China, Sun Yat-sen University, MBA
Michael assists to facilitate the smooth operation and the overall management of the school with a focus on HR affairs & university counseling. He majored in English Literature & Linguistics in Central China Normal University and earned his MBA in Sun Yat-Sen University. He once served as Chief Interpreter & Deputy Protocol Division Chief for Guangzhou Municipal Government and Chief Rep of U.S New York Life Financial Group-Guangzhou. During the last decade of his employment he taught and worked as the Principal of Alcanta American Prep School. He joined Alcanta International College in August 2018.
USA, City University of Seattle, PHD
Heidi has been passionate about mathematics and education since high school. She grew up in Georgia in the southern part of the USA, attended Carleton College in the Midwest, and settled in Washington State in the Pacific Northwest. As a mathematics teacher and a district mathematics specialist, she has been an avid student of teaching and learning. Her first two experiences in China teaching English in Chengdu in 1988 and 2005 developed her love of the country and its people. This spring she earned her doctorate in mathematics education and instructional leadership. When she is not studying, she enjoys hiking and quilting.
UK, Keele University, B.Sc. Hons in Biology and Education
William has taught Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies in several IB schools within in China and Malaysia. He has contributed to two successful IBDP applications, as well as for IBMYP, WASC and CIE accreditation. William has also been heavily involved in TOK as well as supervising personal projects， EE, and CAS Activities. William graduated from Keele University with a dual honours degree in Biology and Education Studies. William has a great enthusiasm for research and experimentation in Science and also, much to student dismay, research essays and full lab reports! Outside of the classroom, William enjoys playing Badminton, Warhammer and meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures.
China,The University of Hong Kong, M.Ed
David holds a Masters Degree in Education awarded by the University Of Hong Kong. Due to his rich experience of IB teaching and capability of researching in IB teaching and learning, International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) awarded him both the IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research and the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning (DP). He has been a teacher for 23 years and has been teaching Chinese in the international educational area for over 17 years. Some of his professional experiences includes being the facilitator of World Language Department, mentoring new Chinese teachers, designing Chinese curricula for various proficiency levels, and delivering online courses to students in the US through Virtual High School (VHS). He has rich experience of teaching Chinese A and Mandarin B. During his IBDP teaching experience, he has successfully helped his students develop international-mindedness and achieve excellent results in internal and external exams. He is the head of Chinese department at AIC and an IB examiner.
China, Jinan University, B.A.
Maisie has almost 10 years of experience in international education; she is qualified for teaching all levels of IGCSE, MYP and IBDP courses. In the past three years, she has been an IB Chinese A: Language and Literature & Language acquisition teacher and dedicated herself to facilitating student learning to help them succeed. In addition to teaching, she has supervised the language department (except English) for many years. She holds a B.A. in teaching Chinese as A Second Language from Ji Nan University (Guangzhou). She has also worked as a secondary Chinese teacher (as a volunteer) in Jakarta, Indonesia for one year. In her spare time, she likes reading, traveling, cooking and making handicraft. She is committed to providing students with a sound development for a lifelong learning.
China, GuangXi University for Nationalities, B.A
Yueying is a dedicated teacher with over ten years of experience. Yueying has a strong connection to the Confucius Institute which promotes Chinese language and culture around the world. In that role, she was involved in developing a Chinese curriculum for Bansomdej Chaopraya Rajabhat University in Bangkok. She has a wealth of experience in organizing a variety of Chinese cultural activities, such as Chinese Club, Chinese Camps and Chinese New Year Assemblies in the schools she has taught. These activities have inspired students’ passion for Chinese language and culture. Yueying is IB trained in Chinese A: Language and Literature and her classroom is a highly interactive, technologically-integrated and fun-based learning environment.
China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, M.A.
Caroline graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a Master’s degree, majoring in Chinese Linguistic & Language Acquisition. She received her Bachelor degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Xian Jiaotong University. Before joining AIC, Caroline worked for BASIS International School in Shenzhen as a Chinese Literature teacher and played an important role in the design and implementation of Chinese curriculum. She participated in IB Chinese A training held in Hong Kong, and she has taught international curriculum for a few years. Transferring advanced literature theories into use in classes, her passion of Chinese literature makes her classes practical and joyful. Joining the cultural research held by the Ministry of Education in China has helped her explore the enthusiasm of ancient poets. She has published several academic articles in periodicals in the domain of Chinese literature appreciation.
