Char's school

The American International School where Char is teaching is a very impressive new campus that covers grades K-12. The school is growing every year, with a large percentage of Korean students, but there is a real mix from many different countries here. Char has children from Korea, France, Sri Lanka, Finland, Japan, UK, Australia and America.

Char gets to and from school in Murugan's auto rickshaw everyday. We hire him on a monthly basis for 4000 Rs. ($90). A bit steep by local standards, but worth it to have a dependable driver.


The school is built around several open courtyards. This one is just outside Char's classroom.
Char hard at work in her classroom.

Classes are limited to 15-16 students and because there are so many students who are non-native English speakers, each 1st grade teacher has a full time aid.

The school also has a full sized swimming pool, that the staff & spouses get to use.

One of the interesting features of the school is that is was designed to be very self sufficient and the with the environment in mind. This holding pond is where much of the rain water is captured and recycled for irrigation and toilets. The building was also designed to capture the ocean breezes which is greatly appreciated in this hot environment.


Here's a mural on the wall in the elementary playground area.

Even though Char is having to re-learn how to teach 1st grade again, she is getting her feet back on the ground, and many of the changes she was looking for in terms of curriculum, resources, philosophy, support & class size are happening, a much needed change for her.