Across the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools network, gratitude is more than a seasonal theme, it’s a lived experience shared in classrooms, hallways, staff offices, and community events every single day. As we approach the holiday season, teachers and leaders from campuses across China have taken a moment to reflect on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped their journeys. Their stories offer a meaningful window into what it feels like to be part of BASIS International & Bilingual Schools.
Thankful Teacher Reflections
When I think about joining the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools community, my heart fills with gratitude. BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour and BASIS Bilingual School Guangming are not just schools to me but places where my husband and I have cultivated great friendships, collaborated with gifted educators and leaders, and found a place of meaningful work and belonging. I am also thankful for the wider BASIS International & Bilingual Schools community—the talented and dedicated staff, the magical traditions like the Chinese New Year gala, and the spirit that connects us across cultures. Above all, I am thankful to be part of a dynamic, supportive community that feels like family and look forward to contributing to its growth and success. For this trust, this community, and this journey, I am profoundly thankful.
Jeni Nelson
Founding Head of Early Childhood Education
BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen
_________
As we move toward the holiday season, I’ve been reflecting on what I’m truly grateful for—and at the top of that list is our incredible BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour Sea Dragon community. Every day, I’m surrounded by colleagues who support one another, who show up for their students, and who bring a level of enthusiasm and heart that makes what we do here feel less like work and more like being part of a family.
What stands out most is that our sense of connection doesn’t end when the school day does. We run together at fun runs, challenge each other at trivia nights, plan weekend adventures, and find moments to laugh and unwind as a team. These shared experiences remind me that the strength of our community lies not only in our dedication to our students but also in the joy we find in one another.
I’m thankful for the big things—support, collaboration, shared purpose—but also the small things: the hallway jokes, the helping hands, the collective spirit that lifts us all. Working in a place where people care this deeply is truly something special.
Dr. Richard Vigilante
Boarding Director
Pre-Calculus A Teacher
BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
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My wife and I are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we received upon joining the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu community. Becoming part of this inspiring school has been a truly rewarding experience, and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute by coaching volleyball. We have especially enjoyed seeing the U19 boys’ volleyball players improve their skills both on and off the court. Celebrating our team’s victories in two tournaments (Northern BIBS•CAL and the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu Invitational) has been a proud and memorable experience, reflecting the dedication and teamwork of our students. The supportive environment and friendly staff have made us feel at home from day one. We are passionate about our work here and eager to continue helping our students develop their athletic abilities as well as important life skills like teamwork and resilience. Being part of this vibrant community has enriched our lives, and we look forward to many more shared successes and meaningful connections within the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools community.
Jorge Rodriguez
PE Teacher/Primary School
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
Heather Rodriguez
Chemistry Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu
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I am thankful to BASIS International School Shenzhen for the opportunity to teach and live in China. Coming from the United States, it aligned with our academic background, and the school was able to secure visas for my children and me. To be able to work as a BASIS International Schools teacher in China has been fulfilling for me since our students are not only serious about their academics but are also full of energy and so interesting to teach. My children are absolutely thriving here, and we live on campus in a brand-new apartment that is conveniently close for everyone to participate in school activities and sports. Overall, BASIS International School Shenzhen has given us a happy place to work, learn, and grow together as a family.
Cynthia Wu, PhD
Algebra Teacher
BASIS International School Shenzhen
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One of my cherished Thanksgiving memories from China is teaching my daughters the values of generosity and kindness through a heartfelt tradition we do for BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan staff. Together, we prepared gift bags filled with treats for our dedicated logistics team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes and truly deserve recognition. We personalized each bag with their names in English and Chinese. This act reminded us that every member of our school community—from teachers to support staff—is essential to creating a vibrant, joyful environment. By expressing gratitude through words and actions, we nurtured empathy in my girls. This is our second year with BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan, and I hope this tradition inspires them to grow into thoughtful, compassionate adults who pay kindness forward. As Dr. Seuss said, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
Mabel Choi
ECE Teacher
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
_________
As we approach the American Thanksgiving Holiday, I have much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the roughly 300 new smiling faces that greet me each morning. It brings me such joy to make music with them each week. I also have around 50 new colleagues who have helped me get my bearings in a new country and culture, as well as in a new school environment. I am grateful for their encouragement through this period of transition. I’ve also taken my first vacation in China, and spent the majority of my weekends exploring my new home. I’m also incredibly thankful for my support network back in Detroit, Michigan, USA! The facetimes, loving messages, and consistent support from family and friends have gotten me through some of the tougher moments thus far.
