Staff Interview with Beata Mickevic

What inspired you to join the team at BASIS.ed International Student Program?

When I lived in Chicago, I worked with international students and it was the most rewarding and interesting job I have had so far. When I saw an opportunity to work with international students at the best high schools in the U.S., I was sold! I love everything international - traveling, languages, cultures, customs, people - therefore, it was the best choice for me.

Can you tell us about your role as the Manager of International Student Program?

As the Manager of International Student Program my main role is to support the international students and make sure they get the help they need in order to succeed and be happy at BASIS Charter schools. Our schools are very rigorous and the students find themselves spending a lot of time on homework so my job is to make sure they find the balance in their lives. I communicate the importance of living and learning from their host family, traveling with them, celebrating the holidays and American culture, exploring the beautiful state of Arizona, and creating unforgettable and cherished memories during their time in BASIS Charter schools.

How do you help support the students and their experience with BASIS?

I am involved in the student application process from the very beginning. Therefore, during the interview I discuss with the student what to expect when they come to BASIS and to the U.S. I organize an in-person student orientation that helps the students with learning more about academics at BASIS Charter schools, life with a host family, American culture and etiquette, expectations, social situations, etc.

I also organize the Student Ambassador Program that involves local BASIS students who help international students with academics, making friends, and involving them in events and outings. International students have my contact information and they can reach out to me whenever they have an issue at school, host family, or any other problem. We also organize trips for international students when they have a chance to see the Grand Canyon, Sedona, visit a national park, or just go for dinner at a nice restaurant.

You have a lot of international travel experience, including living in three different countries. How does this influence the work you do?

My international experience fostered my love for everything international including working with students from countries all over the world. Communicating with international students is a different way of traveling for me. It’s always fascinating for me to learn more about the students’ culture, customs, and holidays they celebrate in their own country, and learn about the cuisine and language. I am also excited about sharing and explaining the differences of American culture to the students.

Since I was an international student in two different countries myself, I know what the students are going through when they first come to the U.S. and I feel that my experience helps me support the students in a more meaningful way.

What advice would you share with individuals hoping to live or study abroad?

My advice to individuals who hope to live or study abroad is to be more open and adaptable to new situations and experiences, and appreciate life abroad as much as they can while they live in that country. They will miss living abroad, their friends, studying, the school, the teachers, and their classmates when they leave the country (at least most individuals will). 

Why is it important to travel and experience new cultures?

When we travel to other countries we learn so much! We learn to appreciate what we have at home, we learn the way people live in other countries, their culture, customs, a few words in their language, and their values. Traveling also helps you build confidence and communication skills, open your mind, enrich your life, and create a lot of remarkable memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned during your international travels?

• Some of the biggest lessons I learned during my international travels are:
  
• Pack light (you should be able to fit all you need into a small carry-on bag or a duffel bag for two-three weeks of traveling)
  
• Learn how to say the most important words in the local language. People really appreciate it and are much more helpful when you try to show them that you are interested in their culture and language.
  
• You have to try new things even if you feel uncomfortable, go and do things beyond your comfort zone.
  
• Be open minded about trying new cuisines, learning about different cultures, meeting new people, seeing new places, doing new activities, and experiencing diverse lifestyles.
  
• Appreciate the fact that you can travel to other countries, because many people do not have that opportunity.
  

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

For me meaningful traveling is when I get to know local people and spend some time with them and their families, meet new friends, and learn to cook and eat dishes from the local cuisine. I also enjoy spending holidays in other countries, getting off the beaten path, and spending time in nature.

What makes BASIS special?

BASIS Charter schools have been ranked the best high schools in the U.S., including all five of the top five spots. Our students also outrank other students at the global level, according to the OECD test score results. We hire the best and most passionate teachers who instill their love of the subject onto their students. BASIS Curriculum is very challenging, but we have a very good and effective support system for students that need help. Teachers offer student hours every week if the student wants to come and talk to the teacher one on one, there are peer support programs, and as I mentioned before, there is a Student Ambassador program specially created for international students to get support.

Also, the international students stay with host families where they get to practice their English at home, learn about American culture and customs, try new dishes, and share their culture with the host family members. I think living with the host family adds a lot to the student’s extraordinary experience at BASIS Charter school.

Are there any new developments or projects at BASIS in the works that we can expect to see soon?

The BASIS Curriculum Schools network is always growing! In 20 years we have gone from one charter school to over 30 charter, private, and international schools across the U.S., China, Thailand, and Prague. Our network will be adding new schools every year, so be sure to follow us and see if there is a BASIS Curriculum school coming to your country! For those that don't have one, the international student program is the best way to experience life as a BASIS student and life abroad. Submit an application to our program and you will be getting to study with the best in the U.S.!