There he is, my little guy, on his inaugural day of middle school, eagerly awaiting the bus at the end of our picturesque lane in Vermont. He’s not just smiling; he’s radiating confidence. There’s no trace of fear on his face as he prepares to enter a new school without a single familiar face nearby. Surprisingly, he isn’t even feeling those dreaded butterflies in his stomach—though one did land momentarily on his head!
What’s behind my son’s calm demeanor? His experience living in the Middle East last year.
Flashback to 2014
My son, Alex, and I were racing in a cab to his first day at the American International School of Abu Dhabi (AISA). Outside, the thermometer soared to 120 degrees as we navigated the bustling streets. Alex sat quietly, deep in thought, about to step into a vast private school that welcomed students from over 80 countries, including a Sheikh’s nephew in his fifth-grade class.
As I slathered sunscreen on Alex, I realized that while I could protect him from the sun, he would face challenges inside the school gates on his own. Would it be a melting pot of cultures, where everyone seeks to understand one another? Or would the tensions of the region cast a shadow over his experience?
The reality was a mix of both. By the second day, Alex discovered that being American wasn’t always an advantage, even in an American school. A fellow student from Egypt threatened him for his nationality. This incident made Alex aware that he needed to work harder to be friendly and approachable. He even asked the principal not to punish his aggressor, showing a remarkable maturity for a young boy.
Settling In
In late September, we settled into an apartment on Al Reem Island, and I began a new role in communications at Khalifa University. Alex’s bus arrived bright and early at 6:25 a.m. for a lengthy commute. As we waited daily in front of the Boutik Mall, I found joy in watching other kids board their bright yellow buses heading to various schools, like the British International School and the Canadian School. But one day, it struck me that Alex’s bus didn’t carry the name “American International School” on it.
A few hours later, I received an email warning from the Embassy about a disturbing post on a Jihadist website that encouraged attacks on international schools in the region. My husband, a Canadian director at Abu Dhabi’s New York Film Academy, and I weighed our options. Yes, we could leave for safety, but we risked missing out on understanding this incredible culture. We chose to stay.
Tragically, on December 1, a horrific incident occurred: an American teacher was murdered in the very mall where Alex and I waited for his bus. The entire community—Muslim, Christian, American, and Arab—was shaken. The government quickly took action to enhance security for everyone in the city. Still, I continued to send my son off on bus No. 7, trusting in the strength of our community.
Celebrating Diversity
When Alex turned 11 in the spring of 2015, we celebrated with a small party that included kids from around the world—Kenya, Russia, Lebanon, Australia, and notably, his friend Omar from Syria. What had his family endured to find safety here?
We managed to finish the school year, supported by Sharif, a driver we relied on often to pick Alex up after school events. His care provided me peace of mind. On June 12, as we drove to the airport for our departure from Abu Dhabi, Alex read Arabic signs out loud, soaking in the sights one last time. But it wasn’t until he hopped onto bus No. 21 for his American middle school back in Vermont that I knew for certain our year in the Middle East had been worthwhile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our time abroad not only broadened Alex’s horizons but also equipped him with invaluable life skills, preparing him for the challenges of middle school and beyond. It’s essential to remember that every experience shapes our children, and sometimes, the most unexpected adventures can lead to the greatest growth. If you’re interested in exploring parenting topics, check out our insights on home insemination kits and fertility resources.
Keyphrase: How Living Abroad Prepared My Son for Middle School
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