Advantages of an International School

What does it mean to you that your children are being educated in an environment with students from nearly 50 countries?

For my wife Mireya and for me, it’s a unique and very enriching experience. Without a doubt, it’s one of the main reasons we decided to enrol our four children at Caxton. Growing up in such a diverse environment allows them to develop an open, global, and diverse mindset from a young age, learning to value and respect cultural differences. This environment reflects the globalised world in which they will live and work in the future. And we’re sure that Caxton will open the doors to an international network of future contacts that will be helpful to them in their professional careers and personal lives.

Do you think exposure to multiple cultures improves your children’s social or critical thinking skills? In what way?

Yes, definitely. Our children are used to being immersed in this exposure to multiple cultures, and as a result, it’s difficult to see any improvements in the short term. However, I’m convinced that, in the future, they will simply have a more open mind and be better prepared to work with international teams.

It’s clear that living alongside students from different cultures is teaching them to adapt and, above all, to communicate more effectively. Different cultures offer different perspectives and open-mindedness, and I believe that exposure to them will help my children to develop critical thinking in the future and avoid stereotypes.

It is having a significant impact on our children, and I am sure it will help them in the future, for example, when entering professional meetings cold, giving them the ability to charm and persuade.

What benefits do you think growing up surrounded by classmates from such diverse nationalities brings to your children?

It teaches them to be more tolerant, to work in teams with people who have different ways of thinking, and to value the traditions and customs of other countries. It also provides them with the tools to face a multicultural world with confidence and prepares them for future international work environments. This is what my wife and I consider “priceless culture.” In addition to their classmates, they experience this with their teachers as well.

What values do you think your children are developing by living with people from different cultures and traditions?

They are developing values such as respect, empathy, and tolerance. They learn to listen without judging, to be curious about other ways of life, and to value diversity as something positive and enriching.

How do you think this international experience will benefit your children in the future, both personally and professionally?

Personally, they will be more adaptable, with an open mindset and the ability to connect with people from anywhere. Professionally, they will be better prepared to work in diverse teams and will be able to navigate the international job market with confidence. Above all, it will help them greatly when starting conversations with others, because knowing people from so many nationalities and cultures can help break the ice.

Do you feel that cultural diversity has also impacted you as a family?

It may be difficult for my wife and I to perceive the impact. We have lived in England and been in contact with many races and cultures. We have been “forced” to integrate, but gladly so, and we understand how important it is. We are simply proud to know that our children are acquiring this “priceless culture.”

Could you share any positive anecdotes or experiences you’ve seen in your children as a result of this multicultural environment?

Of course! Once my son came home excited because he had learned about a celebration we weren’t familiar with, the Chinese New Year and the Chinese calendar. He wanted to share what he had learned, and we even researched together to find out which animal represented each family member. I’m a rabbit!