New Teacher & Student Interview
As the new semester begins, we’ve welcomed some new faces to campus. The GIS Standard spoke with several of the new students and teachers to learn more about how they’re settling in and how they feel about joining our school community.
So, how are they adjusting to their new environment? Let’s go find out.
The new students: G8 Elina, G9 Aiden, G10 Olivia
G8 Elina
Brief introduction about you for our readers:
Hi everyone, my name is Elina, and my Korean name is Yeon Jae Woo. My MBTI is ISTJ, and I’ve been attending a public middle school.
Q: What was your first impression of our school?
A: I thought of the word ‘overseas’ for my first impression. The reason I came to an international school was that I wanted more international experience, and I feel I can experience a lot of things here that I can’t at public schools.
Q: What subject do you enjoy the most, and why?
A: I feel that ESL is the most interesting subject. I enjoy it the most because it helps me improve in areas I’m not very good at.
Fun question: Out of the four seasons, what’s your favorite one?
A: Spring. I just like it because it’s warm.
One comment about you for our readers:
I hope everyone gets along well.
G9 Aiden
Brief introduction about you for our readers:
I would introduce myself as an ordinary student.
Q: How is GIS different from your previous school?
A: I’m from a regular Korean high school, so I’m used to the system where teachers come to your class, but now I have to move between classrooms. Also, class times are much longer here than in Korean schools, and for certain subjects, the range of education is much wider.
Q: What goals do you have for this school year?
A: I just want to get used to this school. I actually was at another international school when I was younger, but back then, grades didn’t matter. So, I want to focus more on my grades this year.
Fun question: What period would you travel to if you were given a time machine?
A: That's a tough question, but I wouldn’t choose to go to the future for sure. It’s because I have nothing to do there, and I’m also a little scared of what the future might hold. I’d go to the late 19th or early 20th century because I like the atmosphere of those times.
One comment about you for our readers:
Good luck and have fun.
G10 Olivia
Brief introduction about you for our readers:
Hello, I’m Olivia from G10, and I've previously attended an art school.
Q: Why did you choose to come to GIS?
A: I decided to change my career path and I’ve always been interested in English, so I started looking into international schools. I chose GIS because it seemed like a great fit for me.
Q: Is there something interesting about you that you want to share with the school?
A: I might come off as cold at first, but once you get to know me, I’m not like that at all.
Fun question: If you could either have the best intelligence in the world or the best appearance in the world, what would you choose?
A: I think I’d choose intelligence. I think knowing things would be more useful in life than just appearance.
One comment about you for our readers:
I hope everyone has a wonderful school year!
Ms. Selly Lee (secondary science teacher)
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
A: My name is Sally Lee. I am currently teaching science at GIS, including subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. I have experience teaching both in Korea and abroad, and I really enjoy helping students explore and understand science more deeply.
Q: Why did you choose to work in GIS?
A: I chose to work at GIS because of its strong academic program and international environment. I was excited about the chance to teach students from diverse backgrounds and to contribute to a community that values education, respect, and curiosity.
Q: Any difficulty with GIS?
A: One of the main challenges is that students have different academic levels and experiences, especially in science. It sometimes requires extra planning to make sure every student can follow and succeed. However, I also see this as an opportunity to grow as a teacher.
Q: How was your first month in GIS?
A: It was very busy but exciting. I enjoyed meeting students and colleagues, learning the school culture, and getting used to the schedule. I also felt very welcomed by the community, which helped me adjust quickly.
Q: Any determination for the school year?
A: My goal is to help students build both knowledge and confidence in science. I want to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, thinking critically, and enjoying the process of learning.
Mr. Michael Hur (secondary social study teacher)
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
A: “Hi, I am Min Hyuk Hur, also known as Mr. Michael Hur at GIS. I graduated high school, university, and even graduate school in the United States. My major in university and graduate school was Social Studies Education. It is really an honor and great pleasure to meet all of you. I hope to have a great year with all of you”.
Q: Why did you choose to work in GIS?
A: “Gangnam International School was one of the schools that was located near my house. Thanks to that, I could easily commute from home to school. However, it does not answer perfectly why I chose GIS rather than other schools such as Fayston Preparatory School, SSI Daechi, and Seoul Academy. Since I have loved working with students, I have always been willing to provide what I have to students and the school. As a result, I made several requests and asked many questions about what I could do for the school and the students. GIS was more open to them than any other schools. Therefore, it made me choose GIS”.
Q: Any difficulty in GIS?
A: ”No, I cannot find any difficulties in GIS until now. It seems like everybody welcomes me and even treats me nicely. Great place to work and to collaborate with students”.
Q: How was your first month in GIS?
A: “As a very introverted person, I worried a lot whether I could adapt to the school environment easily and work with students well. However, since other administrative officers and teachers help me a lot, I feel like I have already adapted to the school. Moreover, it is very questionable why students love to visit my classroom during their lunch time. I am not saying it is bad or I feel reluctant. I felt it because they tend to get along with other classmates more than getting along with teachers. Again, I do not mind students visiting my classroom because it helps me to better understand who they are, what they like (or don’t like), who they get along with, and even building rapport with them”.
Q: Any determination for the school year?
A: “Firstly, as a subject teacher, I do not want to be a laid back teacher. Even if researching my subject content materials takes lots of time, I want to teach the content knowledge to my students most effectively. Secondly, I want to better understand my students one by one. I want to treat and respond to them based on what characteristics they have, what they are good at, what they are not good at, and most/least favorite thing to do, not treating them like robots. Lastly, I hope every student feels happy during their high school time” 😄
To all our new students and teachers, we’re so glad you’re here!
GIS students, if you see one of our new community members around campus, don’t forget to give them a warm greeting and make them feel at home. 😄