For many educators, the idea of teaching abroad sparks a mix of excitement and hesitation; especially when young children are part of the equation. Can you build a meaningful career while giving your family stability in a completely new environment? For Dr. Ilona Stricof, the answer is a resounding yes. Her journey to BASIS International School Guangzhou proves that sometimes the boldest decisions lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Taking the Leap
There is an old Chinese proverb that reads “shēntǐ hé línghún, zǒng yǒu yī gè zài lù,” which translates as “Either your body or your soul must always be on the road.” Key to that lovely sentiment is the singular “YOUR” body or soul; nobody in their right mind, even in Song-era China, would advocate for “you and your two toddlers” being always on the road!
And yet, that’s precisely what my husband and I did in the summer of 2025: uprooted our two toddler boys (then three and five, now four and six), packed our whole lives into twelve HUGE duffel bags, and put our bodies and our souls on the road to a grand new adventure in Guangzhou, China.
Saying Yes to the Unexpected
It boggles belief that when BASIS International School Guangzhou knocked on my virtual door (my LinkedIn profile) and said, “Hello, we would like a new AP European History teacher, please,” my husband and I decided, “Yes, with pleasure!” And yet, we are both, without a doubt, thrilled with our decision—and every day in a new and fascinating way. From the very first Walmart visit in Tianhe, my family and I were gifted with new smells, sights, sounds, and tastes beyond the realm of ordinary life in suburban Florida: Peking duck, traditional Chinese herbs (I accidentally ate a piece of tree sap, thinking it was candy!) and fresh-made pickled worms (I’ll pass but they looked intriguing?). And things only got more interesting from there.
Guangzhou: A Family-Friendly City
One of the most surprising things about China from an American perspective is just how child-friendly the infrastructure is. Right when you get into baggage claim at the airport, you see child-sized, brightly colored luggage carts disguised as toy cars, which my boys sat on straight away. Walmart isn’t a mere Walmart here: it is a play palace, with an arcade, a soft play area, and a ping-pong tournament area/rollerblade arena! The plethora of child-friendly amenities in the city cannot be over sung: zoos, aquariums, three outdoor amusement parks, including the world’s second largest water park, one indoor water park that turns into a huge indoor playground in the winter; one of the world’s largest indoor ski resorts, which turns into a winter wonderland complete with fireplace and hot chocolate during the holidays, the list goes on.
Finding Home Abroad
Although moving to Guangzhou to teach at BASIS International School Guangzhou with my family was frightening at first, six months in, we would be hard-pressed to live anywhere else. Our time in China has been a journey for both our bodies and our souls, and we love it!
Dr. Ilona Stricof
AP European History Teacher
BASIS International School Guangzhou
More Than a Career Move
Choosing to teach abroad isn’t just about a new role, it’s about embracing growth, discovery, and a different way of life. For educators considering the journey, Guangzhou offers not only a dynamic professional environment, but a place where families can truly thrive.
For more information about teaching abroad with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, visit our careers website.
Watch the recording of our live webinar about teaching at BASIS International School Nanjing on our YouTube channel.
