Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 10/12/11
Personal Experiences from Bucharest, Romania
School Name:
American International School of Bucharest
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
parent
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
8th and 12th
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2008-2012
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
U.S. Embassy
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
C
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
C
Administration & School Procedures:
1. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
My impression is that students are "getting by".
2. For the following attributes, down to the next blank box, grade your experience at the school on a scale of A (excellent) to F (unacceptable/terrible) and provide comments:<br><br>Overall fair and equitable treatment of all students and families:
C
3. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
B
4. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
C
5. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
D
6. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
C
7. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
C
8. Administration-parent communication:
A - middle school; C - high school
9. Teacher-student communication:
B
10. Academics, answer the following questions "yes" or "no" with an explanation if appropriate:<br><br>Are there any classes or subjects where students are not appropriately challenged?
Yes, it depends upon the teacher
11. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
no
12. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
13. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
14. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
They offer some.Many students can't take the electives they would like because of schedule conflicts.Also, they do not offer IB Music. It is nearly impossible for anyone 10th grade and up to do any music at the school.
15. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
GERMAN Language
16. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
12th grade trip required to pay for food; sport trips to other countries, etc.
17. What activities do you feel are missing?
18. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
19. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
I haven't heard about the school providing assistance to new students.
20. Please describe any problem areas or challenges in social interaction at the school:
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
B
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
B
3. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
yes - although too much emphasis
4. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
C
5. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
A
6. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
IB
7. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
yes
8. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
C
9. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes, I think so, although you will hear Romanian all through the school between teachers and students
10. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
no
11. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Yes, a mix.The Romanian kids speak Romanian among their groups which can cause some division.
2. Are there are any problems with exclusionary behavior, cliques, or bullying at this school? Please describe any problems your children may have experienced in this area.
I've heard about a few bullying experiences.I don't think it is that bad here though.Some of the bullying is a part of Romanian culture.As for my own children, they experienced bullying by teachers.
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
the physical building is nice
2. Greatest challenge?
inconsistent teaching; lack of authenticity and follow-through with the administration; reliance on technology; and a culture that is negative;
3. Would you choose this school again? Why?
No, unless I had no choice.After 4 years and being very involved at the school, I am still frustrated.The school is inconsistent.It needs a foundation and to set a standard.It feels like a place where people are reacting and not creating for the future.There are some gems in the school and I appreciate the administration and staff that have really tried to make a difference.Still, overall, it is like a school that lacks a soul and feels fake.
