New teachers begin at European School in Mol: “I moved from Greece last week”

Sophia Haites had been in Mol for only a week when she began her new job as an art teacher at the European School’s secondary school.

“I am the new art teacher at the secondary school. I am very excited, and it will undoubtedly be a successful school year for the students and me,” she said. Haites moved from Greece for the position and has already explored Mol’s town center and surrounding nature.

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They come here to teach for nine years.

She was among the new teachers welcomed during an introductory day before the school year began. Other new arrivals came from countries including Germany, France and the Netherlands, making an international transition part of the school’s annual start.

The European School was established by the European Union in 1960 for children of staff working at the Joint Research Centre in Mol, the European Commission’s research center. It also accepts other families. Its campus includes nursery, primary and secondary schools, and its students represent more than 50 nationalities.

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The selection procedures are very strict, which makes the quality of education very high.

The school has Dutch, French and English language sections. Students can also take some subjects in their mother tongue, bringing the total number of languages taught to 22, mainly by native speakers. Most teachers are seconded by their member states and remain civil servants in their home countries while teaching in Mol, usually for nine years.

Director Maria-José Perez Blanco said national delegations use demanding tests and interviews to select teachers. The school also uses the orientation day to help staff handle practical issues involved in moving abroad, including transport and settling in. Some younger teachers choose to live in Antwerp rather than Mol.

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I am the new art teacher at the secondary school. I am very excited, and it will undoubtedly be a successful school year for the students and me.