A Day in My Life at ISSH: Surrounded by Languages
Have you ever stopped to count how many different languages you hear in the space of a single day? At ISSH, it’s impossible not to notice. Whether you’re walking through the corridors or sitting in the cafeteria, you’re surrounded by a multitude of voices, accents and cultures. You understand some conversations, but not others – together, though, they make our school feel alive and unique. Honestly, it’s pretty amazing.
For us students, English is the main language, but it’s definitely not the only one. You often hear German and Swiss German, and depending on the day, you might also hear French, Spanish or Chinese. With 31 nationalities, 270 pupils and 90 members of staff, there are a lot of languages in one place – and it really shows.
What’s great is that this diversity creates a welcoming atmosphere. Sometimes it’s comforting to switch to your mother tongue during the day — it’s almost like bringing a piece of home with you. At the same time, it sparks curiosity. Friends often ask each other about words or phrases in their languages, and it’s not unusual for someone to pick up a new word here and there.
This diversity changes the way we connect. Our friendships are shaped by it – we learn to be more open and respectful, and more willing to share parts of ourselves. It’s as if we’re living in a small version of the whole world right inside our school.
Most of the time, you notice all the different languages being spoken in the hallways, during lunch or outside on campus when people are just chatting. But it also happens in class. Sometimes you’ll hear two friends having a conversation in two languages, switching back and forth without even thinking about it. If you know both languages, you can join in too. If not, you still feel included because everyone is curious and ready to explain.
For me, being surrounded by this mix of cultures feels special. It prepares us for life beyond school because we already know what it’s like to be part of a diverse community. Not many schools can say that. That’s why I think ISSH stands out: no matter where we come from or what languages we speak, we’re all connected. That’s what makes our school feel like a real community.
