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For many internationally mobile families, home may bemore than one place anditmay be a blend of languages, traditions, and experiences gathered from around the world. Children growing up between cultures are often called Third Culture Kidsand are young people who develop a unique sense of identity that combines their family heritage with the cultures they live among.
At SISD this is a daily reality and a core part of our school. With students from over 100 nationalities, our classrooms reflect what it truly means to belong everywhere, to learn from difference, and to see the world with curiosity and confidence.
Third Culture Kids (sometimes abbreviated to TCKs) often learn adaptability at a young age. They might speak several languages, feel at ease in airports, and switch cultural norms without thinking twice. Yet this global upbringing can also raise questions of belonging: Where do I come from?Where do I fit in?
Parents frequently balance pride in their child’s global outlook with a desire to provide roots and stability. In Dubai, where diversity is part of everyday life, schools play a central role in helping internationally minded children feel both anchored and understood.
At SISD, our community thrives on that balance. Students share their stories, traditions, and languages daily — finding new friends and a sense of shared identity that transcends geography.
Children raised between cultures possess some of the most valuable skills for the future: empathy, flexibility, and open-mindedness. The right school environment can turn those traits into lasting strengths.
SISD’s bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum gives students the structure to connect ideas across languages and cultures, helping them think critically and communicate with confidence. Lessons are designed to stretch academic potential while celebrating individuality, ensuring that every child learns not only what to think, but how to think in a global context.
Through enquiry-based learning and daily multilingual interaction, students learn to value multiple perspectives. This approach nurtures what many parents of international families seek most: an education that develops both intellect and cultural intelligence.
Belonging isn’t something that just happens; it needs to be cultivated. For children growing up across borders, a strong sense of community provides the emotional foundation they need to flourish.
At SISD, that sense of belonging is woven into every part of school life. Our Swiss values of respect, integrity, and responsibility are reflected in the way students treat one another and in the way teachers guide them. Whether they are day students or boarders, children are supported by caring mentors who understand the challenges and opportunities of international life.
Boarding at SISD extends this community beyond the classroom. Designed as a “home away from home,” the boarding house provides structure, safety, and friendship — an environment where independence grows naturally alongside connection.
Parents play an equally important role in helping children navigate a global identity. Here are a few simple ways to support your child as they grow between cultures:
Keep cultural traditions alive. Celebrating heritage at home gives children a sense of continuity.
Encourage multilingualism.Maintaining your home language strengthens family bonds and boosts confidence.
Talk openly about change. Frequent moves or new environments can be exciting but also emotional — honest conversations help children process and adapt.
Model curiosity. Show that learning about other cultures is a lifelong journey, not just part of school life.
At SISD, we see education as a partnership with parents. Together, we help children make sense of their global experiences while staying grounded in who they are.
The world our students will enter is more interconnected than ever before. Success will depend on more than grades; it will rely on creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work across cultures.
SISD’s approach to modern boarding and bilingual education prepares students not just for university, but for life beyond education. Our graduates leave as confident, compassionate individuals who can adapt anywhere, lead with empathy, and contribute positively to a diverse global society.
For families seeking an education that reflects both their international lifestyle and their values, SISD offers a rare combination: Swiss educational excellence, Dubai’s global connectivity, and a community where every child truly belongs.
Learn More About Life at SISD
Discover how SISD’s international boarding environment and bilingual IB programme help children develop confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging by exploring ourboarding options.For any questions, or to come and see our incredible campus for yourself, speak to our admissions team or book a tour today.