Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Main navigation

Middle East

Parents! You Should Consider Sending Your Kids to an International School

by

Source

There is a stigma attached to international schools: that they are too exclusive for all kids to enjoy studying in. This exclusivity is due in part of the rigorousness of the school’s curriculum and the kinds of students it attracts. But allow us to debunk a couple of myths about international schools first before delving into the advantages of sending your kids into one.

Debunking myths about international schools 

Myth 1: It is only for affluent families

This is definitely unfounded. The only reason people think that international schools are only for families who can afford it is probably because of its history. You can trace the history of international schools in 1924 when expatriates saw the need to provide a “western” education for their children even if they are stationed half-way across the world. Its purpose is to help qualify their children for western universities or colleges and prepare them for employment in multinational companies. This also allowed western teachers to get teaching opportunities abroad.

Today, however, the number of international schools in Asia has grown exponentially. There are over 1,000 English-medium international schools in Asia, catering to 371, 500 students, according to a study made by the Independent Schools Council (ISC). The most surprising part of the study was finding out that the enrolees does not just come from expatriates either. The demand for international schools are mostly coming from local families.

Myth 2: The Cambridge curriculum is a bit overrated

On the contrary, the Cambridge curriculum provides an ideal educational framework for children. The curriculum focuses on an ‘understanding by design’ style of learning. This means the knowledge gained during class discussions is not just memorised but practised. To understand what ‘understanding by design’ means, let us take a look at an award winning educational framework from one of the best Indian schools in Dubai, Global Indian International School, called the ‘Nine Gems’ framework.

Without getting into too much detail, this framework values synthesis and analysis after learning about the theories and concepts in class. The process goes: theoretical knowledge is learnt and memorised; it is then applied in the form of collaborative projects, reports, or case studies; and finally, new ideas are created either to support or question the theory.

But the framework does not just stop at learning cerebral concepts, it also emphasises the need for physical improvements. Facilities and programs are created to ensure kids learn the value of sportsmanship and to realise which strengths they need to enhance and the weak spots they need to improve on.

This is the kind of framework international schools are known for, not just the Global Indian International School; and each are called by a different name (e.g. the ‘Nine Gems’ has an equivalent framework called ‘Bloom’s Taxonomy).

Advantages of enrolling your kids in an international school 

Diverse learning landscape

An international school will allow your kids to collaborate with a diverse set of students, each coming from different cultural backgrounds and traditions. This will help them gain a more global perspective and develop open mindedness. Especially at a time when listening and analysing before engaging in conversations has become imperative, being in a diverse educational landscape will allow kids to develop this skill at an early age.

The opportunity to become socially responsible leaders in the future

International schools puts emphasis on community and the environment. Which is why they create programs where kids can learn how to become leaders who are conscious of how their decisions can affect their families, their workplace, the society at large, and the environment.

We all want our kids to get the best kind of education, especially now when critical thinking is needed to distinguish fact from fiction. Indeed, international schools provide the learning environment needed to cultivate skills that will make them become leaders that will change the world for the better.

Cities you probably haven’t heard of but should travel to right now

by

Tired of all the same “top travel destinations” you see online? Perhaps you’ve visited all the conventional ones or would like to go somewhere few people have been. Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll go outside the box for vacation destinations.

Here are some lesser-known cities that some people are yet to discover. Check them out and see why you should visit them real soon.

Dubrovnik, Croatia. Fancy Game of Thrones? This Croatian city portrays King’s Landing, so brace yourself for a trip to the very land where one of the best television shows are shot. Known to travellers as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, this city is filled with stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, palaces, monasteries, and fountains.

Visit Mount Srđ for a nice hike that offers a marvellous view of the town, upon of which sits a stronghold containing a small yet enthralling history museum. And don’t forget to try some Pag Cheese!

Cancun, Caribbean. This relatively unknown city lies on the shore of the Caribbean, with pristine beaches and lapping waves. It is however well-known to North Americans for its exciting nightlife and splendid resorts. Here you’ll find traditional and quaint downtowns that offer a good contrast to the all-inclusive nightclub districts and high-rise hotels, so you can always find and afford what you like.

