At that time we had one staff member, Penny, who was our nanny and all
around helper! It was fun teaching in a bamboo and wooden school
building. Things weren’t always busy but that was ok. We enjoyed the
island experience and owning our own business.
Things were going
well until December of 2006 which was the day we finished building our
first house. Coming from Canada, we built a mix of native and Canadian
style house. Not a good idea, as that night the biggest typhoon ripped
apart everything including most of our school roof and drenched
everything including our newly painted and built house.
With
thoughts of leaving and returning to Canada earlier than planned, we
decided to rebuild and start anew. It was definitely difficult starting
again with a lot less of our savings. After repairing and replacing
everything, which was in February 2007, we started growing rapidly,
gathering teachers, students and support staff.
Since then we
helped start the International school with several leaders of our island
community and moved to the adjoining location. What started as a small
family run language school has become a school with students from over
30 countries and with almost 30 staff members.
We have learned a lot
from our staff and students, always trying to become a better and more
organized institute, holding on to our ideals and beliefs. Our goal has
always been and always will be for students to learn the English
language and learn about themselves.
There have been many fantastic
students, some interesting and some different, you know who you are! But
the one thing I have always learned is that everyone brings something
different to our school. Appreciating those differences isn’t always
easy but it has definitely made me a more flexible and understanding
person. Of this I am incredibly grateful, for whatever happens in the
future I have learned from many of our students and staff.
Coming
to study at Paradise English is a great opportunity but with that
opportunity also comes a challenge, to remain flexible and have a
patient attitude. Things will always be different from what you expect
so expect nothing and be open to everything. Studying in a foreign
country is one way people of the world learn from each other. The chance
to learn not only a new language but also to learn about oneself has
always been one of the main reasons to study abroad.
I thank all of
our past and present students and teachers for the great 7 years we have
been on Boracay. These past 7 years have been the most enjoyable and
educational 7 years of our lives!
Thanks to all our friends, staff and students! You are what makes Paradise English great!!
Sincerely,
Claus and the Bauer family.
In the words of someone much wiser than I,
Education is the proper way to promote compassion and tolerance in
society. Compassion and peace of mind bring a sense of confidence that
reduce stress and anxiety, whereas anger and hatred come from
frustration and undermine our sense of trust. Because of ignorance, many
of our problems are our own creation. Education, however, is the
instrument that increases our ability to employ our own intelligence.
Dalai Lama
Messages taken from social media
February is the shortest month of the year and the 2nd month in the Julian and Gregorian calendar. It is also one of the most celebrated month because of Valentine’s Day. Last February 2013, Paradise English celebrated the month of love with a twist and a bang. Students from different places across the globe, with different racial and cultural background gathered and enjoyed a night long festival of fun and friendship. The party started with a simple yet delicious dinner shared by students, teachers, staff and friends of Paradise English. Later on, it was followed by entertaining numbers from teachers and friends. The night was full of laughter and fun. Different party games were played like paper dance, marsh mallow eating contest, suck and blow relay and many more.
