Traveling opens the door to unforgettable experiences and personal growth. This Global Talent Acquisition Day, we’re celebrating the incredible journeys and connections made by our BASIS International & Bilingual Schools recruitment team, as they share their recent journeys to our campuses in China and Thailand that have been nothing short of extraordinary. From exploring vibrant cities to witnessing the blending of ancient traditions with modern advancements, here’s a glimpse into what makes Asia so captivating through the eyes of our own recruiting team members and why they are passionate about encouraging educators to join our high-achieving network.
Hayley Ferguson, International Recruiter: A Journey Through History
As a child, I was fascinated by my interactive globe toy, and I would spend hours dreaming about the places I wanted to visit with my Grandpa. China was always a topic of our conversations due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. This August, my childhood dreams came true as I visited our BASIS network schools across China.
Traveling to Shenzhen, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Beijing was an eye-opening experience. Each city showcased its unique characteristics while highlighting the continuity of Chinese culture and history. A standout moment was exploring Hangzhou. We dined at a traditional Chinese tea house and were treated to a meal that was both delicious and steeped in local traditions. Our visit to the tea fields and the warm hospitality of the locals truly embodied the generosity I’ve always heard about. Ending the day with a boat ride across West Lake and a climb up Leifeng Pagoda capped off an incredible afternoon. The Italian dinner we had afterward was a delightful surprise, proving that China has something for everyone.
Leifeng Pagoda
West Lake in Hangzhou
This trip was a profound experience, and I am already looking forward to returning.
Megan Link, Recruiting Coordinator: From Bangkok to Beijing
As a proud member of the BASIS International Schools team, my recent overseas trip included visiting our BASIS International School Bangkok campus in Thailand, and attending the opening ceremonies for our new schools in Shenzhen, China. The energy and enthusiasm from staff, faculty, and families at BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen, BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan, and BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian were palpable and heartwarming.
BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian
In Thailand, the campus impressed me with its blend of indoor and outdoor spaces and lush landscaping. With over 2,000 species of plants carefully chosen to thrive in the environment, the campus is a green oasis. Street food and local shops added to the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the campus.
Returning to China, I revisited the cities of Shenzhen, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Beijing. Wuhan offered fantastic shopping and sights, Hangzhou delighted with its authentic cuisine and scenic beauty, and Beijing was a treasure trove of historical landmarks. I even had the chance to see the Great Wall and many temples and palaces, leaving me in awe of the city’s liveliness and cultural depth. I’m eager to return to both Thailand and China soon and see what new adventures await in our network of schools!
Temple of Heaven in Beijing
Yangtze River in Wuhan
Jianghan Road in Wuhan
Laila Oskouie, Recruitment Team Lead: Experiencing Our Incredible Campuses
My visits to our schools in China never cease to amaze me. Each campus is a testament to the meticulous care and detail that goes into creating these educational environments. Imagine having access to amenities like a giant swimming pool, a Blackbox theater, a planetarium, a two-story slide, a teachers-only fitness room, Zen gardens, and makerspaces. The resources available to our teachers are truly the stuff of dreams.
During a recent 16-day trip, I traversed China, hopping between 10 flights. The ease of traveling within China was remarkable. From Shenzhen to Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Beijing, the flights were affordable, efficient, and well-connected. Even when venturing outside China to Hong Kong and Bangkok, the convenience of travel was impressive.
Despite not being fluent in Chinese, I never felt lost or overwhelmed. The kindness of locals and the effectiveness of translation apps made communication smooth and enjoyable. One memorable moment was visiting the Great Wall in Beijing—a bucket-list experience that was both breathtaking and humbling. The views from the cable cars and the opportunity to walk along such a historic monument were unforgettable.
China continues to captivate me with its blend of tradition and modernity, and I could talk for hours about how incredible it is!
Brittany Benjamin, International Recruiter: A Journey of Rediscovery
In 2011, I took my first trip to China as a study abroad student, an experience that opened my eyes to a fascinating blend of cultures. It was incredible to see how China maintained its rich traditions while also embracing elements of Western culture. The combination created a unique environment where ancient customs met cutting-edge technology, making it feel like I was stepping into the future.
Thirteen years later, in 2024, I returned to China and was struck by how much the country had continued to evolve. As a recruiter, this trip offered me a fresh perspective, allowing me to explore different areas of China and see firsthand the changes taking place.
During my visit, I was excited to see the opening of several new schools, including BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen, BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan, BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian, as well as BASIS International and Bilingual School Wuhan and BASIS International School Hangzhou. These schools stood out for their modern facilities and strong commitment to education, offering a glimpse into how China’s educational landscape is expanding and adapting.
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
BASIS International School Hangzhou
Beyond the educational developments, I noticed how much easier it is to navigate China, even with limited Mandarin skills. Thanks to advancements in technology, apps like Google Translate, WeChat, Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber), and Alipay have made it simpler for visitors to explore and connect with the local culture. These tools have opened up new possibilities for travel and everyday interactions, making China more accessible to a global audience.
I was also impressed by the country’s focus on green initiatives. Traveling along the highways, I saw beautifully landscaped flower beds and abundant green spaces, reflecting a clear effort to enhance the environment. This emphasis on creating sustainable urban areas was evident throughout my trip, adding a refreshing balance to the busy city life.
China’s cities have also become even more diverse in their culinary offerings. From Italian to Japanese and various other international cuisines, there’s a wide range of dining options that cater to different tastes. This diversity adds a vibrant layer to the experience of exploring China, showcasing its openness to different cultures and flavors.
Overall, my 2024 visit to China was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the country’s dynamic evolution. It was great to see the progress being made while still recognizing the unique aspects that make China so captivating. Whether you’re interested in education, technology, or simply exploring a different culture, there’s always something new to discover in China.
Our travels through Asia have been a testament to the country’s rich history, dynamic culture, modern conveniences, and welcoming spirit. Each experience highlights the remarkable opportunities and experiences that await those who visit our BASIS International Schools. Whether exploring ancient landmarks or modern campuses, Asia offers an array of experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Visit our careers website for more information about teaching with BASIS International Schools.
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