Monday, March 11, 2013

Ten Sure Signs You Are At An International School in Singapore

"Please, sir, I want some more..."


A few weeks ago, I was invited to give a writing workshop at one of the better known international school in Singapore. As expected, it was great fun to meet such an engaged group of students. Afterwards, over a delicious meal of naan and curry, I wondered if there were any tell tale signs that I was at one of those landmark institutions in Singapore: the international school. 
Here's what I noticed:


1) The kids' sneakers cost more than my handbag.
2) There's an olympic sized pool.
3) There's kayaking for P.E.
4) Students walk around with water bottles. You know, for the drought you haven't heard about yet.
5) Lunchtime looks like a mini UN convention.
6) Kids have a hard time pronouncing their best friend's name. 
7) Field trips include skiing in the Alps and trekking in the Himalayas.
8) Kids only see their grandparents on skype.
9) On the day back from school holidays, most kids walk around in a jetlagged stupor.
10) The canteen has its own clay pot tandoori oven (see photo above).

19 comments:

  1. Love this one-so true and funny!!

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  2. "Please sir, I want some more." From Oliver Twist, right? Brilliant.

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  3. Please tell me this is a joke...I'm referring to the tandoori oven, of course.

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  4. Okay, guilty as charged for more than a few. The school I went to as a kid, on the other hand...very different from the one my kids are going to here in Singapore!!

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  5. I'm trying to follow your blog so I get regular updates but am unable to-help!

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    1. First of all, thanks! You can just look to the right of the blog and press the link under followers to sign up!

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    2. Sorry link actually is right above members and says: Join this site (in a blue box) just press that to sign up!!

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  6. Is this a school or the Ritz Hotel?!

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  7. I am so happy that I don't have children now that I live in Singapore!

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  8. Haha, it makes me realise the dutch school here in Singapore is actually still quite, well...dutch. altough your list also makes me feel we are missing out...

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    1. Thanks for becoming a follower, Karien!!! Appreciate your feedback!

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  9. LOVE it!! Especially #6... it gave me a good giggle ;)

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    1. Thanks Bri-glad you liked it! That was from when Alexander came home telling me how much he liked this kid, how there was the potential he would be his best friend, how he wanted him to come over for a playdate and then asked me: "Wait, what did I tell you his name was again." And it really was hard to remember!

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  10. Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts on this matter. It is quite hilarious to know those signs. International school is really helpful to enhance the skills and knowledge of your child. Education Courses in Singapore

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  11. hahahaha... All true. I've attended and then later taught at International School kids here in Singapore.

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