Welcoming international families is not new to The British College of Brazil (BCB). Since opening our doors in 2011 and expanding with a second campus in 2013, BCB has grown within a deeply international community.
With students from more than 40 nationalities and a predominantly international teaching team, our daily life has always been shaped by global perspectives, cultural diversity and shared experiences of relocation.
Over the years, families arriving from around the world have found their way to BCB largely through word of mouth. Parents speak to parents. Experiences are shared. Trust is built. And through this organic growth, BCB has developed a deep understanding of what international families truly need when settling into life in Brazil.
That understanding is why supporting relocating families remains central to who we are today.
When Belonging Comes Before Everything Else
Relocating to Brazil as a family can be filled with opportunity, but it often comes with uncertainty. New routines, a new culture, a new language and a new city raise important questions for parents. Will my child settle in quickly? Will they feel safe, understood and confident? Will they truly belong?
At BCB, choosing a school during an international move is never just about academics. It is about trust, care and continuity, especially at a time when everything else may feel unfamiliar.
For children arriving from abroad, school often becomes their first anchor in a new country. That is why BCB places strong emphasis on pastoral care, wellbeing and personalised support, particularly during the transition period. From the very first days, students are guided by teachers, pastoral leaders and peers who help them feel welcome,
secure and confident.
Children are not simply enrolled into a system. They are welcomed into a community where they are known as individuals, supported emotionally and encouraged to build friendships at their own pace.
Language Support That Builds Confidence
Language is one of the most common concerns for international families. At BCB, English is the language of learning, offering continuity for globally mobile students, while children are also supported as they adapt to a new cultural environment and daily life in Brazil.
For students who are developing their English, our EAL programme provides personalised support that enables them to access the curriculum, build confidence and participate fully in school life, both academically and socially. This tailored approach helps students integrate smoothly while maintaining strong progress in their learning.
Support That Extends Beyond the Classroom
Years of welcoming families from around the world have shown us that relocation challenges often extend well beyond the school day. To support families more holistically, BCB offers an exclusive Expat Guide, created specifically to help international families navigate life in São Paulo with greater confidence.
The guide shares practical insights into everyday life, cultural considerations and settling into the city, reflecting BCB’s belief that when families feel informed and supported, children are better positioned to thrive.
A Community That Welcomes the Whole Family
Belonging at BCB is not limited to students. Parents are actively welcomed into school life and encouraged to build meaningful connections from the outset.
Our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays a vital role in creating this sense of community, bringing families together through social events, cultural celebrations and informal gatherings. For many international parents, the PTA becomes an invaluable support network, offering friendship, shared experiences and a sense of familiarity in a new country.
A Global Education, Rooted in Care
As part of the Nord Anglia Education family, BCB offers students access to outstanding global learning opportunities, while maintaining the warmth and personal attention of a close-knit school environment. Learning is personalised, expectations are high and wellbeing remains central to every stage of a child’s journey.
Students are supported not only to achieve academically, but to grow into confident, resilient and compassionate individuals, well prepared for life in an ever-changing world.
More Than a School. A Place to Belong
Relocating internationally is a significant life transition. At The British College of Brazil, our role has always extended beyond education. We partner with families to provide stability, care and a genuine sense of belonging at a time when it matters most.
Whether Brazil becomes your family’s long-term home or one chapter in a global journey, BCB offers a welcoming community where children feel supported, understood and ready to thrive from day one.
