Students tackle college-level content years before most of their peers at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools. They show up motivated, ask hard questions, and push for real understanding. Subjects like science, where concepts can be abstract and the curriculum moves fast, push teachers to be creative in finding angles or everyday examples that make a challenging concept land.
Below, four teachers share about their first year teaching science at BASIS International School Guangzhou—the adjustments, the surprises, and the moments when things clicked.
Making Advanced Science Accessible
When I first began teaching middle school science at BASIS International School Guangzhou, the biggest adjustment was guiding young students through foundational AP-level content. Concepts like stoichiometry and atomic structure, which are standard in high school curricula, required me to rethink how I explain complex ideas simply. I realized that breaking down abstract ideas into relatable, everyday examples was key, and I did this by using magnets to explain periodic trends involving atomic nuclei and electrons and drawing on everyday phenomena to illustrate physical and chemical changes. That helped the students connect with the material.
This approach demanded more intentional lesson planning. I designed hands-on activities, such as building atomic models with everyday materials, to make abstract concepts tangible. It was rewarding to see students move from confusion to confidence as they grasped ideas that initially felt overwhelming. Over time, I have come to value this challenge. It has pushed me to become a more creative and empathetic educator, and to remember that even advanced science can be accessible when taught with patience and clear, thoughtful explanations.
Wicky Chow
Chemistry Teacher
BASIS International School Guangzhou
____________
Using Everyday Chemistry to Unlock Curiosity
I’ve been teaching Chemistry for nine years, but this is my first time teaching overseas. Coming from Brazil, I didn’t expect how much I would enjoy being part of a team with so many different nationalities, sharing ideas, jokes, and teaching tricks almost every day. AP Chemistry is challenging anywhere, since it is college-level, fast-paced, and abstract, but here, students make it truly rewarding. They notice when a lesson is tough because it actually teaches them something, not just because it is hard. I like to start classes with everyday questions that spark curiosity, like why milk calms your mouth better than water after a spicy meal, or why some candies dissolve faster than others. From there, I use data and technology to see where each student struggles and offer support tailored to their needs. Watching students connect the dots, ask new questions, and gain confidence reminds me why teaching, even across continents, is such a privilege.
Jhonatan de Alencar
Chemistry Teacher
BASIS International School Guangzhou
____________
Building Precision and Problem Solving in Physics
The process of adjusting to BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China (BIBS • C) has been a rewarding challenge. Since the start of the Summer Institute, there have been so many tasks to get done and constant pressure to give excellent lessons. This is all worth it when you see the dedication and hard work the students put in. At BIBS • C, the curriculum is strict and requires a lot of students. They are under a lot of pressure, and it feels like we are all working hard together towards a common goal. This feeling of being a team and working together extends even into the management. I have found that the management and experienced coworkers here have been indispensable. There is a positive work environment in which teachers share materials and support one another whenever needed. I’ve really enjoyed these conversations with them and the feeling of belonging to a team where everyone is willing to work hard and help each other. I’ve grown a lot as a teacher over this short period and received excellent feedback. I’m excited for the remainder of the year and everything to come.
Nathan Wiley
Grade 8 Physics & Pre-Calculus B Teacher
BASIS International School Guangzhou
____________
Balancing Scientific Rigor with Inquiry and Exploration
Adjusting to the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China science curriculum and school life in Guangzhou has been both challenging and rewarding. At the beginning, the fast pace and structured nature of the curriculum pushed me to rethink how I planned lessons and managed time in the classroom. Over time, I’ve become more confident in setting clear objectives and keeping lessons focused while still allowing students to explore and ask questions.
What has made the biggest difference for me has been the students and my colleagues. My students are hardworking and curious, and seeing them grow more confident with scientific concepts has been incredibly motivating. I’ve also appreciated the support and collaboration from other teachers, which has helped me feel more grounded professionally.
Outside of school, adjusting to daily life in Guangzhou has taken time. I haven’t explored as much as I hoped yet, but I finally feel like I am settling into a routine and becoming more comfortable navigating the city. This experience has encouraged me to be more patient and it has been a meaningful step in both my personal and professional growth.
Stephanie Cruz
Chemistry & Physics Teacher
BASIS International School Guangzhou
Conclusion
Across BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, science classrooms are spaces where curiosity, rigor, and creativity come together every day. For these science educators at BASIS International School Guangzhou, the first year has been about more than adjusting to a new curriculum or country, it has been about growing alongside motivated students and collaborative colleagues while discovering new ways to make advanced learning meaningful. Their experiences reflect the kind of environment that defines our network: one where teachers are challenged, supported, and inspired to continually evolve in their practice.
For more information about teaching abroad with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, visit our careers website.
