Think back to how you felt on the first day of school when you were your child’s age. Recount your hopes and your fears, especially if you were moving to a new school in a new country. ISB teachers and counselors understand the importance of having the right kinds of support, services, and activities in place for children at each grade level that we serve to ensure a wonderful first day of school and beyond. Some of our current students recall what it was like on their first day at ISB:
Sarah, Grade 11, American
“I’m pretty used to moving around, to being a new student. However, from my experiences, I feel it’s a lot easier to adjust into international school because the students and the teachers are so welcoming. ISB provides new students with a lot of great services, such as the Club Day where students visit all the different clubs and activities offered in the high school. This helps students adjust and settle into ISB faster by contributing to the school, a feeling of inclusion helps eliminate that awkward “I’m new” feeling. You’ve just got to make the effort.”
Johanne, Grade 10, South African
“I found it easy to adjust to ISB. I’m glad I attended the Orientation Day, as I made a good friend there. Although I felt a little awkward on the first day of school, making the transition to ISB was probably the smoothest out of the other schools I’ve been to because people here are so welcoming and so ready to include the new kids.”
Eun-Young, Grade 8, Korean
“Orientation was good because instead of just sitting around and listening to someone lecture us on what to expect in school, the hands-on activities helped us to build good friendships and feel more relaxed, making it easier to adjust into ISB. Compared to other schools I’ve been to, ISB has been the easiest to fit into because everyone here is so welcoming and warm.”
Nutjaree, Grade 8, Thai
“I found the buddy system very helpful because they pair you up with very friendly people who are so wiling to help you. I think that because of the cultural diversity in ISB, it’s easier to settle in.”
John, KG, American
“I didn’t know my teacher very good. We got to play on the playground—I got to play in the sand box. I did make friends a little bit with Kyle and Matthew. The cafeteria people got my food for me on my first day. By the end of the day, it was good.”
