International students bring a range of needs and abilities, as well as cultural perspectives to a school. They are often described by overseas teachers and administrators as "good kids." Their success-oriented parents believe in the value of education and transmit it to their children, helping to broaden their perspective. Very often, students develop a love for traveling abroad and for education, and many select a career in international education.
An atmosphere of acceptance flows through international schools:
- Students not only embrace differences among the many cultures of their peers and teachers, but they are also quick to befriend new students.
- International school communities are particularly welcoming and sensitive to the needs of students in transition, those who must move and re-adjust often due to their parents' work.
- While some international schools draw significantly from the local population, those host-country students, nevertheless, develop an "international mindedness" and a broader perspective because of the multi-cultural nature of their school community.
- Students in overseas schools embrace a global perspective which, in turn, fosters healthy relationships among the teachers, parents, and community.
- Many educators have first-hand experience and know the impact of teaching overseas from a student perspective. The exposure to a range of cultures, backgrounds, and languages broadens their minds and opens their hearts to future careers in international education.