Christie Lower
Music Teacher
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Futian
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This Thanksgiving season, there is so much to be thankful for! I’m grateful to be part of an effervescent community of co-workers and collaborators who inspire and motivate me to be better each day I come to work. They’ve honestly become some of my biggest influencers in work and in life, and I find it extremely special to work alongside them in this playground we call a school. This year, I also enter the holiday season with much to look forward to—as someone’s FIANCÉ! Getting married in the not-too-distant future seems surreal, but also having the opportunity to spend the holidays with my family is equally special. For the first time since moving to China, seven incredible years ago, my parents will be making their second journey to Shenzhen to spend Christmas overseas. All in all, I’m wholeheartedly grateful for all this year, this place of work, and those near, dear, and far who have gifted me with this Thanksgiving season. Happy holidays to all! Wishing nothing but twinkly lights ahead!
Jonnise Hazuka
PK 1 ECE Teacher
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
_________
Since joining the BASIS International School Hangzhou community, I’ve been most thankful for the immediate sense of support and belonging I’ve felt from day one. Moving to a new country is never easy, but the kindness, encouragement, and openness from my colleagues and leadership made the transition feel incredibly smooth. I’m grateful to teach in an environment that values curiosity, creativity, and high expectations, not just for students, but for educators as well.
Every day, I’m surrounded by passionate teachers who genuinely care about their craft and about uplifting one another. That spirit of collaboration has inspired me to grow, experiment, and bring my full self into the classroom. I’m also deeply appreciative of my students, whose energy and eagerness to learn remind me why I chose this profession.
Overall, I’m thankful to be part of a community that feels both challenging and deeply supportive.
Jana Thomas-Reid
Primary Drama Teacher, Grades 1 & 2
Girls Middle and High School Basketball Coach
BASIS International School Hangzhou
__________
The thing we are most thankful for is how much our daughter is thriving in the kindergarten here. She loves going to school every day, she loves her teachers (especially Miss Katia, Miss Li, and Mr. Nabi), she loves the attention she gets from everyone here (walking around, both the ECE and main school, everyone speaks to her—teachers and students alike), she loves the clubs (especially soccer), and she loves living in the company housing with her teachers and friends.
Jessica Wright
Biology Subject Expert Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
Philip Wright
English Subject Expert Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
__________
This Thanksgiving, I’m truly thankful to BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen for making what could have been a daunting move to China feel exciting and seamless. From the moment we hopped off the ferry in Shekou, Chen Hou and Peter Pan were waiting with smiles to drive us in style to our new workplace. The most stressful parts of relocating—getting a SIM card, opening a bank account, and securing a visa—were all taken care of in a single day. Monica didn’t just tell us where our new apartment was; she walked us right to the front door. And Fangfang has been our constant point of contact from start to finish, answering a hundred questions (even the silly ones!) with laughter and genuine care, helping us feel safe and happy as we settle into life here. I’m sure many others worked behind the scenes, and I’m deeply thankful to all of them.
Beyond the incredible support from BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen, I’m also thankful for our students and the Chinese culture that surrounds us. The respect shown toward teachers here is truly enriching—it creates an environment where learning feels valued and relationships are built on trust and appreciation. Experiencing this firsthand has been inspiring and reminds me daily why education matters.
Taylor Thompson
Math & Science G1
Physical Education G2
Biology G6
BASIS Bilingual School Guangming Shenzhen
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Since joining the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools community, I’ve been deeply grateful for how much the school and my colleagues make it feel like one big family. At BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, I work each day with colleagues who are not only passionate and talented educators, but also kind people I genuinely enjoy spending time with around campus and off campus. I feel trusted, valued, and supported by our leadership team, who encourage me to grow into the best version of the teacher I want to be. I also appreciate the opportunity to attend events like the Summer Institute as a department chair, or Speech and Debate competitions, where I can connect with colleagues from across the network. Finally, I am especially thankful for our hardworking students. They allow me to push, challenge, and engage them while still having fun together in the classroom. Being able to create fun and engaging lessons and watch them grow academically is one of the reasons why I became a teacher. For me, BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan is more than a workplace; it truly feels like home.
Thomas Sheltra
Chair of Upper School Social Studies
AP Economics Teacher
BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
Conclusion
Together, these stories highlight what truly sets BASIS International & Bilingual Schools apart: a culture where teachers feel supported, students are celebrated, and community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s a colleague who helped someone settle into a new country, a leadership team that champions growth, a student who brings joy into the classroom, or a tradition that makes a place feel like home, gratitude is woven into everyday life here.
From all of us at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, we wish you a holiday season filled with connection, joy, and gratitude.
For more information about teaching abroad with BASIS International Schools, visit our careers website.
View reflections for past years from more teachers on our blog.
