It was an email from a work colleague that made Gabriel Abad, a teacher and expert in information and communication technologies (ICT) from Malaga, decide one day to change the direction of his life. He packed his bags and set off for Singapore to become a teacher at the United World College. This was back in September 2002, and although at first he had only planned to spend two years on the Asian island, eight years later he is still living there.
"What surprised me most about Singapore was the education system, not just in terms of infrastructure, but also when it comes to student grants, the amount of resources they have, or the teachers' information", states Abad. Currently Director of Theory and Knowledge and teacher of Spanish literature at the United World College, this local man admits that the school is different to others. "What sets us apart from other schools is that everyone has to undertake a strong social service component. What's more we oblige students to follow a wide range of subjects, so that they are much more prepared for University when they leave", Abad maintains. He goes on to explain that what makes these schools special is the mixture of cultures, as there are pupils of different nationalities. "In my class there are students from Chile, Costa Rica, Spain, Venezuela and many other nationalities", he points out.
There are 13 United World Colleges in America, Asia, Europe and Africa. And in 2013 the first college will be set up in Spain. It will be located in the former Pontifical University of Comillas in Cantabria. Gabriel Abad has not ruled out returning to Spain. "I've got my eye on it because it would be an honour to participate in the project as I believe it will be a model United World College. What's more I'm from Malaga and I still feel the pull of my homeland", the teacher admits.
A technological country
Gabriel Abad explains that the Asian island of 4.5 million inhabitants sees technology as an essential part of people's lives. "In Singapore, technology is considered a transforming element in society. They want to have WiFi coverage on the whole of the island by 2015; in fact the airport has free access to this technology". He also comments that a great deal is invested in this area, because they realise that it is something worthwhile. He explains that people can pay their taxes using their mobile phones, or order a taxi with a text message.
The teacher plans to spend two more years in Singapore, but as he admitted before, he has not ruled out returning to Spain to take part in the United World College in Comillas.
