Kimberly Mathern

Born and raised in New York, I quickly developed an appetite for international travel and overseas assignments. My first long-term post abroad was in Hong Kong, where I realized I probably could have been better prepared for what could only be defined as culture shock. A decade or so later, I moved to France – feeling much better equipped for life as an American abroad after my experience in Asia. Ready to relocate again, I found myself in the Middle East starting a new life and family. Our son was born in Qatar; we moved again to the Emirates and finally returned to Strasbourg in time for him to start college (“middle school” in the American system). Knowing we were likely going to move around, we enrolled our son in international schools wherever we were. It was important to us that he receive an appreciation for the local culture but as a binational, that he is also a native speaker of both French and English. I can see the difference in how he interacts with others and his approach to problem-solving. These are skills that I wish I had before my first overseas assignment. I have seen first-hand what an international education can offer a child and am a strong believer in the program. I am happy to be a founding member of ADEIS and look forward to helping develop these opportunities for other children in Strasbourg.