In honor of International Day of Families on May 15, we asked faculty across our BASIS International & Bilingual Schools to reflect on what it’s like raising children while teaching in China. Their stories show what many families discover: China is a remarkably safe, supportive, and rewarding place to raise kids. From tight-knit faculty communities and playful after-school moments to connections with local neighbors, our teachers speak to the joy of family life in China and how BASIS International & Bilingual Schools has become their home.
Pools, Playgrounds, and Community in Chengdu
We’ve been living in Chengdu since 2015, and it has truly become our home. From the moment we arrived, we fell in love with the city, its warm and welcoming people, its relaxed pace of life, and, of course, its famously spicy cuisine. In 2023, we welcomed our daughter right here in the heart of Chengdu, and every day, we feel grateful for the opportunities this first-class city provides for her.
Chengdu feels like one big, interconnected community. Malls, parks, and public spaces are clearly designed with children and families in mind. Our own residential complex includes an indoor playroom and an outdoor playground complete with slides, a sandpit, and interactive musical installations. Just down the street is a larger public playground that we often visit. Our daughter spends her days playing with neighborhood children in these wonderful spaces, but our favorite activity has to be visiting the public pools during the summer!
Being part of the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu community adds another layer of richness to our experience. Connecting with a broader network of expat families has expanded our social circle and created a strong support system. From birthday parties and seasonal celebrations to casual get-togethers, the BASIS International Schools community truly feels like an extension of home. It’s experiences like these that remind us how fortunate we are to be raising our family in China.
Marc Woods
Math & Science Teacher, Technology & Design Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
Ariane Erasmus
G1 & G2 Humanities Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
A Safe and Community-Focused Neighborhood in Guangzhou
Having both of my children while living in China has been such a special and meaningful part of our journey. One of the things I appreciate most is how safe and community-focused our neighborhood is. In our BASIS International School Guangzhou housing complex, there’s this natural rhythm—kids of all ages playing together outside while the adults step in to supervise, support, and just be present. It really feels like a village. Even though we’re not on the BASIS International School Guangzhou campus, our home has become a place full of connection and care. The neighborhood is big but filled with greenery and great play spaces, and I love that my kids get to grow up alongside other staff families and local families, too. It’s giving them a global perspective and a true sense of belonging here in China.
Livia Dilts
Head of Primary School
BASIS International School Guangzhou
Living and Learning Together at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
Life on the BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen campus has been amazing these past four years! My wife, our son Danni, and I absolutely love it here. The best part? Rolling out of bed and being at work in minutes! No more stressful commutes means neither Danni nor I are ever late for class!
But honestly, what we love most is watching Danni have fun with all the other staff kids after school. The campus becomes this awesome playground where the kids zoom around on bikes, play basketball, or come up with their own games. It feels like one big family! We’ve made such great friends with other faculty families, who totally understand what it’s like raising kids while living abroad in China.
Mike Tolan
Middle School English Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
A Warm Extended Family in Wuhan
As educators and parents at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, we’ve discovered China to be an ideal environment for raising children. The school community has become an extended family for us, where even colleagues without children enthusiastically participate in birthday celebrations and school events. This creates a warm atmosphere where adults and children alike feel valued and included.
Our experience has been greatly enhanced by the faculty housing arrangement. We frequently see children playing together on the community soccer pitch, while the 200-meter track and basketball courts across the street provide excellent recreational spaces. The riverside park just down the road has become a favorite weekend destination, where our children enjoy playing with both international and local friends.
What has surprised us most is how naturally our family has adapted to life here. The emphasis on community and safety means children can play freely, and we’ve found local families to be consistently welcoming. The curiosity of neighborhood children about our cultural background always comes from a place of genuine interest, creating wonderful opportunities for cultural exchange.
At BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, we’ve found not just rewarding careers but a truly supportive environment for family life. The combination of professional fulfillment and quality of life here has made our experience in Wuhan exceptionally positive for both us as educators and for our children.
Steven Cumberworth
Head of Upper School
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
Finding Community and Support at BASIS International School Shenzhen
When we first joined BASIS International School Shenzhen, even though we had lived in China for several years, we didn’t know anyone in Shenzhen or the school. Understandably, we were concerned about how our 10-year-old would adapt and thrive in such a new and complex environment.
To our delight, the school went above and beyond to ensure we felt welcomed and supported. From day one, BASIS International Schools was incredibly thoughtful in creating opportunities for us to settle in and feel at home. They made sure we had all the essential resources and information to feel safe and comfortable immediately upon arrival.
One of the most impactful aspects of this transition was discovering the robust expat family community within the school. Our son quickly made friends and built meaningful social connections, which played a huge role in his emotional and social success. This sense of belonging extended to us as parents, and we’ve found a strong community that supports us in this journey. The combination of academic excellence and a caring environment has made all the difference for our son’s smooth adaptation to the BASIS International Schools curriculum and expectations.
The new faculty housing at BASIS International School Shenzhen has been a game-changer for our family. Beyond the convenience of being close to the school, the housing has fostered a close-knit community among staff families. Many of the teachers’ children have formed a tight circle of friends, creating a supportive and fun environment outside of school hours.
