A World Within Walls: How Surabaya European School (SES) Opens Doors to a Global Community and Lifelong Friendships

In the heart of Surabaya, Surabaya European School (SES) stands as more than just an educational institution; it’s a proper vibrant microcosm of the international community, a gateway where children from all sorts of backgrounds connect, forge lasting friendships, and cultivate the essential skills for navigating a world where everyone’s connected. At SES, the emphasis on nurturing a strong sense of community extends far beyond the classroom, fostering a truly international environment where young hearts and minds learn and grow together.

From the moment a child sets foot on the SES campus, they’re immersed in a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and different ways of looking at things. The student body, drawn from a multitude of nationalities, creates a dynamic and enriching atmosphere where understanding folks from other countries isn’t just taught – it’s lived and breathed daily. This natural mix provides a unique platform for children to naturally get on with mates from around the globe, laying the foundation for lifelong international friendships.

Forging Bonds Across Borders:

The opportunities for children at SES to forge international friendships are woven into the very fabric of school life:

• Working Together in Class: Through collaborative projects and group activities, students from different backgrounds learn to work together, share ideas, and appreciate different ways of tackling problems. These shared experiences naturally foster bonds that go beyond cultural differences.
• Having a Go at Clubs and Activities: Whether it’s having a kickabout with the Tiger Football Academy, joining the Model United Nations, getting involved in creative arts clubs, or helping out with community service, shared passions provide common ground for students to connect and build friendships outside of lessons.
• School Events and Celebrations: SES actively celebrates the rich mix of its international community through school-wide events, cultural festivals, and international days. These vibrant occasions provide opportunities for students to share their traditions, learn about others, and build connections through shared experiences and a bit of appreciation for each other.
• Just Hanging Out: From swapping stories during break times to supporting each other during school events, the everyday chats and interactions within the SES campus naturally lead to the formation of strong friendships that often go beyond the school gates and even national borders.

Nurturing Interconnected Communities:

SES goes beyond simply helping friendships along; it actively nurtures a sense of being all connected within its community and prepares students to be proper engaged global citizens:

• Understanding Other Cultures: The curriculum at SES, often drawing upon the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and Cambridge Pathway, naturally fosters an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, histories, and ways of seeing things. This equips students with the empathy and knowledge to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
• Learning Languages: The emphasis on picking up languages at SES provides students with the crucial tools to chat and connect with individuals from all sorts of language backgrounds, further breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.
• Working Together on International Projects: Loads of learning activities at SES encourage students to have a look at global issues, work together on international projects (even online), and develop a sense of responsibility towards the global community.
• A Shared Way of Being Respectful and Inclusive: The core values of SES emphasise respect, empathy, and making sure everyone feels included, creating a safe and welcoming environment where every child feels valued and connected, no matter where they come from. This shared way of doing things forms the bedrock for building strong and interconnected communities.

A Gateway to a Global Future:

For the children at Surabaya European School, their time at SES is more than just an education; it’s getting stuck into a global community, a great opportunity to forge friendships that span continents and to develop the understanding of other cultures needed to do well in a world where everyone’s connected. By actively nurturing these connections and fostering a shared sense of belonging, SES truly acts as a gateway, opening doors for its students to become confident, compassionate, and engaged members of the international community, both now and in their future endeavours. The friendships made within the walls of SES aren’t just childhood memories; they’re the seeds of a truly interconnected and understanding global future.