UAS, Memorial University of Newfoundland, M.Ed.
Holly joins the AIC staff from Vancouver, Washington. She has taught elementary through college classes during her 30 years as an educator. Although she taught high school Spanish and served in a variety of administrative roles for the first 22 years, she spent the last 8 as a teacher and school principal in a school serving Kindergarten through 8thgrade students. While she was there, she developed a 7th grade annual awareness project that tackled current events that impact the city and the world. She is excited to work towards global thinking in her role as the PDP 2 lead teacher.
Canada, York University, B.A., B.Ed
Michael was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and graduated from York University’s Glendon College with honors degrees in both English and Education. His passion for teaching and learning has been passed down to him from his parents who are both educators. Michael brings warmth, enthusiasm and a sense of humor to his classroom and strives to make every lesson engaging and inspiring for his students. Having lived and studied in both Germany and Quebec, he has developed a passion for learning languages and culture and looks forward to continuing his educational and global journey in China. In addition to reading, cooking, watching movies and attending concerts, Michael is an avid hockey fan who wishes to see the Maple Leafs win once during his lifetime.
UK, The University of Sunderland
Born in South Africa, Andrew grew up in several different countries around the world, including parts of South America, Indonesia and the U.K. before returning again to South Africa and completing high school and his Bachelors in Social Science at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Fusing the two varying disciplines of Economics and Media Studies for his majors, gave him a unique and varied skillset to work with. In 2013 he made the move into teaching, getting TEFL qualified and moving to Thailand where he spent several years teaching at a high school and subsequently at a language academy before moving onto Indonesia. There he gained his PGCE qualification, from the University of Sunderland in the U.K, in order to further his teaching career and gain exposure using the Cambridge curriculum and IB approach. He has since made the move to China and joined AIC for the next exciting chapter of his career. Andrew has a passion for music and enjoys playing guitar as a hobby, making him ideally suited to run the rock band CAS. He loves to travel and still has many countries on his list he would like to see.
Ghana, University of Cape Coast, MBA
Issah is a business teacher from Ghana. He received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Cape Coast. He is currently finishing his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). In 2011 he obtained his PGDE and ever since he has been a teacher of Business. Issah has taught in Ghana, Cameroon, and Bangladesh. Issah is both IB and A-level experienced teacher, and he likes to teach with passion and enthusiasm. He is also IB examiner. Issah’s hobbies include learning new things in all fields (especially ICT), reading and exploring new places. He is married with two beautiful children.
India, Monash University, Masters in Counselling
Misty was born in New Delhi and raised in Bangalore, India. She completed her Bachelors in Psychology Honours from Christ University, India and Masters in Counselling from Monash University, Australia. Having studied psychology for 8 years, Misty thoroughly enjoys academic research and continues to inform her practice through research. As a counsellor, she strives to make mental health care accessible to all students, to emphasise on its importance and de-stigmatise seeking support. She also aims to establish a community of care at AIC, which she hopes will empower students and teachers to support and empathise with one another. As an IB graduate herself, Misty truly believes in the IB philosophy of learning for life. In line with that, she believes that education should push students to achieve their unique potentials and equip them with skills that will allow them to succeed in life after school. She is passionate about teaching psychology, and is motivated to make her students’ learning experiential and enjoyable. Respect is a key ingredient of Misty’s every interaction with students. Outside work, Misty enjoys travelling and the outdoors, playing football and video games, and reading.
India, University of Mumbai, M.Sc., B.Ed.
Ranjeet, a Master’s in Physics and Bachelors in Education from Mumbai University India, has been associated with IBDP for almost a decade now. Teaching runs in his veins (as 10 members of his family are into the profession) and was a deliberate thoughtful choice for him. His teaching career boasts of teaching not just a range of curricula but also teaching in the best international institutes in India. China is his second international stint, the first being JSS International School, Dubai where he was the Head of the Senior Secondary Section. His interests range from listening to music to spending time with friends to reading about astrophysics. Ranjeet is strong believer of the fact that today’s students need to be taught to "Appreciate" every aspect of life around them and this sensitization will bring in all the learning required by them. According to him, “Just keep the kids motivated and you will be amazed with what they accomplish.”
China, University of British Columbia, M.Sc
Wendy obtained her bachelors degree in Biology from Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China and then went to University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada for her further post-graduate study in Food Science. Having 3 years teaching experience, she loves being with students from different background, sharing and learning from each other. She loves reading and sports in her spare time.
