School Advisor Articles

Finding a School That Feels Like Home: Arushee’s Journey at GIIS

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Sep 11, 2024

If you're moving to Malaysia from India with your family for work and want a school that feels like home for your children, Global Indian International School (GIIS) might be what you're looking for. GIIS follows the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, which helps bring its mission and vision to life. This approach supports your child's growth and prepares them for college and beyond. Just ask former GIIS student Arushee Puri.

Arushee’s educational journey began in 2008 when her family moved from India to Malaysia due to her father’s job. Since then, Malaysia has been home, and her academic path has unfolded beautifully within its borders. Starting with Kindergarten at GIIS, Arushee completed her education there up to the 10th grade, following the CBSE curriculum. She then pursued her Cambridge A-Levels at Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL). She is now in her final year of a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Management at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

“I believe there are few reasons for my enrollment into GIIS," she says. "The first one would be the international recognition of the school with a known brand. Second would be the offering of a CBSE curriculum which is scarce in Malaysia. Since my parents have studied in the CBSE curriculum, they wanted their children to pursue the same.”

This was a significant choice for her family, who valued the international recognition and affordability of GIIS compared to other private schools. What's more, the presence of a supportive Indian community at GIIS, including both students and teachers, helped Arushee and her family feel at home and integrate smoothly into their new environment.

Arushee has been awarded the Academic Excellence Award at GIIS for nine years in a row. 

 

A Memorable Experience at GIIS

Arushee has fond memories of her time at Global Indian International School (GIIS), where she completed her primary, middle, and part of her high school education. Looking back, she reflects on how most of her formative experiences and cherished memories are tied to the school. From friendships to the rollercoaster of emotions during exams, GIIS was a place that left lasting impressions.

GIIS offered a unique balance of seriousness and fun. While there were moments of quiet focus, there were also times filled with laughter and lighthearted interactions with teachers and friends. This blend helped create an environment where learning felt enjoyable and stress was managed with care.

The teachers at GIIS, particularly in the higher grades, were highly skilled and emotionally intelligent. They supported Arushee throughout her time at the school. They fostered an environment of trust and encouragement, always showing a genuine interest in their students’ success. This was particularly evident when the teachers urged Arushee to stay on at GIIS despite her eventual transition to MCKL.

The teachers played a pivotal role in shaping her educational journey. They were not just educators but also mentors who offered emotional support and believed in her potential. Arushee fondly remembers several of her teachers who had a lasting impact on her development. Among them was Ms. Lovina, her 1st-grade teacher, who Arushee recalls as ‘an angel’. She remembers the warmth and care that Ms. Lovina brought into the classroom, making her feel secure and valued.

Another standout was Mr Lenin, known for his strict but friendly demeanour. His unique teaching style and commitment to offering extra classes before board exams were instrumental in helping her succeed. Ms. Sandhya, her 10th-grade social studies teacher, was another figure of inspiration who constantly motivated Arushee to do her best. Finally, Ms. Rupa, her ICT teacher, stood out for her kindness and innovative teaching methods, making learning enjoyable and engaging.

Each of these teachers contributed uniquely to Arushee’s development and left an indelible mark on her educational journey. The result? Arushee scored above 90% every year, which led her to receive the Academic Excellence Award at GIIS for nine years in a row.

“It was always a moment of pride for me to get up on the stage to receive the award and it had sort of become a habit where I needed to win the award.”

Arushee (far left) represented GIIS at the Toyota Eco Youth Competition.

One of Arushee’s proudest achievements was her performance in the 10th standard board exams, part of the rigorous CBSE curriculum. These exams are similar to the O-Levels and A-Levels and are administered by the CBSE headquarters in India, making them high-pressure and a defining moment for students.

Her teachers went above and beyond, organising extra in-class practice tests, providing more preparation materials and offering unwavering support. But beyond academics, they provided much-needed motivation and reassurance. “I could feel the heart they put into it, and they tried to help every student, whether weak or strong in studies. It wouldn't have been possible without their selflessness and support.”

Thanks to their guidance, Arushee scored an impressive 94.8% in her board exams. This achievement earned her a merit scholarship at MCKL, despite limitations for international students. Arushee is forever grateful to her teachers, friends and family for their support throughout her academic journey, which continues to shape her success today.

“I’m forever grateful to the teachers, my friends and my parents for their support in my academic journey at GIIS which ultimately overflowed beyond.”

Arushee (right) excelled in school competitions like basketball, handball, dodgeball, and track and field, winning a gold and two silver medals at the last GIIS sports day.

Involvement in Co-curricular Activities

GIIS provided a rich array of co-curricular opportunities that helped shape Arushee into the well-rounded individual she is today. From taekwondo and chess to arts, yoga, drama and dance, these activities were integrated into the curriculum, allowing her to develop skills beyond the classroom.

“I didn’t realise their purpose then, but it helped to build an all-rounder. I am proud to say now that I am skilled in all the above areas. These are things that people in another school usually pursue outside of their school by taking additional classes, but imagine being able to get a free taekwondo lesson each week and a chance to get certified at a young age."

Her participation in various external events, such as the International Yoga Day celebration in Malaysia, allowed her to showcase her talents and gain confidence. Arushee also participated in several competitions, including design, robotics and the Toyota Eco Youth competition, where she was part of the ECO club that successfully reduced plastic consumption at GIIS. Her leadership skills were also honed through her role as a prefect in the student council, where she learned to work in teams, communicate effectively and take on responsibilities.

Transition to A-Levels at MCKL

After completing her 10th grade at GIIS, Arushee decided to pursue A-Levels at MCKL, citing the international recognition of the UK syllabus as a key factor in her decision. “I wanted to continue my studies abroad, and A-Levels were more internationally recognised than the CBSE curriculum for this purpose.”

MCKL’s reputation for academic performance and discipline also played a significant role in her choice. Arushee’s time at MCKL was marked by her outstanding academic performance, as she achieved 4A*s in her chosen subjects: Maths, Economics, Business Studies and Accounting.

Arushee completed her internship at Maybank, which she secured through her own initiative.

Looking Toward the Future

At GIIS, the pressure of academics was intense, but it proved to be great preparation for university life. The rigorous curriculum at GIIS equipped Arushee to handle university challenges easily, allowing her to focus on personal growth outside the classroom. This allowed her to focus on extracurriculars, where she took on leadership roles such as Logistics Head, Organising Chairperson, President and even a Maybank Student Ambassador.

As she prepares to enter the final year of her Bachelor's degree at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, Arushee reflects on the strong foundation that GIIS has provided her. The combination of rigorous academics, co-curricular experiences and supportive teachers has equipped her with a well-rounded skill set beyond textbooks.

“GIIS will always remain close to my heart and my second home. I believe it was the people that made the difference.”