Empowering minds, celebrating differences: the significance of an international education

Jerudong International School, Brunei, explores how prioritising diversity and inclusion can create a community where every student feels a sense of belonging, thrives and learns to become a compassionate global citizen.

"The essence of an international education lies in fostering an inclusive community where diversity thrives, barriers vanish, and every student is empowered to reach their full potential.” This is what resonates deeply with Nicholas Sheehan, Principal of Jerudong International School (JIS) in Brunei, about an international school environment.

International schools serve as hubs, where different cultures come together, and which by their nature encourage collaboration. From a very young age, students are surrounded by others that are different from them, not only enriching their education and cultural understanding but also cultivating an environment where students develop open-mindedness and sensitivity towards others, learning to blend, share and exchange ideas, customs, traditions and languages.

Many international schools have a role to play in creating an inclusive environment where the community champions a shared purpose and fuels a sense of belonging. In recognising the power of embracing diversity, many schools are establishing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) committees in an effort to ensure every member of the school community feels valued and respected. JIS established its own DEIB committee in 2022, currently consisting of 21 volunteer teaching staff. The committee ensures ongoing learning for all staff by providing training and weekly DEIB-focused information during staff briefings.

A key focus for teachers is to diversify the curriculum to celebrate underrepresented voices and perspectives. At JIS we reflect this in key events such as Science Week, International Women’s Day and Black History Month, to name a few, where inclusivity and representation are encouraged and celebrated.

Students are actively inspired to drive these initiatives. The JIS Middle Years Council has taken a proactive step by establishing their own DEIB sub-committee. Led by 13 student leaders, this committee conducts training with all our Middle Years students on the topic of celebrating differences and encouraging inclusion.

A key event at many international schools is International Day, where students and staff proudly display their cultural identities and celebrate each other. By empowering students to lead these initiatives, we can all help to cultivate a culture where everyone feels seen and respected.

An international education encourages academic excellence, fostering the development of a global understanding and providing connections that span the world. Boarding communities offer a supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can build independence and form lifelong friendships. The unique togetherness they develop breaks down any barriers and bridges gaps between students from across the globe.

Liz McCulloch, our DEIB Committee Lead, is dedicated to encouraging the school community to proactively educate and foster a desire within them to keep learning and gaining awareness: “The world is constantly changing. On-going education is crucial because we don’t know what we don’t know. Learning is constant, so the best we can do is keep educating ourselves so that we grow and continue to adapt and flourish.”

Beyond the confines of the classroom, actively encouraging engagement in co-curricular activities on an international scale offers invaluable opportunities to shape students into well-rounded global citizens, ready for success after they graduate. This could be FOBISIA competitions, UK Maths and Science Olympiads, Music competitions across Asia or even educational trips to other countries allowing for further cultural exchange.

Whether it is through in-person attendance or virtual participation, these activities offer a platform for students of different backgrounds and capabilities to participate with others from all over the world. Students are bound to thrive when given the platform to build confidence and excel in an environment that shows them that there are no boundaries to the heights they can reach.

An international education is undoubtedly a privilege for many, yet it is one that opens doors to unparalleled opportunities. Those fortunate enough to experience one can gain invaluable skills, through the direct immersion in different cultures. Students benefit through the broadening of world views and ways of thinking, all which contributes to enriching their lives and contributing positively to a global community.

Some of our individual success stories at JIS only underscore the global impact we strive for. Whether it’s Isaac, a Malaysian boarding student that achieved Eagle Scout rank with the Boy Scouts of America. Or Anna, a full-boarding student from China, who went from struggling with English to achieving 3 A*/A grades in her A Levels. Not forgetting Ganiyat, a Canadian boarding alumnus, who was selected to join the 6th Cohort of the Canadian Prime Minister’s Youth Council all in the past academic year alone.

In essence, the goal of international schools should be to ensure that diversity is not merely a buzzword, but a reality embedded in the fabric of the school’s culture. By upholding DEIB principles, schools ensure that every member of the school community feels truly valued, respected and that they can gain a sense of belonging. Through a commitment to continuous learning, a celebration of cultural identities and active engagement in global initiatives, international schools prepare students to thrive and succeed in a changing and interconnected world.

This article first appeared in the 2024/25 edition of John Catt's Guide to International Schools, which you can read here: