Q2 Thus far, what have you learned or experienced as a teacher in Fairview?​

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Katherine: I feel my confidence has improved and that has happened as a result of my IB knowledge increasing. I am now able to plan weeks in advance and understand the cycle (PYP inquiry cycle) much better.

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Chris: Teaching here has been quite an experience. I originally thought I was going to be teaching math however upon arrival I was assigned a timetable whereby the majority subject I taught was geography. The school has been quite supportive whilst I have been here and this has now changed. I now teach  Math only and to a very high standard.

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Majid: I have enjoyed the challenge an international school brings to a teacher, where you have to find different ways to teach an effective lesson. I have learned how to communicate with different people from different backgrounds and cultures, working as a team to deliver similar goals.

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Megan: I have gained all types of experiences such as collaborating in the choreography of some cultural  dances. I have learned to be adaptable and the importance of reflecting post lessons.

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Daniel: I have learned that I really do enjoy teaching, which is a relief! My background is physical education, so taking the opportunity to teach as a PYP homeroom teacher was a big decision. I can honestly say that I really enjoy what I do here, even if it’s hard work 99% of the time!

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Natalie: I have been teaching at Fairview now for 2 months and I believe that most of what I have learnt here is what I would have learnt in my few weeks teaching as an NQT in the UK. Also I know for sure that I love teaching but there is a lot of paperwork.

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Abigail: I like to reflect after each lesson, I revisit what went right and what went wrong. There are lessons that sometimes do not go to plan and you can leave feeling very disheartened. Thankfully, I work with the most amazing team who continually support and help each other; I could not have asked for anything more in such a new experience.

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Adrian: It has been a very exciting time working for an international school. I have developed my cultural awareness and the ability to develop my lessons into what I believe will make the students educational experience a positive one.

Q3 How is teaching in an IB World School different to teaching in a school elsewhere?​​

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Majid: I believe the concept based education has more of an impact on the students at this age. I feel the students are more mature and the skills they use are much better than those of students in the UK of the same age. The teachers in this school are extremely helpful and friendly, something that I have observed of the people of Malaysia in general.​

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Justin: Terminology is the biggest difference. Having a multicultural staff means that many people approach work differently. Behavioural management is also different to the UK. It is easy to adapt from UK public schools as long as you are not already set in your own ways. Fairview offers a more relaxed teaching style which leaves more room for pupils to learn and grow personally, emotionally and socially.​

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Dona: In terms of working in an IB World School the obvious difference to me is the terminology used when teaching and the assessment methods.​

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Abigail: In the beginning it was challenging adapting to an IB teaching style. For someone who has had very strong content-based educational experiences, it was both interesting and eye-opening to look at such a different way of approaching themes and concepts. For example, rather than just teaching literature I also feel I am teaching Humanities, Science and Psychology. Students become independent thinkers rather than wanting to be spoon-fed, which is a very exciting concept. Also working in an international school also means that we celebrate and encourage diversity.

Q4 What part of your working day in Malaysia makes you happiest?​

Justin: Being able to teach in a style that I believe in. I believe in the pupils' social and personal developments, in doing this the pupils develop into adults and not pen-pushers. Also walking back from work surrounded by rainforest and new sights is always exciting.​

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Katherine: My students; seeing them understand something that I have helped them to learn is a very special moment!​

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Megan: Teaching my students and seeing them perform.​

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Adrian: The food, the people, the weather, the lifestyle. I am enjoying every day I am here.​

Chris: My favourite part of the working week is a Wednesday afternoon- the peak of the week! Especially when I feel that I get the most out of my Math Extended class.​

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Majid: I still enjoy teaching because every lesson is different, so teaching still makes me happy, although it is sometimes stressful.​

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Daniel: I would have to say "Student Presentation" time. I love to hear the children express what they have learned in their own words.​

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Dona: I really enjoy teaching the students in MYP and DP, in doing this I’m getting to know them all and getting to know their personalities. To begin with, I was worried that for some reason Fairview students were going to be different to students in the UK but at the end of the day they are all just teenagers! They have the same interests, similar temperaments, same values, all very talented in their own way and still have tantrums and their “off-days”.​

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Abigail: Homeroom time. I have a great relationship with my homeroom class, and seeing them every morning where we joke and have time to wake up is a good start to the day.

Q5 How do you find living and working in Malaysia?​

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Dona: Moving to and living in Malaysia has been quite an easy transition. The language rarely causes an issue, and it’s very easy to get a taste of the Western lifestyle when needed, but also very easy to get submerged in the Asian culture on offer.​

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Daniel: I feel very comfortable living and working in Malaysia. I have been here before, so if I didn't like it, I would have never returned.​

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Justin: Beyond the occasional use of a foreign language the different cultures are barely noticeable.​

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Megan: It can be a little bit overwhelming at first because you may attract attention from locals who will ask you lots of questions. Dont worry, everyone is just being friendly and curious about you, your country and how you like Malaysia .​

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Katherine: For the most part I feel comfortable living and working in Malaysia; however as a vegetarian I often struggle with the food here.​

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Natalie: I absolutely love living in Malaysia. At school in the capacity as a teacher, I am expected to wear clothes which cover the shoulders, are knee length and are not too tight fitting. However, this is exactly the same way that I had to dress in the UK and feel that this is more to do with professionalism than culture.