Category Archives: International Education

Shibumi is a Japanese word that means ‘effortless perfection’. Anything that is Shibumi is quiet in refinement, noble and fulfilling in a manner that is not shaped exclusively by analytical thought. In Japanese culture, Shibumi implies ‘a simplicity of spirit; an attitude of refinement without pretension, honesty without apology, beauty without artifice. Western mystics try to attain orContinue reading “Shibumi part 1”

I spent my last day in Finland at a public elementary school in the outskirts of Helsinki. My first impression of the school building was openness and spaciousness yet somehow also coziness; the first story functioned as a wholly communal space festively decorated with a Christmas tree amongst reading, socializing, and dining areas, as wellContinue reading “Herttoniemenranta Primary School”

Helsinki grew colder and darker as the winter days deepened. I woke up in the early morning and layered on all of the clothing I could.  Once on the city street the morning rhythms seemed out of sync with the feeling of perpetual night. International School of Helsinki spans transitionary-kindergarten through 12th grade.  It isContinue reading “International School of Helsinki”

Once in Helsinki Finland it was early December and nearing Christmas time.  The short daylight hours were bitingly chilly.  I made a habit of spending time in warm cafes savoring coffee and pastries folded with cinnamon, cardamom, or saffron. I had made appointments to observe two international schools, one funded by the city and oneContinue reading “Ressu Comprehensive School”

I was able to visit and observe in three schools in and outside of Helsinki while I was there last winter. Initially I wanted to visit Finnish schools because I was curious about the Finnish educational system.  I had heard people talk about how progressive and successful Finnish schools are. Before I chronicle my personalContinue reading “Education and Incarceration in Finland”

For part I: https://thelivinglearningexperience.com/2019/04/19/europaskolan-part-i-mathematics/ After mathematics class I made my way back to Robert’s classroom.  I immediately noticed pristine-looking art supplies and mirrored walls. Robert warned me that he needed to have a talk with his students about competitiveness and social exclusion.  Once students filed in and took their seats Robert let the students knowContinue reading “Europaskolan part II”

Europaskolan is located on a narrow street in the medieval part of Stockholm called Gamla Stan.  This is the preserved part of the city that attracts tourists from around the world.  Churches loom impressively and forebodingly above eccentric, claustrophobic city streets.  Hoards of people traverse topographic cobbled stone. One would never know that such aContinue reading “Europaskolan part I”

I observed Jennifer’s first & second grade classroom at Berlin Bilingual School. The school is on the outskirts of Mitte close by a large city park. The classroom was spare and functional, the facilities polished and well-maintained.   Blue autumn light streamed through large windows overlooking lemon yellow leaves and dark brittle branches.  The days were gettingContinue reading “Berlin Bilingual School”

Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and like Amsterdam, it is divided by a series of canals.  The canals, winding medieval streets, and trees bursting with yellow, orange, and red leaves made the city very picturesque during my brief fall visit there. Agatha Snellen school is situated in the city center across fromContinue reading “agatha snellen school”

I took the tram to the Copenhagen International School as hoards of urbanites commuted to work.  Countless people on bicycles whizzed past me as I walked to the tram stop in the early morning light.  Copenhagen International School (CIS) is located in Nordhaven, a harbor area on Copenhagen’s coast.   The building of CIS isContinue reading “Copenhagen International School”