Its superb beaches and flawless climate offer spots for families seeking some solitude, plus it’s a gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza. Visit the MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte), an underwater museum of art. And don’t forget to sip Margaritas while in Cancun!

Almaty, Kazakhstan. Boasts as the cultural and commercial centre of central Asia, Almaty is also the former capital of and largest city in Kazakhstan. It is framed by majestic snow-capped mountains and gridded with easily navigable streets. Awesome for winter vacations, and also serves as a great jump-off point for eco-adventures in the steppes. If you prefer a city life, Almaty offers nightlife, good food, and a metro system that makes navigating the city easy and fun.

Here you’ll find cafes, a small zoo, an amusement park, souvenir shops as well as beaches to enjoy panoramic views. Medeu, which is the highest Olympic-sized ice stadium is also found here.

Basel, Switzerland. Known as one of Europe’s most unrecognized tourist destinations. Basel is Switzerland’s third largest city and sits on the Swiss border where it meets both France and Germany. It is beside the stunning Rhine river and also known for its amazing winter carnivals and the yearly Art Basel festival, which is a celebration of some of the best international modern arts. Walk up cobbled streets, check out Marketplatz for produce, try the street food, and bask in the sun on the banks of Rhine!

Havana, Cuba. Cuba’s biggest city is still littered with Spanish colonial architecture of the 16th century. It’s colourful alleys and narrow streets still retain a strong sense of history and the local culture. You can still see ancient American cars, music and laughter emanating from every blog. Indeed, it’s a town of life and vigour.

Bask in the beauty of the UNESCO Heritage Site La Habana Vieja, which boasts gorgeously restored building humming with life as the citizens of Havana strolls around. Don’t forget to learn some Spanish before you go and try the street side churros too!

End Note

There you have it! Some of the world’s most gorgeous cities that are yet to be filled with hordes of tourists. As most of these locations will be relatively new to you experience wise, don’t forget to secure an overseas travel insurance to ensure that any travel issues you may experience pre-flight and during your stay is covered so you can focus on the fun and not on worrying.

What are you waiting for? Invite your friends and/or family and plan ahead.

Lebanon For First Timers

by

Source

When you think of the Middle East, inevitably countries like Israel, Syria and Iraq come to mind immediately. Not many people think of some of the ‘quieter’ countries like Jordan, Iran and Lebanon, depending what you class as quiet! Despite recent upheavals in the Middle East, several of the countries remain safe to travel to, with minor regional alerts, primarily when concerned with land borders. If you haven’t been to the area before, one of the best countries to cut your Middle Eastern teeth on is the country of Lebanon.

Lebanon – An Introduction

Lebanon is a beautiful and intriguing coastal Middle Eastern country, enjoying warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Despite the heat in the summer, it remains the most popular time of year to visit as between the months of June to August rain is virtually non-existence, meaning you don’t necessarily have to prepare for wet weather, but to avoid mass tourist crowds spring and autumn are ideal along with cooler weather and less humidity. Lebanon recognises both Muslim and Christian holidays so it’s best when planning your trip to keep in minds the popular holidays of Ramadan, Christmas and Easter. Lebanon has a fairly generous visa policy for many, with visas being offered on arrival and a number nationalities being able to enjoy at least one month visas, extendable up to two months. Check in advance for your individual nationality as some require a lengthy visa application process.

Beirut

The capital city of Lebanon, Beirut is a large bustling city with something to offer everyone. From the traditional markets that line backstreets to the more modern and westernised shopping malls, finding what you need in Beirut is easy. The downtown core of the city of Beirut is a huge draw for tourists, which is comprised of many open air cafes which offer locals and tourists the opportunity to just kick back, relax and people watch. Beirut is generally a beautiful place to get lost in the backstreets of the city, where many unique shops and cafes can be found, along with truly local eating options which can be lower in price than in the more tourist centres. There is a vibrant nightlife in Beirut which is enjoyable to experience if one is so inclined, but if not, there is a plethora of other restaurants, cafes and places where people of all ages seem to intermingle to enjoy the company of friends.

