How ISN Support Third Culture Kids and Global Citizens

With a community made up of more than 60 nationalities, the International School of Nice (ISN) is a place where diversity is celebrated every day. Our students bring with them languages, stories, and experiences from around the world, making ISN a genuine home for Third Culture Kids and global citizens. Supporting these students — and ensuring they feel settled, confident, and connected — is at the heart of who we are.

A Welcoming International Environment

Third Culture Kids - children who grow up in cultures different from their parents’ or who move frequently between countries - often understand the world differently. Many have lived in several countries, speak multiple languages, and are used to adapting to new environments. At ISN, this global perspective is embraced and enriched. Our classrooms are internationally minded by design, with teachers experienced in supporting multilingual learners and guiding students through the transition into a new school culture.

Students quickly discover that they are surrounded by others who have shared similar experiences. This sense of familiarity, even in a new place, makes a powerful difference.

 

Starting Strong: Welcome Events

To help families settle from the moment they arrive, ISN hosts a dedicated welcome event at the start of the school year for new families. In-year joiners are also welcomed by connecting families with the existing ISN Community. These informal gatherings give students and parents the chance to meet staff, connect with others, and get a feel for day-to-day life at ISN. They are often the first step in building lasting friendships and support networks.

Student Support: Homeroom Teachers, Facilitators, and Buddy Programmes

Our homeroom teachers play a central role in shaping each student’s experience. As the first point of contact, they look after wellbeing, monitor progress, and help students integrate socially and academically. Their guidance is supported by the wider Student Life and Wellness team, ensuring that every child has a strong safety net — particularly important for students navigating the challenges of change and relocation.

To make the transition even smoother, ISN combines student facilitators and a buddy programme.

• Student facilitators are trained peers who welcome new classmates into their homerooms, help them understand routines, navigate school life, and feel included from day one. Whenever possible, new students are paired with someone who speaks their home language, providing an extra layer of comfort for those who are still gaining confidence in English.

• Buddy partnerships provide longer-term peer support. Primary students are paired with a buddy to help them settle into their class and daily routines, while Grade 6 and Grade 11 students are paired to support each other during key transition years. Older students offer guidance, reassurance, and encouragement as their younger peers adjust to new expectations and environments.

Together, these programmes ensure that every student feels welcomed, supported, and connected from the very start, fostering both social confidence and academic integration.

A new parent commented, “My son has returned home each day very happy.  I noticed how quickly he has already formed a connection with his teacher, which I find amazing.” 

Language Support and Flexible Programmes

Supporting families is just as important as supporting students. Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays a vital role in helping international families feel at home. From social events and cultural celebrations to volunteer opportunities and parent meet-ups, the PTA strengthens the sense of belonging across the school community. For parents who may be new to the Riviera or unfamiliar with the local languages, this connection is invaluable.

A Connected Parent Community Through the PTA

Language is central to integration and communication. ISN has a strong English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to help students communicate effectively and participate fully in school life. Beyond English, our flexible language programme offers French, Spanish, and English — covering the official languages of more than half of the countries represented at ISN. Students can also choose to learn or continue languages not initially offered at ISN, such as Mandarin, Italian, Russian, German, or Arabic, through the IB Diploma, High School Diploma, or personalised learning pathways. This ensures that students can maintain their cultural identity while developing the skills to connect with the wider school community.

Regular parent–teacher meetings further strengthen communication, ensuring that families feel informed, involved, and supported throughout their child’s journey.

 

Where Global Citizens Grow

Whether through cultural activities, leadership opportunities, community projects, or the wider Globeducate network, ISN nurtures the values and skills young people need in an interconnected world. Our students grow into confident, compassionate global citizens — aware of their place in the world and ready to contribute positively to it.

ISN Student Life and Safeguarding Director explains, “At ISN, we never ask students to leave their cultures at the door; we welcome them with open arms. Every language spoken, every tradition celebrated, and every story carried across oceans and borders enriches the tapestry of who we are together. Your background is not an obstacle to overcome; it is the very foundation on which we build deep understanding, true belonging, and shared excellence.”

For Third Culture Kids, ISN is more than a school. It is a community that understands them, celebrates their unique backgrounds, and provides the support they need to flourish.