art Exhibition program. Early in my career, I worked in museums as a curator, and that experience strongly influences how we present student work today. Our exhibitions are second to none. Every detail (lighting, layout, banners, labels, and curatorial flow) is designed to professional gallery standards.
The process requires commitment, teamwork, and hard work, but the results are exceptional. When students see their artwork displayed with the same care and respect as in a professional gallery, it profoundly impacts their confidence, motivation, and sense of achievement. They no longer see their work as “just a school project,” but as something worthy of public attention and pride.
Why It Matters
This, ultimately, is what art education at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan is about: creating meaningful experiences, fostering creativity, and empowering students to see themselves as artists, thinkers, and contributors to the world around them.
And remember, the best is always yet to come!
José Valcárcel
Upper School Art Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
For more information about starting your creative journey teaching abroad with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
Watch the recording of our live webinar about teaching at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan on our YouTube channel.
