There is no shortage of AISB Alumni who return to the school in a different context than they started. Student turned teacher or staff is a common occurrence. Many have found that the love and respect for the school bring them back to contribute to its future in new ways. 

Here, we talk to 4 alumni who find themselves drawing a paycheck rather than making a tuition withdrawal, and what it is that makes AISB the kind of place you’d return to.
 

“I came to Romania in 2008 and attended AISB for 8 years. Whenever I am available to come home from university I work part-time as a substitute teacher, teacher assistant at the ELC, or at Summer Camp.”

 

SARA PEZZONI 

Sara, alumni graduate of 2016 finds not only support in AISB, but a continued means to reach her goals with the help from her alma mater, “My goal is to be a special education teacher and in order to get there I need some teaching experience.” She continues, “What started out as something that I thought I would do once or twice ended up with me becoming part of the team in helping out at the ELC and around the school because I enjoyed it so much. My decision to come back was almost this feeling of knowing that if needed, AISB would help me and see my drive and ambitions enough to see me halfway, and that’s what they did.”
 

JOHANNA RUSU (STANESCU) 

What can start as a temporary opportunity like Sara’s occasional substitute teaching during university holidays, often unveils a passion and evolves into a longer-term experience. Johanna attended AISB for 2 years, 11th and 12th grade (1997-1999). Johanna remembers those years fondly, “My favorite memories were being with my friends, having a snack and lunch at the corner kiosk as well as CEESA tournaments that were held in the "bubble" behind the school.” She goes on to tell WM, “At that time it was ASB. After graduation in 1999, I went to university here in Romania. I worked at AISB as a LIFT to support my university payments. I ended up becoming an assistant and eventually I became a teacher. At the moment I teach grade 2. I always loved children and to work with them was my dream come true. AISB is a warm place and I feel like home here.” 

Johanna reflects on her long tenure here, describing what many of the alumni express. “When I was a student at AISB we all knew each other and we were very united. That's what I liked about AISB, it was my second family.”


 

MARIUS OPRAN 

Meanwhile, Marius finds himself back at AISB after experimenting with what to do after graduating. He spent his entire undergraduate education at AISB, and left Romania after graduation in 2009. 

“I went to Brussels after AISB but unfortunately (or fortunately), the major that I chose, International Affairs, did not please my heart, and neither did the city. Oh well, at least I knew what I didn't like… I came back to Romania and studied psychology at Titu Maiorescu University. I also started working with my older sister Delia, for her company ''Animal Casting Time'', and at the same time started coaching basketball at AISB.” 

Finding himself slowly drawn back to a beloved place, Marius is a full-time employee in the growing Co-Curricular Department, breaking ground in this newly implemented position, he is focused on improving the quality of activities and sports at AISB, whilst also providing more opportunities in these activities, such as more local games & tournaments. He also coordinated the successful ES Summer Camp that wrapped up in July. While he doesn’t know what his future holds, he explains, “At this time, I am pleased with my position at AISB and enjoy the variety of work that my job offers.”


 

VLAD CORACI 

For alumni Vlad, AISB fit into his desire to be an educator, and he has dreamed for years about a return to AISB. Vlad is an important part of AISB's summer program, returning to help with this busy time of year. 

“After I graduated I went on to continue my studies in primary school education at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in The Netherlands, where I am currently in my third year of study. After my bachelor's I will complete a masters in applied linguistics (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). One day I am hoping to come back to AISB as an elementary class teacher. Ever since I graduated, I knew I will have to be back here one day on the other side of the desk, inspiring and helping children like my teachers did for me once.” 

Hearing Vlad talk passionately of his time at AISB, you can understand why he’d want to be on the other side of things. In revealing his best memories, he says, 

“There are a few that stand out in my mind that I will always remember: the football and tennis CEESA tournaments that I participated in over the years, the sports days that would finish with water fights, the day I walked out of my final IB exam and graduation day. I will always remember all these memories with joy and a big smile on my face.”


 

Each of us is always welcome back, as a student, staff, parents, as the AISB community is here to support you in temporary, or long term goals, In an intentional stop-off, or perhaps just an incidental job that turns into something more. AISB welcomes alumni back for work or play.