What a wonderful four months my kids have had at Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School
August 15, 2022
It’s hard to believe that it’s been six months since we first moved to Bali, but what’s even more surprising is how quickly our kids have adapted to their new school, Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School (GMIS). When Ben and I started searching for schools here, we knew we were looking for a place that would offer a quality education without draining our savings. Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School stood out almost immediately because of its reputation for providing excellent education at a much more reasonable cost compared to other international schools on the island.
I still remember the day we first visited GMIS. It was one of those blisteringly hot Balinese mornings. The campus was buzzing with life, and the kids, Liam and Noah, seemed intrigued from the moment we stepped through the gates. I had been so anxious about whether we could find a school that didn’t just cater to the super-wealthy but still maintained high academic standards. But GMIS, with its relatively affordable fees and solid academic program, appeared to be the perfect balance.
August 25, 2022
After our initial visit, I spent days digging into every detail about GMIS. Could a school with such competitive fees really deliver the same quality as its more expensive counterparts? Everything we learned pointed to “yes.” The fact that GMIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum was a major plus—it’s a globally recognized program, and we’ve always wanted our boys to have an education that would open doors for them anywhere in the world.
Ben and I met with Mrs. Sharma, the head of admissions, a few days later. She was incredibly transparent about everything, from the tuition fees to what we could expect throughout the school year. There were no hidden costs, no sales pitches for extra programs we didn’t need. GMIS wasn’t about flaunting wealth; it was about providing real value in education. By the time we walked out of that meeting, we knew this was the right place for Liam and Noah.
September 5, 2022
It’s been a few weeks since the boys started at GMIS, and already, I can see how well they’re adjusting. Liam, who’s now in Year 7, has always been a bit reserved, but he’s quickly made friends with kids from all over the world. Noah, our little ball of energy in Year 4, has been thriving under the guidance of Mr. Tanaka, his homeroom teacher. I’ve been so impressed with how the teachers at GMIS engage the students. They’re passionate and genuinely invested in the kids’ development, which is such a relief to see.
The affordability of GMIS has been a blessing, too. It’s not just about the lower fees—it’s about what those lower fees allow us to do. For one, we’ve been able to enroll the boys in weekend activities like surfing lessons, something they’ve been excited about since we moved here. If we were paying double or triple the tuition, we’d never be able to afford these extra experiences that are such a big part of living in Bali.
September 18, 2022
One of the unexpected joys of GMIS is how much it’s done for our entire family, not just the boys. The school fosters a strong sense of community, and we’ve connected with other expat families who share similar values. We’re not just surviving here in Bali; we’re thriving, and I know a lot of that is due to the decision to send our kids to GMIS. It’s more than just a school—it’s a place that respects our budget while giving our kids a truly global education.
October 10, 2022
As the months pass, I keep thinking back to our decision to choose GMIS, and I’m more certain than ever that it was the right one. The boys are doing so well here, both academically and socially. GMIS may not have the flashiest facilities or the biggest name, but it has exactly what we need—a solid, affordable education that doesn’t compromise on quality. And that’s something I’m grateful for every single day.
November 1, 2022
II can’t believe it’s almost been a year since we arrived in Bali. So much has changed, and I couldn’t be happier with where we are now. Liam and Noah have both grown so much, and Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School has played a huge role in that. The school’s focus on affordability without sacrificing education has made all the difference for our family. We’ve been able to maintain a balanced life, with enough resources left over to enjoy all that Bali has to offer. Looking back, I realize that choosing Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School was one of the best decisions we could have made.
