Are you interested in applying to THINK Global School but aren’t quite sure if it’s right for you? That’s OK! It’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. To help you in your application process, we’ve put together a list of five things we feel every applicant to THINK Global School should know. We hope you find them helpful. 1) You’ll gain an education by living and learning in the...
Read MoreAt THINK Global School, there is no such thing as typical. From our curriculum to our students and the roles of our staff members, we are always pushing past what might be considered normal in an ongoing effort to shape the next generation of changemakers and global citizens.
We come from everywhere around the world and, at times, wear so many hats that we often forget what is underneath it all — the hopes, the dreams, and the mission that continually pushes us all forward. In this monthly installment of blog posts, we’ll be spotlighting our staff through a series of questions that shine a light on their character, ambitions, and responsibilities at THINK Global School. Up first is Elyce Tunbridge, a native of Australia and our in-country coordinator.
1. Describe your role at THINK Global School
Officially my title at TGS is in-country coordinator. What that really means though is a myriad of things: It includes coordinating serious logistical issues like the movement of 40+ people throughout our host country and ensuring that the various dietary and medical needs of our students are met, to more lighthearted tasks, like being an impromptu dance party participant or standby premium hug giver when the need arises. Throughout it all, I consider being an advocate for teenage dreams one of my most important duties.
2. What are three words to describe THINK Global School?
Forward-thinking, dynamic, and inspiring
3. What does a typical day look like in a TGS classroom?
There is no visual consistency of a typical TGS classroom. The “walls” tend not to exist and the scenery is forever changing. A TGS classroom is more like a feeling: Students sit alongside educators and the exchange of knowledge and ideas flows both ways. The conversations often delve far beyond the surface level and are typically distracted by an interesting tangent that leaves you thinking, “How did we get to talking about this?”
The passion for knowledge and for challenging ideas runs deep and the diverse context of each participant in the “room” brings new and interesting perspectives to each and every lesson, whether they were intended lessons or not. What I love most about a “typical” day is that local experts are a regular feature and the topic is not only discussed, but is often seen with our own eyes, felt with our fingertips and experienced firsthand.
4. What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?
Embracing my independence, courage, and initiative to explore the world and continually grow from the experience, while retaining my roots in the place that I call home (Western Australia).
5. What has been your favorite project at THINK Global School? Additionally, what current project excites you most?
Last year during our Morocco term we took a weekend trip to Fes in small groups. Students were responsible for organizing the whole weekend. They had a time frame, a budget, and a goal of planning a fun weekend for their group that exposed them to a new city and the way of life unique to Fes. It was fantastic! We visited local tanneries, explored the maze of alleyways in the world’s largest medina and enjoyed local culinary delights. These kinds of learning experiences are my favorite. Ones where staff and students explore side-by-side and are exposed to cultures so different from their own. These experiences cultivate unique bonds among both students and staff as an experience shared is such a powerful thing.
Looking forward, I am really excited for our upcoming term in India where our Changemaker Program Modules will be in full swing alongside student-designed and -led projects. Our students are so diverse and have such a vast array of interests it makes me excited to see them engage in the creation of their own learning journey and actually realize their potential in this beautiful world of ours!