Access to school facilities on weekends has been another incredible benefit. Whether we’re swimming together as a family or enjoying other sports facilities, these shared spaces have enriched our weekends and given us opportunities to bond. Additionally, the on-campus Book Bar has become a cherished gathering place for celebrating birthdays, hosting small get-togethers, or simply enjoying some relaxed time with other families.
This combination of convenience, community, and shared activities has made our experience in China even more fulfilling.
One of the most pleasant surprises about living in Shenzhen has been the city’s beautiful climate and outdoor spaces. The abundance of parks and green spaces has allowed us to connect with nature and enjoy family outings year-round.
We’ve also been impressed with how easy it is to find enriching activities for our children. From guitar lessons to tennis coaching, we’ve been able to quickly connect with opportunities that align with our child’s passions and interests.
All of these factors—combined with the incredible academic and emotional support provided by BASIS International School Shenzhen—have made our transition seamless. Our family is thriving, and we’re thrilled to be part of a vibrant, excellence-driven ecosystem that prioritizes both academic achievement and the holistic well-being of its students and families.
Chris Noordhoek
Incoming Vice Head of High School
AP Biology & AP Psychology Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
Building a Home Away from Home in Park Lane Harbour
China and BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour (BIPH) were our first overseas teaching experience. As a family with a 7-year-old child, we had many questions about living and working abroad. From day one, we were supported in every detail—airport pickup, transportation, housing setup, school routines, and daily life in China. We were warmly welcomed into the BIPH family, and that made all the difference. Living in the BASIS International Schools faculty housing helped us quickly build friendships and feel connected to a caring, international community. It felt like home from the very beginning. The biggest surprise about living in China with kids is the endless opportunities for family fun. Every city offers unique, exciting experiences—our son is thriving, and we’re enjoying our second childhood right beside him. This journey began with questions, but thanks to the strong support of the BASIS International Schools community, it continues with joy, discovery, and deep gratitude. We’re proud to call this our new home.
Bige Kilic
Biology Teacher
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
Mehmet Kilic
Chemistry Teacher
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
Security and Connection: A Vibrant Family Life in Shenzhen
Since relocating to Shenzhen, we have built a wonderful community by connecting with other teachers and their families from various BASIS International & Bilingual Schools campuses. Living in faculty housing has been a blessing, providing convenient access to both my school and my children’s schools. My kids have formed friendships with many children in our building, making playdates easy and enjoyable. We regularly participate in social events with other families, sharing our celebrations and traditions. One of the most pleasant surprises has been the safety of China for children; we feel very secure here, knowing that our community looks out for one another. The kindness and helpfulness of people in Shenzhen have enriched our experience in this vibrant city, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the rich Chinese culture. Overall, this journey has been both rewarding and fulfilling.
Natalie Kealy
ECE Teacher
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
Endless Possibilities in Nanjing and Beyond
Hello! My name is James Kim, and I work as a physics teacher at BASIS International School Nanjing. I am happily married to Bethany, who teaches Mathematics in the Middle School. We are blessed with three children: Jana, who is 5 years old and attends kindergarten at BASIS International School Nanjing; her three-year-old brother, Jasin, who will be joining the school in PreK1 next year; and Jabin, our little boy, is turning 2 in November.
Nanjing is a lovely, green and peaceful city with so many places to visit with children; it is great for families. BASIS International School Nanjing has a family WeChat channel, and through it, families organize activities in which they can venture out to local parks and attractions. The Sunshine Committee at our school also creates room for different family-friendly activities, which our kids (and their parents) have loved!
Bethany and I love our apartment, which we found with the help of the school faculty, and it is a great neighborhood for the kids to be in. We really cannot fault Nanjing and our community—apart from, I guess, occasional random fireworks, which are a part of living in China.
The most rewarding surprise of living in China as a family is that there are tons of things we can do with our kids. Sometimes, it is almost hard to just choose which activity can fill our weekends; there are so many parks and activities available in the area. For now, I am staying true to my Korean heritage, and Jana and Jasin are learning Taekwondo!
Overall, we are contentedly happy in Nanjing. There will always be minor challenges of living in a foreign land, but once you get used to the culture and understand how things work, the possibilities are endless. And, when a change of environment is needed, occasional trips outside China are a breeze with an international airport on our doorstep.
Bethany Cha
Middle School Mathematics Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing
James Kim
High School Physics Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing
Discovering a Welcoming Faculty Community in Shenzhen
Arriving in our BASIS International School Shenzhen faculty housing after years in Beijing was a very different experience from where we had been before. We’d lived in large apartment complexes that had dozens and dozens of buildings. However, here, we found a small community with a lot of kids that had a large diversity of experiences, whether in terms of country of origin, experiences, or culture. Moreover, the atmosphere in the common areas is welcoming and safe—allowing us to spend lazy weekends sitting downstairs playing pickleball or enjoying watching our daughter play with her friends and classmates. The commute certainly also doesn’t leave anything to be desired. One quick elevator ride, and she’s off to school while I make it into work, allowing us to spend less time on travel and more on enjoying time with family and friends.
Nicolas Cala
AP History Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
For more information on teaching with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
