“From my experience in China and now here in Korea, if you don’t have quality international schools, it’s difficult to attract top global talent, as families often prioritize education options before relocating,” said Alison Derbyshire, head of Dulwich College Seoul, in an interview with the Chosun Daily at the school’s campus in Seoul’s Seocho district on Nov. 1. Derbyshire, who was appointed as the school’s first female head this summer, discussed how international schools play a crucial role in enhancing foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Korea. Drawing on her years of leadership in China’s international school sector, she emphasized the importance of strong community support for expat families, ensuring a smooth transition to life in a new country, which ultimately contributes to sustained investment and retention of global talent. Below is the Q&A excerpt from the interview.
How has your transition to life in Seoul been both personally and professionally?
“Personally, it’s been a wonderful three months. I came from New Zealand, then spent the last 10 years in China in Suzhou and Shanghai before moving directly to Seoul, which is a very new place for me. I visited Seoul for the first time for the interview process. Exploring and getting to know it with my 20-year-old daughter, who came from New Zealand to visit, has been fantastic. I love the mix of the old and new, and how the traditional and modern elements blend so well. People here are incredibly friendly, and we’ve had warm experiences, like a Korean woman helping us out on the subway.
Professionally, the transition has been smooth as I was familiar with Dulwich’s standards from my time in China. The school here feels like a tight-knit family of 700 students, with kind and welcoming staff. Leading the IB program for the past decade has helped, as it’s also a focus here. One challenge has been getting to know the unique context of this school, so I’m meeting with all 160 staff members—I’ve met about 60 members so far. Finally, the school’s values—kindness, community, diversity, excellence—match my own, making the transition easier. It’s inspiring to work with students and alumni who attend top universities and are so passionate about their fields.”
As the first female head of college at Dulwich College Seoul, what significance does this milestone hold for you, and how do you envision it influencing the school’s future?
“Diversity is a core value at Dulwich Seoul, and as the first female head, it’s an honor to serve as a role model for our young women. Research shows that seeing women in leadership gives young women the confidence to aspire to these positions. All three academic leadership roles at the college are now held by women for the first time, which has had a positive impact on our school, with both staff and students expressing pride. Globally, there is still an imbalance in leadership roles, especially in education, and this is true in Korea as well. I haven’t met another female head of college in Korea yet, but I hope to inspire more women to join the conversation and aim for leadership positions.”
In what ways has your family’s experience across different Dulwich campuses shaped your leadership approach?
“My daughter and I spent three years in Suzhou and seven in Pudong within the Dulwich network, and the opportunities she’s had—from performing with the Vienna Boys Choir to sports across Asia—have shaped her, especially her intercultural understanding. Seeing her growth has shown me the importance of quality teachers and global citizenship. I aim to hire the best teachers and foster intercultural understanding in our schools. I maintain high standards but believe in providing strong support to help students and staff exceed their potential. Also, as a mother, I value parent engagement and keep parents informed as partners in education.”
During your leadership in international schools in China how did those institutions support foreign direct investment and the expat community?
“In China, Korea, or anywhere globally, it’s crucial to support expat families through quality international schools. Without these schools, attracting top global talent becomes difficult, as families prioritize finding suitable education for their children before moving. Schools are essential not just for learning but also for socializing and establishing a community, acting as a hub for family connections outside the workplace.
In both China and Korea, we host numerous community-building events to help families adjust to their new surroundings. New expats often have many questions about daily life—where to shop, eat, or find services. Our school facilitates connections through parent networks and ambassadors. For example, we organize a family picnic at the start of the year, enabling families to meet and form social networks. Our Dulwich dads enjoy weekly football matches, and there’s a strong sense of community that the school fosters.
To attract foreign direct investment, we must ensure a supportive community for families. This has been our goal in both China and Korea, and we’ve seen success, with families eager to extend their contracts because they love the school and community, contributing positively to the local area as a result.”
As an expatriate what insights have you gained regarding the challenges faced by expats in Korea and how do you plan to address these challenges?
“As an expat in China and Korea, particularly as a woman and mother, I’ve gained valuable insights into the challenges families face upon relocation. Moving to a new country requires rebuilding networks and making many decisions, from finding shops to securing healthcare. It’s vital for us as a school to facilitate a smooth transition.
We achieve this through parent networks like Friends of Dulwich and our TAP ambassadors, who welcome newcomers, offer tours, and provide recommendations. Ensuring that children settle quickly and enjoy school is also crucial, as happy children often lead to happier parents. However, a significant challenge in Korea is the lack of spaces in international schools. Our school is currently at capacity, making it difficult to accommodate new students. Expats often find this relocation process stressful when school placement is uncertain.
Schools serve as essential hubs for families, and we emphasize community values to foster belonging. We aim to be the kindest school in the universe, supporting expat families and helping them navigate the hurdles of settling in a new country. We will continue our efforts to assist them in this journey.”
How does Korea’s environment for expat families and investors compare to other countries you’ve worked in and what specific initiatives will you implement at Dulwich College Seoul to foster supportive communities?
“My experience of Seoul has been incredibly positive so far, with everyone I’ve spoken to about their expat experience in Korea sharing positive feedback, which inspired my move here. When fostering that supportive community, we’ve talked about community values and initiatives welcoming the community into our campus celebrations, like the recent Diwali celebration where our Indian community worked with students to educate them about their culture.
A key issue is ensuring there’s capacity in the school for new students. For example, an expat family moving from Europe wants to enroll their children, but currently, we don’t have available places. The father is moving first, while the wife and children will wait about six months until we have spaces, which is not ideal for the family or the children’s experience. I’ll continue to work with local authorities to address these issues and promote a win-win solution for everyone. It’s important to keep the community involved, ensure we have spaces for new members, and gain feedback on how we can be the best school to support them.”
Dulwich College Seoul promotes global citizenship and sustainability. What new initiatives are you planning to further these goals?
“Dulwich College Seoul inspires young people to be global citizens who make a difference. As I step in as a new leader, my focus is on embedding existing initiatives before introducing new ones. We’re considering making the Diwali Assembly an annual event to deepen cultural understanding.
This November, we’re promoting sustainable behaviors through “No Carbon November,” and our student groups, like Eco Warriors, lead eco-friendly initiatives. Our Year 3 garden project highlights student engagement, with activities such as growing pumpkins and watermelons. Service is essential, with every year group participating in adventurous journeys that include community service, such as cleaning up waste in Taiwan and rebuilding coral reefs in the Philippines.
Our new international exchange program, in partnership with Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE), connects primary students with the Elementary School Affiliated with Seoul National University of Education, featuring cultural exchanges at the British Embassy. Additionally, our annual gift drive involves the community in supporting those in need during winter. Students collect, wrap, and deliver gifts, promoting generosity and connection. By emphasizing global citizenship and sustainability, we aim to ensure every student feels known, valued, and empowered to make a positive impact.”
