Nurturing Global Citizens Through Multilingualism

What does it mean to be a global citizen in today’s world?

At The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), this question is not just pondered but actively explored through the school’s efforts to celebrate multilingualism. Here, languages are more than subjects; they are pathways to understanding, connecting, and thriving in a globalized society.

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

8 April 2024

Discover how ISKL supports and celebrates multilingual learners, nurturing them to thrive as global citizens.

Fostering Global Understanding

ISKL is committed to cultivating global citizens who are comfortable navigating the complexities of a diverse world. The school's support for multilingual learners is central to this mission, providing students with the tools and cultural insights necessary to engage with and contribute to the world around them.High school student Mei, who is interested in exploring the medical and translation field, has the opportunity to create medical translation posters to be placed in the nurses’ clinics so that other students can feel comfortable expressing their needs in their mother tongue. She says, “Since finding my interests here, I would also like to apply my knowledge and contribute to society to make a place where people can find their own identity.”

Celebrating Linguistic Diversity

When you join ISKL you automatically become part of a friendly, dynamic, and inclusive community comprising families representing over 70 nationalities. Through its vibrant array of language programs, events such as International Mother Tongue Day and international celebrations instills a deep respect for cultural diversity, which is essential for global citizens.Elementary School teacher Ivy Qian shares, “In my role as a Chinese teacher, I strive to teach my students the language and culture of China, which not only enriches their understanding of the world but also enhances their communication skills. Effective communication is critical to building a better world.” Image of ISKL students in cultural dress

Image of ISKL students in cultural dress

Mona, who took part as one of the French voiceovers in Cendrée-Rions, a reimagined version of the Cinderella story, felt a sense of accomplishment as it was something she never thought she could do. She explains, “I’ve never imagined I’d be part of a voice recording in an animated story in French, and this experience will stay with me throughout my future visions and goals.”

Empowering Students with Multilingual Skills

At ISKL, students are encouraged to harness the power of language to broaden their perspectives and connect with others across cultural boundaries. This empowerment leads to remarkable achievements as students confidently navigate different linguistic landscapes, showcasing the real-world value of their multilingual abilities. Image of ISKL Students

High school students Gia and Luca took on the amazing feat of contributing to Alo Alo magazine and wrote articles in Spanish despite it not being their home language.Luca, who wrote an article about his grandfather, explains, “My article about my grandfather was very personal, but it felt mighty to write about him. Writing about such a sad experience was enjoyable, but finding the positives that came with it made me very happy.”

A Community United in Diversity

The inclusive atmosphere at ISKL ensures that every community member, from students to parents, contributes to a collective global vision. Language learning here is not just an academic exercise but a means to build bridges, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect that transcends linguistic differences. Image of ISKL students walking on campus

Image of ISKL students walking on campus

Leandro Venier, the Head of the Department for World Languages in High School, feels lucky to have joined a school with a community that celebrates multilingualism like ISKL. He says, “I find it amazing that ISKL can offer so many different languages at so many different levels, both as native proficiency and second language acquisition courses.It is also very interesting to me to have colleagues from diverse backgrounds teaching different languages. It is all very enriching.”

As parents, it is important to prepare our children for the challenges and opportunities of the future, and we play a part in ensuring that they are thriving in an environment where passion is nurtured, diversity is celebrated, and connections are cherished.Curious about the unique advantages a diverse school like ISKL offers? Gain insights with our exclusive interactive e-book here.

Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,700 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 70 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.ISKL offers a robust international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practices. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ISKL has a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.