Life at LIFE International School Through the Eyes of a Chinese Mom
I am a mother of two children from China.
Last year, our family moved to Spain and began the journey of finding a new school for our children.
Like many international families, we visited quite a few schools, including public, private, and international schools.
But the school that left the deepest impression on us was LIFE International School.
It wasn’t because of its campus facilities or a particular academic program. What impressed us most was something much simpler, yet far more meaningful: the people.
From our very first visit to LIFE, we experienced the warmth and patience of the teachers and staff. They didn’t simply introduce us to the school. They took the time to get to know our children and listen to our concerns as parents.
As a mother, that meant far more to me than any beautifully designed school brochure.
Cross-Cultural Adjustment: More Than Learning a New Language
As a Chinese family at LIFE, I have come to understand just how challenging the transition to an international school can be for children.
Chinese, Spanish, and American cultures are very different, especially when it comes to education, communication, and expectations for children.
For children coming from China, adjusting to life in Spain already takes a great deal of courage. Attending an American international school adds another layer of cultural adjustment.
They are not simply learning in English. They are also learning how to communicate with teachers, make friends, participate in classroom discussions, express their opinions, and understand a school culture that may be very different from what they have known before.
And parents are learning, too.
Sometimes, we don’t even know what questions to ask, how certain school systems work, or what kind of support is available when our children face difficulties.
These challenges may seem small to others, but for a family starting a new life in an unfamiliar country, they can feel overwhelming.
Yet at LIFE, I have genuinely felt that our family’s needs have not been overlooked.
The teachers and staff have been willing to listen patiently, understand our circumstances, and help us navigate unfamiliar situations.
These experiences have reminded me that children need much more than academic instruction to truly thrive.
They also need to feel safe, accepted, understood, and valued.
Seeing LIFE from Another Perspective
I have also had the privilege of serving as a volunteer at LIFE.
This opportunity has allowed me to see the school from a different perspective, not only as a parent but also as someone who works alongside the staff and participates in the daily life of the school.
Through this experience, I have come to appreciate how much time, communication, and effort go into supporting families from different cultural backgrounds and with different needs.
Behind the everyday life of a school are countless conversations, discussions, decisions, and small acts of care that parents may never see.
Of course, no school is perfect. Every school has its limitations, and every family faces its own challenges.
But I increasingly believe that what truly matters is not whether a school can immediately solve every problem. Rather, it is whether there are people who are willing to stop, listen, understand, and walk alongside families as they seek solutions together.
This is something I deeply appreciate about LIFE.
A Place Where Families Can Truly Belong
At LIFE, I have seen how the school’s Christian values are reflected in everyday relationships.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words in John 13:34:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34 (NIV)
The patience of a teacher, the kindness of a staff member, or a simple word of care and encouragement—these may seem like small gestures, but they can mean so much to the families receiving them.
Our family’s journey in Spain is still unfolding. We are still learning, adjusting, and growing.
But I am truly grateful that we have found a school where we don’t have to face every challenge alone.
For me, LIFE is more than a school that welcomes international families. It is a school that genuinely seeks to see and understand them.
And as a mother, that is what I treasure most.
Lois Zhang – Marketing Coordinator East Asia at LIFE International School
