The Experience of an International Educator ( Because Jedi-Pirate Is Not a Recognised Title )
By : Nerandza Nikolić , IB English Teacher
Ms Nerandza Nikolić joined the faculty at Lyford Cay International School ( LCIS ) in fall 2019 as an IB English teacher . She is a veteran international educator who has taught in Vietnam , Panama , Colombia and most recently The Bahamas .
Education is a two-way process : we , as teachers , open doors and provide guidance , and , in return , receive a wealth of knowledge that our students bring to the classroom . International teaching does the same , but also takes us to unique places that most people know only via artistic photographs and travel magazines .
We are given a unique opportunity to debunk myths , overcome stereotypes and expand our views beyond anything we could read or be told . Internet content is no match for the complete immersion into a culture that fills the senses with stimuli that
12 change you for life .
International teachers see sights for which no photograph will ever do justice , from peaceful pagodas and archipelagos in Vietnam to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean or coffee plantations in Panama and Colombia . We listen to different accents and languages , feeling equal pride as our hosts upon hearing the national anthem being sung or the pledge of allegiance being solemnly recited in unison at a school assembly .
We taste national dishes and fruit we never even knew existed , but soon find ourselves addicted to them . We learn new languages , or at least their basics , or finally get a chance to have foreign language lessons pay off , as we start adopting the mannerisms of the people around us and using “ we ” more and more often when discussing anything pertaining to the local culture .
Teaching in international schools is a special form of professional development . Not only do international teachers have the opportunity