USA, Concordia University, M.Sc., M.A.T.
Scott Wiens finds happiness is exploring problems and Mathematics is frequently the way to better understand them. So even though he earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in Chemistry from Dartmouth College, he chooses to teach Mathematics, and has done so with students ages 11 to 17. Helping students discover that math makes sense and is more than getting an answer is one of his deepest passions! Scott also enjoys weiqi (Go) and international chess, as well as playing classical guitar. He may be out of practice but he’s always up for a game! Scott is the father of three, two sons and a daughter. They all are grown up and exploring life on their own. His lovely wife, Holly, also teaches at AIC, and for the first time, they collaborate to help the same students grow.
Togo, M.Sc
Shany gained his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. He immediately started teaching, and at the same time he completed his Masters of Science degree and high school teaching certificate. His first encounter with international students was while in South Korea for Polymers Recycling Studies in Industry. He took university students in Seoul Myongdong Info Zone of Youth (at UNESCO Seoul) to discuss cultures. One year later, while in Kuala Lumpur for Chartered Institute of Marketing-London IT Singapore, he usd his spare time to support students in Canadian Matriculation and A-Level in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. He then founded his own company dealing in Energy and Machinery business. As teaching has always been his first and unique love, Shany took the opportunity to join AIC to teach at the IB level. He likes the way that the IB is connecting different cultures and people and enables students to enter universities and jobs worldwide.
USA, Spring Arbor University, B.A.
Matt went to a small university in Michigan. He studied math, sociology, and English writing. After university, he moved to Thailand where he taught math and geography for five years. While in Thailand, he studied for his Master of Education with a specialty in student support, specifically teaching ESL students. He grew to love teaching in the international community, and when an opportunity to move to China to teach arose, he took it. He currently teaches Geography, Humanities, and Math. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, acting, singing, and playing his guitar. As a millennial, he also enjoys doing millennial things, such as playing videos games, watching movies and TV shows, and staying current with internet trends. He looks forward to his future with AIC in order to help students grow into positive global citizens.
New Zealand, Waikato Institute of Technology, B.A.
David comes from the Land of the Long White Cloud, namely New Zealand. He has been teaching for 25 years in a number of locations including Taiwan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and China. His passion is Fine Art where he specializes in Sculpture. He loves the idea of creating 3D objects from manipulating a range of media. He has a Post Graduate degree in Media Arts from Waikato Institute of Technology, a Bachelor Degree in Visual Art and a Primary Teaching Diploma from Auckland University. He has been teaching IBDP Visual Art for the last 8 years In Shanghai. Apart from all things of an artistic nature he enjoys an outdoor lifestyle especially surfing, swimming and mountain bike riding.
Australia, Griffith University, Graduate Diploma of Education
Peter has had a strong interest in music since he started learning Piano and Trumpet at age 10. He currently holds a Bachelor of Music (with Honors) in Performance on Classical Piano and Soprano Cornet from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and a Graduate Diploma of Education from Griffith University in Brisbane, Queensland. During his time at university, Peter taught as a private piano and brass tutor, while also conducting a youth community band, which sparked his interest in education. He has played in orchestras, concert bands, jazz bands and even rock bands to a high level, winning awards at state and national level and was even part of the Worlds Biggest Orchestra in 2013. After teaching in Australia for five and a half years, Peter decided to explore international education. Since leaving Australia six years ago, Peter has taught in Thailand and Macau, leading school music tours to Thailand, Australia, South Korea and Taiwan. Peter hopes to develop vibrant, exciting and student-focused music experiences that encourage all students to reach their full potential at AIC.
China, Asia International Open University(Macau), MBA
Rita had more than 20 years’ experience in in HRM in joint ventures. Motivated by her interest in personal growth and the passion for teenager education, Rita studied and taught career planning courses in primary school and high school, accumulating more than 200 hours of career planning activities. Rita will integrate her practical career experience and career education theory into university counselling in international education, hoping to smooth the path of university admission for AIC students!
China, M.A.
