Summer break at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China offers our teachers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family, explore new places, pursue professional learning, and recharge for the coming year. This summer, our teachers went on trips that spanned continents and cultures—from UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka to the mountains of New Mexico, from the west coast of Ireland to island life in Bali. Here are our teachers’ stories of rest, renewal, and discoveries from around the world.
Summer Adventures: From Sri Lanka to Canada
This summer was truly extraordinary. Our journey began in Sri Lanka, where we marveled at the majestic Sigiriya Lion’s Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its breathtaking views.
In Nuwara Eliya, we explored lush tea plantations and enjoyed the finest Ceylon tea.
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy was a spiritual highlight, housing a sacred relic. We also visited a vibrant spice garden, where the aromas of cinnamon and cardamom filled the air.
Next, we ventured to Canada, starting in Winnipeg, where we enjoyed a lively folk festival filled with music, dance, and delicious local cuisine. We then headed to Brandon, Manitoba, reconnecting with family and friends. A highlight was camping in Dauphin by the lake, where we gathered around the fire for s’mores and enjoyed refreshing swims. Surrounded by stunning prairies and bright blue skies, this summer was a perfect blend of adventure and connection!
Cherisse Robinson
Kindergarten Teacher
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
One Summer, Nine States
This summer flew by, but I packed in a lot! I visited nine states, starting with a road trip through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas—where I even toured a swamp in New Orleans to see real live gators. I also spent time in New York, visiting my husband during his summer program at Columbia University’s Teachers College and catching up with a former colleague from my BASIS International School Nanjing campus. Back in my hometown of Chicago, I reunited with family and friends, explored Chinatown with my sisters to compare it to the real China (spoiler: it’s not the same, it never will be), and enjoyed time with my cat, Peanut Butter—turning 19 in September and still ruling the house. I even made my all-class high school reunion and kept up my 10-year tradition with friends of watching a superhero movie and raidingPortillo’s. Between travel, doctoral work, and jet lag, it was a whirlwind—but a great one.
Ayana Dickens-Cullins
Kindergarten Teacher
BASIS International School Nanjing
A Summer of Rest and Renewal
Summer is a time for rest and relaxation. I began mine as I always do, by spending the first week getting as close to my couch as possible. My goal was simple: become one with it. This year, I also took a trip to Bali. Every moment was a memory.
Despite having lived in the city for many years, I still consider myself an island girl at heart. My trip to Bali rekindled that part of me that longed for the faint but persistent smell of saltwater in the air, fresh food with low mileage, close-knit community groups, and the simple, inexplicable ease unique to island life. One of the highlights was visiting the Butterfly Park, where I bravely faced my fears of all things that creep, crawl, and fly, by handling the largest moth I’ve ever seen. It was a truly terrifying but wonderfully rewarding experience.
I returned from Bali not just well rested but inspired. The rest of my summer was spent doing what I love but rarely have time for—gardening, sewing, painting, reading, and more. Now, as summer break ends, I’m satisfied and ready for what’s next. It was the perfect balance of rest, creativity, and rejuvenation.
Maive Jackson
Visual Art Teacher, ECE
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian
Exploring the West Coast of Ireland
As someone who emigrated from Ireland 17 years ago and spent most of those years in Asia, I treasure every chance I have to return to the family hearth. Now that my daughter is five years old, she is getting to know her daddy’s home, as well as her grandparents, so this summer we explored the west coast of Ireland with my wife. We started in Galway, where we lounged on the promenade as I reconnected with old friends. We then explored King John’s Castle, the Norman stronghold which dominates the landscape of my hometown, Limerick City (after stopping to feed some very hungry swans!)
We visited the seaside town of Lahinch on the rare day it didn’t rain, though our enthusiasm for visiting was somewhat tempered by the fact the tide was very decidedly in that day. Another lovely memory was a lovely nature hike through the wetlands in the bucolic paradise that is County Kerry, where we spent time identifying local flora and fauna. However, seeing as we had a daughter to satisfy, three generations of my family stopped by a wildlife park to take some silly snaps with giraffes!
All in all, it was a restful and restorative holiday, one that has placed me in the perfect mental space to tackle the next academic year with gusto!
George Clancy
Director of College Admissions
BASIS International School Guangzhou
Fun, Love, and Travel
I had a fun-filled summer with traveling back to my home country of the United States and my home state of Texas. My immediate family took a trip to New Mexico, where we had lovely days in the mountains. Back home in Texas, I was able to complete APSI online for AP Language and Literature. I cannot express how excited I am to teach the course this year. For my last week of summer break, I spent it in Krabi, Thailand, on a solo trip. Overall, it was an amazing summer filled with fun, love, and travel.
Sarah Abbe
AP Language Teacher, Capstone Teacher
BASIS International School Guangzhou
Parks, Museums, Trains, and a Birthday in England
This summer was an itinerary of parks, museums, trains, and shows. We took a dinosaur steam train, and after that, the rest of the trains felt disappointingly ordinary. Days ranged from playgrounds to galleries, gardens to history exhibits.
I marked my birthday in England and spent most of the trip with family. There was also birthday cake, BBQs, and long days on our feet. By the end, the weeks were full, and so were we.
We are also added a new member of the family—a long-awaited puppy.
April Cunningham
ECE Chair and Teacher
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
Conclusion
From quiet moments of rest to adventures across the globe, our teachers return from summer refreshed, inspired, and ready to bring new energy into their classrooms. Summer break for teachers at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China is more than time off, it’s a chance for our educators to grow, reconnect, and return with fresh perspectives to share with their students.
For more information on teaching with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
