Things Nobody Tells You About International Schools

Starting at an international school for the first time? You are about to discover that it involves much more than studying in English or following a different curriculum. New languages, friendships and unexpected opportunities can all become part of your life.

Every school is different, but here are six things you might not expect.

1. 01

   Almost everyone understands being new

   Many international-school students have changed schools, moved countries or entered a classroom without knowing anyone.

   Your first day may still feel awkward, but there is a good chance the person beside you remembers exactly what that feels like.

2. 02

   Your friend group becomes a world map

   One friend might be from Spain, another from Korea and another from Serbia, while someone else has lived in four countries.

   Soon, you are learning about traditions, music, food and everyday life from actual people, and your lunch table begins to resemble a small international summit.

3. 03

   People come and go, but the connection stays

   Students move and families relocate. Someone you see every morning could be living on the other side of Europe next year. But leaving does not mean disappearing! You may accidentally build a network of friends and future holiday destinations around the world.

4. 04

   You start collecting languages

   Spend enough time around international students and you will pick up greetings, jokes and some very questionable slang in languages you do not speak.

   It may not make you fluent, but it will make conversations more entertaining!

   

5. 05

   There are opportunities everywhere

   Model United Nations, debating, competitions, volunteering, sports, student councils and creative projects may all be available.

   Pay attention and ask around! Stepping outside your comfort zone might lead to new skills and new friends.

6. 06

   What makes you different is what you bring

   Your accent, traditions, previous school and personal experiences are not things you need to leave behind to fit in. They are part of what you contribute. International schools become more interesting when students share where they come from and recognise that “Where are you from?” does not always have a simple answer.