Further Afield

Lebanon is awash with numerous regions of stunning beauty that must be seen to be believed. Places like the Jeita Grottoes, underground caves with stunningly blue-green waters, lit up to be even more strangely serene and welcoming, is just one example of some of the natural beauty that can be seen throughout the country. The grottoes are located north east of Beirut, the grottoes are an easy day trip from the capital. The Qadisha Valley, in north Lebanon, located south east of the city of Tripoli is an impressive region comprised of deep gorges, mountains, hills and hiking trails dotted with villages, chapels and mosques and is a perfect option for travellers to Lebanon who like the outdoors.

So there you have a quick run down on Lebanon for first timers. Lebanon is such a welcoming, safe country with so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why it experiences increased tourism year after year, especially for first timers to the region.

Iran – Traveller’s Secret Paradise

by

Source

When you think of the Middle East, inevitably the thoughts of countries like Iraq and Iran come to mind, and for good reason. Being two of the largest countries in the region, it’s nearly impossible to look at a map without the two of these catching your eye, but what do you really know about the inner workings of formerly “shut off” countries like Iran? What is it like inside for foreigners? Unfortunately the West would have us believe that it’s full of less than reputable characters and it’s highly dangerous for foreigners to go wandering around in, but nothing could be further from the truth. While on an official, government level there seems to be some hotly contested ideas and ways of doing things, down in the ditches with the every day people, Iran is a traveller’s absolute dream come true.

Iran – A Country

Regardless of what you tell people, if you mention your desires to go to Iran, many people will call you “crazy” or ask if you have a death wish. This is a common thought for people who haven’t actually been to a country and just instead choose to believe only what they hear in the media. Iran is a beautiful, diverse and enormously enriching country with people who are warm-hearted, welcoming and incredibly hospitable. Travellers have reported that their trips through Iran have resulted in being invited for many a cup of tea or meal with peoples families – often people you have just met on the street that morning. Having been cut off from the outside world for so long has made a beautiful undercurrent in Iran with the people being welcoming to foreigners and genuinely curious in the world outside of their country. With so many regions to choose from though, it could be difficult for someone who is pressed for time to pick the best bits of the country, but for those who have little time, the must see places include Shiraz, Tehran and Persepolis, the old ruins of the first capital city of Iran, dating back to the 6th century BC.

Shiraz and Persepolis

For visitors to Shiraz, the ultimate must see is the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque. Its name is derived from the majority pink tiles used in the interior décor and it is a huge draw for visitors due to the stunning rainbow light shed throughout the interior when the sun comes through its brightly coloured stained glass windows. Dating from 1876, this mosque is protected under the Nasir-ol-Molk Endowment Foundation, one of the former Qajar rulers of the area, and the man who commissioned the construction of this impressive site.

Another must see in Shiraz is the nearby ruined city of Persepolis, which was the ancient capital of Persia. Persepolis remains one of the most prominent cities of the ancient world, now ruined, that played host to many historical events over time including a sacking by Alexander the Great, during which it can be argued that he additionally razed the city in a revenge attack for a Persian partial razing of Athens. Some of the ruins today which have been dated to that time period show that they were destroyed by fire, further providing evidence to this event.

A Final Note

Due to Iran’s relatively still ‘closed off’ nature, it can be difficult for travellers of certain nationalities (such as Americans, Canadians and British) to obtain visas. Some may be able to get visas by going to Iran on an arranged tour, but there are ways around it to get a visa to travel through the country solo. It’s useful to note here that as Iran is an Islamic country, women must wear a hijab (headscarf) in their visa photo and while passing through borders or in official buildings and the like. It’s been largely reported though that outside of these areas the rules are relatively more relaxed, but it’s always a good idea to have your scarf on hand in case you are asked to put it on. In many places in the countryside and even in the cities you will see women just wearing a scarf loosely over their heads. When in doubt, do what the locals do.

So there you have a quick rundown on Iran and why it’s a travellers paradise. The added benefit too is that while it’s still difficult to get in and the country still has somewhat of a poor reputation in the larger international circuit, this makes it a real traveller’s dream come true with unexplored areas and unrivalled experiences with locals to fill a book. So if you’re looking for the ultimate in travel experiences, consider Iran. It’s the next best destination for people looking to recapture the essence of travelling.