Winnie obtained her Master’s in English Education degree from University of Reading, UK and her Bachelor’s in law degree from South China Normal University, China. She has more than 10-years of experience in language teaching and training, including IELTS, TOEFL, AEAS and so on in EIC. Her students have come from different age and level groups, ranging from Sun Yatsen University, Zhuhai Campus, to Yucai Middle School, Clifford Experimental School in GZ. She has helped improve her students’ writing a great deal, improving from band 5-5.5 to band 6.5-7. Winnie completed the Propell Teacher Workshop for the IELTS and TOEFL Test in 2012, and the Insearch Academic English Training Program in 2014. Winnie achieved has many awards while working in EIC and she has looked at education from an entirely different perspective: she wants to show students that there is a real world beyond textbooks. She is a yoga fanatic.
China, Jilin University, B.A.
Minzhi LU (Belle) has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Jilin University. She has dedicated herself to international education counselling and university admission since graduation. She has successfully assisted more than 100 students with top college/ graduate school admission. Well familiar with the application procedure and visa issues, she is skilled at university application for Britain, America, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong in particular. Belle’s infusion in AIC’s big family will give fresh impetus to students’ university application and help them gain entry to their dream university.
China, B.Sc.
León had tried a few different professions before he finally wedded the education industry and settled; he had been a Radio Access Network engineer at Ericsson, an English reporter for Guangdong Radio and Television, and finally an SAT Teacher at EIC Education Group, where he found his “true love” - learn to teach. He was awarded Sina National Five-Star Gold Medal Teacher award in 2018, EIC Education Star Teacher award in 2017, and he has also been an IDEA Parliamentary Debate Champion. Accumulating over five years of teaching experience, León has been mainly teaching SAT, AP, GMAT, and GRE courses. During leisure time, he enjoys watching basketball and reading science fiction works, and equally indulges in appreciation & creation of classical Chinese poetry, because he believes in the inspiring and healing power of poetry, like the ones of Du Fu and Su Shi.
China, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, B. A.
Wendy graduated from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. She is passionate about education, and that motivates her to join AIC in 2019. She firmly believes that curiosity leads to success. She enjoys reading and watching documentary in her spare time.
China, Fudan University, M.A.
Sun Liyan holds a master’s degree in teaching Chinese as a second language from Fudan University, Shanghai, China. While pursuing her masters degree, she taught Chinese to international students as part of a study abroad program. In her 3rd year, she worked as a Chinese teacher and program assistant at The Confucius Institute for Scotland teaching in the University of Edinburgh. In the past 2 years, she worked for an American international education institute in Shanghai. She’s passionate about education and different cultures. She believes learning different languages and cultures helps people to understand and respect each other more.
China, Xi’an FanYi University, B.A.
Michelle has worked in international schools in Xi’an and Malaysia as admin staff and TA. She accomplished her Bachelor degree in Business English at Xi’an Fanyi University in 2011, then went to US to study English in the City college of San Francisco, and is currently working on a Master degree in Education at the Northwest University, Xi’an. She enjoys yoga, badminton, traveling, painting and cooking.
China, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, B.A.
Jiehong gained a bachelors degree in Applied Accounting from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. She has extensive audit and commercial accounting experience. She used to work for a "big 4" audit firm and later worked as finance manager in various international companies. Currently, she is in charge of the finance functions at Alcanta International College. Her interests range from music to ikebana and she also enjoys playing badminton.
China, Guang Dong Peizheng College, B.A.
Minnie Huang graduated from Guangdong Pei Zheng College with a bachelors degree in management. From 2014 to 2018, she served as a teacher assistant, teaching PYP Chinese in an international school in Guangzhou. Treating others with heart is the most precious quality she believes in. She chose to join AIC in 2019, and she is looking forward to meeting more beautiful things at AIC.
China, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, B.A.
Graduated from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, medicine-oriented English major, Jane studied Japanese as the second foreign language, and she passed the TEM 8 during the university. She joined the AIC in August, 2017, and works as Teachers’ aide currently. With regard to study, she deems learning is a lifelong developmental process, that is “never too old to learn.” Jane enjoys watching movies, playing badminton and travelling during her spare time.
China, South China Institute of Software Engineering. GU, B.A.
Amber graduated from South China Institute of Software Engineering, Guangzhou University with a degree in English and a minor in Japanese. She has passed TEM4 in university and had strong interest in language learning. Amber joined AIC in October 2014. Her main responsibility is to facilitate students with their boarding life. She hopes to help students with both their study and boarding life. Amber likes drawing reading and playing table tennis.
China, Jiaying University, B.A.
