走进“魅力青岛”丨Qingdao's commitment to international education

文摘 2024-09-20 11:37 北京

By Liao Jiaxin丨China.org.cn

A theme wall in the lobby of Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS), Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

Qingdao, a city that blends ancient culture with modern dynamism along its scenic coastline, doesn’t just offer stunning blue waters but also symbolizes endless possibilities and a promising future. This vibrant setting is a perfect match for the educational philosophy of Qingdao Amerasia International School (QAIS).

At QAIS, there is a clear dedication to fostering an expansive cultivating international perspectives. Comine Howe, an enthusiastic educator at the school, succinctly shares explained that their school’s education curriculum is rooted locally while embracing a global perspective. This approach motivates students to delve into understanding their roles on the global stage, ponder potential career paths, and consider how they might make positive contributions to the world.

Located in Qingdao's Laoshan district, QAIS was established in 2011. It stands out as the first institution in Asia accredited by the American Montessori Society and the only school in Shandong province offering all three levels of the International Baccalaureate programs. The school provides a comprehensive education to students from 18 months up to 18 years old, covering everything from kindergarten through high school. Currently, it boasts a diverse body of over 200 students from 27 countries and 101 faculty members from 31 countries, creating a diverse and open educational environment. "One of our values is also that we celebrate diversity," Howe said proudly. "We celebrate diversity and strive for everyone to feel like they belong."

A Montessori garden at QAIS for students to grow plants, Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

The school leverages its students' natural curiosity and exploratory instincts by creating an engaging and inspiring learning environment. Howe illustrated this approach: "We've got our children working outside in the Montessori garden, growing their own food, understanding where things come from and what is their responsibility." This hands-on experience not only boosts students’ learning capabilities, but also fosters a supportive community atmosphere.

Highlighting the consistency of QAIS's educational philosophy, she added, "Everybody in the school is a line of this mission — throughout the stuff, throughout the parents and throughout the students." This holistic approach to education ensures that every aspect of a student's development, including their mental and physical health, academic studies, and emotional and social skills, receives attention and care, facilitating effective communication and collaboration between the school and families.

To better comprehend the daily experiences and needs of foreign workers and students in Qingdao, representatives from the Foreign Talent Research Center of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, together with the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology and accompanying media reporters, visited the school, to engage in in-depth conversations with both faculty and students.

When discussing their reasons for choosing to settle in Qingdao, many foreign teachers and students first expressed their appreciation for the city’s climate and natural environment.

A 10th-grade student from Romania shared his attraction to Qingdao’s coastal beauty. Having come from a city with low-rise buildings, he explained, "I've never been able to go anywhere past the fifth floor" before coming to China, adding that he particularly enjoyed admiring the sea views.

Seaside view from a balcony of QAIS, Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

For Comine Howe, an educator at the school, who is originally from Cape Town in South Africa, moving to Qingdao felt like a natural choice."Cape Town and Qingdao are quite similar. When I had the opportunity to come here and I searched on the internet, the first thing that came up was Qingdao," she said laughing. "This is a sign. I must go here." As someone previously unfamiliar with China, she selected Qingdao — recognized as one of the most livable cities in both China and Asia — as her gateway to understanding China, embarking on a new life and educational journey.

The city’s relaxed pace, excellent safety record and vibrant international community are also significant attractions for foreign teachers and families.

One teacher named Katy Stack mentioned that the pace of life in Qingdao is slower compared to many other large cities in China, and the high-degree of public safety allows her to better balance her career and personal life, and feel more assured about her children's upbringing. "I felt very secure here being a parent and having my children grow up in this environment," she said.

Teachers and students share their experiences of living in Qingdao at QAIS, Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

American teacher Shawn Thomas feels a deep connection with the school’s philosophy, which prompted him and his family to make Qingdao their home. He values the city’s high level of internationalization, allowing them to immerse in local traditions while enjoying a variety of cultural activities, from Western classical music to ballet and opera. As the school’s drama teacher, he is particularly impressed with Qingdao’s rich artistic scene and vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Having lived in China for nearly 30 years, Nathan noted the welcoming nature of Qingdao’s residents. "People here are incredibly friendly; they treat me not as a foreigner, but as someone living a normal life here," he said. "This openness is likely due to Qingdao’s long history of international exchange spanning over a century."

He also expressed his gratitude for receiving a "five-star card"— the foreign permanent resident ID card — in 2020, which has significantly improved the convenience of living with his family in China.

A collection of handcrafted heart-shaped cards created by students on display at QAIS, Qingdao, Shandong province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

In the scenic Laoshan district, students at QAIS thrive nurtured by a holistic education. This is supported by the city's dedicated efforts to accommodating the needs of foreign workers, an essential aspect of the community’s success. As related policies and measures continue to evolve, Qingdao is welcoming more international students and families, while offering foreign workers a fulfilling experience that balances work and personal life.

The End

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国际人才交流杂志

《国际人才交流》杂志创刊于1989年，由中华人民共和国人力资源和社会保障部主管,人力资源和社会保障部国外人才研究中心主办。以“访天下英才，汇全球智慧”为宗旨, 服务在华外国专家，服务国际人才交流，服务国家对外宣传。

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