8With the beginning of the second semester and the arrival of 2025 comes many blessings, including the arrival of new students—many of whom are new not only to AISG but to China as well. Moving to a new country can be challenging, as many of our readers can vouch for.
But let’s take a step back and reminisce for a moment—COVID-19. Yeah, remember the pandemic?
Changing countries can be difficult, but moving to China during the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique set of challenges. The language barrier, cultural differences, weather, food (if you’re picky), and it can all make adjusting to life in this wonderful country even more difficult. This was exactly the case for Mika G. (and many others), who managed to overcome these challenges and make the most of her time here.
“We landed here while China was still dealing with the COVID situation, which means my first experience in China was quite interesting,” Mika begins. She explained that due to the tension in the country caused by the virus, she and her family didn’t receive the warmest welcome. The language barrier also posed a challenge as they struggled to understand what people were saying to them, often resulting in unpleasant interactions.
“On the other hand, the AISG welcome was quite warm, and I feel like this is true for a lot of people who move a lot.”
Mika explains that the school becomes your community; you connect with students and staff through shared experiences and culture, creating a “soft landing,” especially if you don’t speak the language (which is the case for many of our foreign students).
Being part of a diplomatic family means moving frequently.
“This is my third year in China. Before that, I’ve lived in Belarus, Russia, the US, and Israel (which is where I’m from).”
While this lifestyle offers many opportunities, it also comes with its disadvantages. Specifically for Israeli diplomats, there’s the possibility of being called back to their home country due to the political situation.
“When I was living in Belarus, there was always the threat of having to return to Israel,” Mika reflects. “I don’t think we get to enjoy the same stability that others do.”
Diplomats’ children often spend most of their lives outside their home country while technically representing it. This paradox can have heavy emotional implications, or what Mika calls “impostor syndrome.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are many advantages to this lifestyle.
“I feel like living in one place would be boring. Maybe it’s because that’s how I’ve grown up,” she says with a hint of humor.
In addition to the excellent education that children of diplomats typically receive, these schools are often multicultural and diverse.
“I got to meet people from many different countries, including some I’m not even allowed to travel to as an Israeli.” According to Mika, this can make people more patient, understanding, and skilled at problem-solving.
“Learning to deal with people from many different cultures requires you to constantly solve problems, which I don’t think you have to do as much if you only live in your home country,” Mika explains. “Living in China has made me have a greater understanding of Chinese culture and history. I think that’s something missing since I’ve mostly lived in Europe and learned mainly Eurocentric history.”
Readers, take note: make sure to engage with and educate yourselves about the culture, customs, and rich history that China has to offer. This is one of the best ways to get the most out of your time here. Understanding China’s history is especially important considering its global influence.
Don’t stress too much if you’re new. It takes time to adjust. Mika offered two pieces of advice.
First: put yourself out there. It can be tough and uncomfortable at times (at least it was for her), but it will connect you to your classmates, teachers, and the community, helping you find your way faster.
“AISG as a whole has a very strong sense of community,” Mika says with a laugh. “You’ll notice that in the fact that almost everyone wears Ram merch for some unknown reason.”
Second (for IB students): time management skills.
“It seems like everyone keeps saying this, but it’s true. Managing your time and making sure you have enough of it is really, really important,” Mika says. She also emphasizes using your time effectively. Mika suggests that studying should be focused, and practicing with past papers is optimal.
“It’s important to realize that, at the end of the day, the IB is just a goal,” Mika reflects. “It doesn’t define your self-worth, but it’s something to prepare for.”
“It’s really important to know your personal limits,” she adds. Sometimes, by taking on too many extracurriculars, you don’t allow yourself the time to study, which can lead to unnecessary stress—not just for yourself, but for those around you. This is especially true during senior year when the pressure ramps up.
“You know what you’re capable of, but be smart about it,” Mika warns. “Don’t overload yourself to the point where you’re about to fall apart.”
So, what’s next for Mika?
“I’m Israeli, which means I’ll be enlisting quite soon, and that’s the biggest prospect at the moment,” she says when I ask about her future plans. “I think my time at AISG has really sparked my interest in global affairs, particularly in the press, journalism, and international law. I hope to continue pursuing that through the military and university, perhaps in legal or public relations work.”
If there’s one thing we can learn from Mika, it’s this: challenges don’t define us—they shape us into more resourceful, open-minded, and flexible individuals. Life is a journey, and you are the ones charting it. And, of course, don’t forget to buy some Ram merch along the way.
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