Family Thais: First Impressions of International School of Bangkok (ISB)

We all headed to ISB Tuesday, Aug. 5 for some testing and an initial introduction to the school. It’s a very large campus since it consists of 3 main buildings to accommodate elementary, middle and high school. I personally think that it is so cool that the kids get to walk through the halls, which are actually outside, with palm trees greeting them around every corner. I have always loved palm trees and as a little girl who traveled to Florida every spring break, I remember the excitement I felt at the first sight of palm trees as we entered South Carolina. I am finally living in a place that is surrounded by palm trees!

Everyone is extremely warm and friendly at ISB, and they seem to offer many opportunities for new children to adjust and acclimate to their new environment. New students can sign up for lunch groups, where they have lunch with other new students in their counselor’s office. They talk about their home country, play games and have popcorn. During our first visit, we toured the school.

A fish pond by the cafeteria

One of the playgrounds

At the library

Austin hits the books

Check out these cool reading chairs!

We met with counselors, the kids took some placement tests, and then we headed off to buy uniforms. The kids alternate days between wearing PE uniforms and regular ones. They must always wear their hat or they cannot participate in PE or recess, which is a pretty good incentive for remembering your hat. As soon as we came home, the kids had a blast modeling their new uniforms.

Austin may start the first gang at ISB

After meeting teachers, attending new parent orientation, and actually starting school, ISB seems like a fantastic place and a wonderful experience for our kids. Below are some pics from their first day/week of school.