Meet Zoltan Nemes, a biology teacher at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen since 2022. With a passion for learning and sharing, Zoltan’s teaching journey has taken him to various Asian countries, and now to China to fulfill his dream to explore its nature and history. Embracing the challenges of teaching in diverse cultures, Zoltan finds working abroad fulfilling for both himself and his family. Read on to learn more about his adventures.
What made you decide to pursue a career in education?
My father was a language teacher, while my mother worked in a school library. As a young child, I was interested in animals. I was very lucky I had a brilliant biology teacher in middle school who accepted all my crazy experiments and collections of all kinds of animals. As a teenager, I decided I wanted to be a biology teacher. I continue to work as a teacher even after receiving my second degree in Marine Biology. I haven’t changed my philosophy in the last 30 years: life is a journey of learning and sharing with our students, children, and friends.
What influenced you to teach abroad? Why in China?
South East Asia and China have always fascinated me, so when I got an offer from a school in Singapore, I accepted it immediately. After Singapore, I lived in the United Kingdom, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates, and now I live in China. Experiencing China’s nature and historical places was one of my dreams, and now I can do it.
What do you enjoy most about teaching internationally and at a bilingual school?
Teaching overseas is a big challenge, and meeting another culture, and people from different countries, and learning new things is always challenging. Having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world is one of the things I love most about working in a bilingual school.
When you came to China, what was pleasantly surprising?
My first impression of China was how clean the city is, how friendly the people are, and the vast green spaces in the city.
What is it like teaching abroad with a family?
After working in different international schools for most of my career, I never received as much support as I did at Basis Bilingual School in Shenzhen. They helped me with everything, from my visa application to finding accommodations and acclimating to my school and city. I was able to bring my family along after a few months. It was a dream come true to be able to live in a school where they appreciate my abilities. I feel I am an invaluable member of the team.
How has your teaching practice improved during your time at BASIS?
As I have excellent colleagues, we can discuss all ideas and share our experiences to constantly improve and master new skills.
What advice would you give to teachers who are considering working overseas?
Let life’s opportunities and challenges inspire you. Get on that plane and start a new life!
Zoltan Nemes
Biology Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
For more information about teaching with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