Allen ?graduated from the College of Life Science, JiaYing University with Bachelor of Engineering in Biological Engineering. He has 4 years working experience in molecular biology, and has served as a lab technician in different laboratories, responsible for the quality of laboratory safety management. Allen joined AIC in 2014, and it was his wish to provide AIC students with a safe experimental environment, helping them understand experiment requirements, making?laboratory?resources available to them and guide them to use and maintain experimental apparatus properly. He is committed to making students feel the fun of learning science. His hobbies include listening to music and playing football.
China, Zhengzhou University, B.A.
Xueyang (David) Wang has over 10 years of experience working with students. He received his bachelor’s degree at University of Zhengzhou in July 2008. He majored in English for Science and Technology and took Japanese Minor. His 16- years of experience as a class monitor has made him cheerful, active, prudent, patient and resilient, and helped him develop good listening skills. He has worked in different sectors of school since his graduation from university, e.g. student management, English teaching, student recruitment, school personnel affairs. Joining AIC is a new beginning for him. Xueyang is ready to play the new chapter of his career with love, passion and gratitude and wishes to prove himself to be a valuable to AIC and the education at AIC.
China
Ping was born and raised in Sichuan, China where she loved to read and be with her family. She has worked in the boarding program for more than four years, starting at the Baiyun campus. She has a wonderful relationship with the girls and can be the mother figure they need. Ping likes traveling around the local area, taking beautiful pictures, and arranging flowers. She also likes reading Chinese ancient books.
China, Guangdong Province Huali Technician College, College Diploma
Grissom has a great interest in language and became an excellent Master of Ceremonies (MC) at the age of 16. Apart from broadcasting and dubbing, he felt interesting voices should be extended to all languages and cultures. Based on this passion, he chose English as his major in college – his goal is to have deep discussions and exchanges with people from different cultures from all around the world. AIC has been a good opportunity for Grissom to communicate with students. He enjoys getting to know them and help them in any way he can. He hopes to continue to explore, grow, and inspire students to be who they want to be and reach for their dreams. Grissom would also like to learn how to make delicious pastry from Joy so that he can cook for his mom in the New Year.
China, Guang Dong Peizheng College, B.A.
Victoria received a bachelors degree in management. Her passion is working in education and helping students achieve their academic goals. She is committed to creating a good learning environment for students as well as helping them make lasting memories of their time at AIC. In her spare time, Victoria loves to travel, read and listen to music.
China, Guangzhou Huali Science and Technology Vocational College, College Diploma
Helene majored in English at her college and developed good language skills. Her last job was as an assistant to college tutor, responsible for students daily affairs. She gained a lot of experience in doing the job, and learned organization skills and the way to get along with students. She likes musicals, movies, and other entertaining activities. She is responsible and patient.
Canada, M.Ed.
Jacqueline is an educator who has taught for over 20 years at all levels, before joining school leadership, living in seven countries on three continents, and learning to speak seven languages along the way. She earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2016 with the College of New Jersey, her Master of Arts in French in 2006 at the University of California in Santa Barbara, as well as obtaining her Ontario Teaching Certificate at the University of Ottawa in 1996. She loves discovering new cultures and is passionate about the importance of children’s education for their future success. After living in Suzhou, Jiangsu for the past two years as the Director of Student Life at a Chinese IB school, Jacqueline looks forward to her move to Guangzhou this July and starting a new chapter at AIC as the Coordinator of Student Affairs.
Turkey, M.A
Tolga is from Istanbul, Turkey. He holds a BA in Physical Education and Sports Coaching from Marmara University in Istanbul and a Master of Arts in Physical Education and Sports Teaching, also from Marmara University in Istanbul. He is a US qualified teacher and holds a US teaching license in Physical Education. He is currently working on his Education Specialist degree (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Building Administrator at Northwest Nazarene University in the US. He will start his PhD next year in Education at Northwest Nazarene University in the US. Tolga has taught in Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt. He has experience and training in IB, MYP and US Common Core Curriculums. He has also worked as a personal fitness trainer and as a coach in many different sports such as American Football, Handball, and Basketball. He became a teacher to make positive changes in students’ life and to motive them. In his free time Tolga enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, watching and playing sports, international travel, photography, food and experiencing new cultures.
U.S.A, Double M.A
Stephanie is from Nampa, Idaho, USA. Education and teaching have given her amazing opportunities to travel, experience new cultures and grow as an educator. She has taught English for 11 years in different places around the world including the USA, the UAE and Turkey. Stephanie has earned a BA in Fine Art from Northwest Nazarene University (Idaho, USA), an MA in Secondary English Education from George Fox University (Oregon, USA), and an MA in Art History and Visual Culture from Richmond University (London, UK). She is passionate about teaching and learning and hopes to earn her PhD in Education in the next five years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Tolga, and dog, Cleo, traveling, art of any kind, reading, movies and trying new foods.
