It is an absolute joy to be part of our warm, vibrant, dynamic, and collaborative MEF IS community. I am constantly amazed by our students who come from all over the world. They so beautifully embrace new opportunities that stretch and challenge them, continually developing their habits of mind and learner profile attributes as they grow into lifelong learners. We are so fortunate to have such talented and dedicated teachers who are deeply invested in supporting each student on their individual learning journeys to reach their unique potential.

Ms. Lauren Henrietta Fajobi
Whole School Principal

What I value most about MEF IS is the balance between a strong sense of community and high professional standards. From my first day, I felt welcomed by colleagues, students, and families who genuinely care about one another. One of the most rewarding aspects of working at MEF IS is teaching and learning alongside students from all over the world, whose diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences enrich our community every day. MEF IS is a place where people work together with purpose, creating an environment in which everyone can grow and succeed.

Mr. Carlos Isern
Deputy Principal & Parent

Working at MEF International School is both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding, thanks to its welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community.

As educators, we collaborate, continue learning, and inspire one another while always keeping students’ growth and well-being at the heart of everything we do. Students are empowered to become curious, confident, and lifelong learners in an environment where everyone feels they belong.

I am proud to be part of a community that is committed to meaningful learning, collaboration, and making a positive difference every day.

Ms. Ceni Alpanda
PYP Coordinator

MEF IS is a welcoming and caring school where I am so happy to work at. Working together with international teachers and teaching international students are such wonderful opportunities. The administrative team is so supportive. Parents appreciate teachers’ efforts. Students are welcomed, nurtured, inspired and challenged here.

Ms. Pelin Uster
Head of MEF IS Istanbul & Izmir Counseling Department, Whole School Safeguarding Lead

At MEF International School, what I value most are the students we teach. I have never worked at a school with such engaged, kind, and dedicated learners. We are also fortunate to have a strong team of educators and administrators who collaborate respectfully and genuinely enjoy working together. That positive culture makes coming to work each day both rewarding and enjoyable.

As a parent, it also gives me great confidence knowing my own child is in such caring and capable hands. Seeing him genuinely excited and happy to come to school each day reinforces why MEF is such a special community.

Mr. Marc Antoine
Activities Coordinator, PE Teacher & Parent

At MEF, I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside inspiring colleagues from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, creating a community that truly feels like family.

What I value most is the culture we’ve built together. There is no competition, only collaboration. We support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and lift each other up through every challenge. It’s this spirit of trust, encouragement, and empowerment that brings out the very best in all of us.

Ms. Rawan Adawi
EdTech Lead & ICT Teacher

Being a Primary Spanish teacher at MEF IS for the past two years has been an incredibly rewarding experience. What I love most about our school is the genuinely international mindset and the flexibility that allows both students and teachers to grow. More than anything, I am deeply grateful for our wonderful team; it is a privilege to work with such supportive colleagues in a place where you truly feel cared for, valued, and part of a family.

Ms. Gemma Ramon
Spanish Teacher

I feel truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to become part of the MEF family. Moving to a new country was a big step, but the warmth, support, and kindness I received from the very beginning made my transition smooth and made me feel at home.

What I appreciate most about MEF is its diverse community. Although we come from different cultures and backgrounds, we are united by a shared commitment to providing the best learning experience for our students. It is inspiring to work alongside passionate educators who support one another and celebrate diversity.

Being part of MEF has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am thankful to belong to a community that values collaboration, respect, and lifelong learning.

Ms. Cherlyn De Jesus
Homeroom Teacher

The positive work environment makes me feel good. It is special for students because they have a chance to study in an international community and it gives them the opportunity to develop their global citizenship.

Ms. Cansu Cakılı Aydınkal
IBDP Coordinator & Physics Teacher

I feel truly happy to be part of this school community. What I value most at MEFIS  is the strong sense of care and connection that exists among everyone here. When I say “community” I mean everyone (teachers, admins, support staff, custodians, parents, and students). People look out for one another regardless of their role in the community. This creates an environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and appreciated. 

I’m proud of being part of a school where kindness, respect, and a genuine sense of belonging are at the heart of everything we do.  

Ms. Valeria Gutierrez
Head of Modern Foreign Languages

As an international educator, I can say that at MEF IS one can witness diverse classrooms that naturally bring to life the school’s core vision of building bridges between countries and cultures. Classroom sizes are small which offers the opportunity for high standards to be set while simultaneously honoring the individual learning needs of the students.  

As a part of the MEF IS staff I can also say that I am happy to work with colleagues who come from different parts of the world to form a very fun, vibrant, and exceptionally collaborative team full of ideas which motivates one to perform at their best.

Mr. Murad Ramanovski
Head of Mathematics Department