Canada, B.A. & B. Ed.
It’s been twelve years since Brandon bid farewell to the isolating beauty of Vancouver Island; venturing West to embrace the chaos and magnitude of Asia’s global cities. With his B.A. and B.Ed. underarm, he found himself diving headfirst into fried kimchi, coffee culture, and a curricular design career in Seoul. Fast-forward six years of experience, a rescued dog, and a desire for a slower paced life, Brandon returned to his home on the Island. However, Asia was not done with him and the call of Shanghai beckoned. Unable to resist a career where he could play mind games and dig up the past with his students (ie: psych & anthropology); he ended up teaching for five-plus years at an Offshore Canadian high school. Now Brandon looks forward to utilizing his IB experience to share his passion for questioning the world around him with the students of AIC. Via Theory of Knowledge and Psychology, his students will be encouraged to engage in meta-cognitive thinking with regards to their real-world experience. In addition, he looks forward to applying his own passions for the environment and social well-being to the creativity, activity, and service (CAS) course. Brandon will guide students along their journey of self-discovery, in order for them to be readied as global citizens. He finds strength and solace in comedic conversations, black coffee, mountain trails, and various non-mainstream forms of art.
Kenya, DIP.ED, B. ED, M.A
Kenneth has taught in several countries namely Africa, Middle East Asia and China (Chengdu) and has prior experience in different International Curricula having taught General Science and Biology in A Levels and AP programme. He has also taught Chemistry and Environmental Science, where he achieved consistently high results. He has been in China since 2018 but has spent most of his teaching time in different countries in the Middle East Asia. He received his Master’s in Education from the University of South Wales (UK) and has a Diploma in Education and Bachelor of Education from Kenya. Kenneth believes every student has an inherent ability to learn; therefore, he continuously re-examines and refines his teaching methodologies to meet the ever-changing needs of 21st century learners, to create a better environment that maximizes their learning process. He does not compromise on real virtues as honesty, respect, self-confidence and integrity and insist that they are not optional, but core aspects of personal development and integral parts of the learning process. Kenneth enjoys reading, indoor sports, travelling and nice food too.
United Kingdom, B.A.
Nicola graduated from Royal Holloway University London with a BA in Drama and Theatre Studies. Before becoming a full-time teacher, Nicola worked in community arts, establishing drama groups in several different settings, in the UK and abroad. Nicola has been working in international schools for the last nine years, initially in Zambia and latterly in China. She enjoys classroom drama, using theatre as a tool to explore social and political issues but is also committed to production work and has staged several full-scale musicals. When she is not teaching, Nicola enjoys yoga and as a trained performer, staging solo performances.
Singapore, M.A.
A Singaporean, Thurston Lim has been in China since 2013. He has been a teacher for Ministry of Education Singapore schools, Beijing private & Guangzhou international schools as well as other educational organizations spanning a total of almost 20 years. Thurston specializes in Singapore mathematics, IGCSE, IB and the American Common Core. He is a strong bilingual in the Chinese & English languages. He has equipped himself with the essence of Western, Singapore and Chinese teaching pedagogies and aims to use them to support his students at AIC to the fullest. Thurston graduated from the University of Bath (U.K.) with an MA degree in International Education, University of Leicester (U.K.) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nanyang Technology University of Singapore with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering. He has also earned himself certifications in English Language Teaching and various IB trainings to remain knowledgeable in his subject area and up to date with the latest pedagogy. Thurston is a life-learner. Currently, he is also pursuing his master’s degree in business administration (MBA). On a personal level, Thurston is easy going and he loves to cook for he believes that through the sharing of creative food, he could make new friends and get to know the culture of China through intimate ways with the local community. While he does not have a specific sport that he follows, he is a risk-taker. So far, he has tried bungy jumping, a full marathon completion, fishing trips, diving with whale sharks, swimming in the sea, canoeing, sea expedition (walking through swamps), cycling long distances, mountain climbing at Kota Kinabalu (highest mountain in Malaysia) and Tae Kwondo. Thurston enjoys his life and he believes in trying out new things, getting out of his comfort zone consistently to experience new things. He is excited about joining AIC in Nansha.