One of the most exciting events at St Clare’s is International Night, an evening where students celebrate the many cultures of our school. Because St Clare’s is an international school, students come from all over the world. This night is an opportunity for each student to share the unique traditions, foods, and customs of their home country, creating a beautiful experience where everyone can learn more about each other’s cultures.
A Celebration of Diversity
During International Night, each student becomes an ambassador for their country. Each student sets up a table full of traditional foods, wears special costumes, and brings items that represent their home country. As you walk around, you feel like you’re traveling around the world, with each table offering a new and interesting experience. Students can ask each other questions, learn about new traditions, and discover fascinating details about other cultures. It’s not just about observing; students are encouraged to talk directly with their classmates about life in each country.
Food from Around the World
Food is a big part of International Night. Each table offers an incredible variety of traditional dishes from different countries where each dish tells a story. Students don’t just serve the food, they explain the meaning behind it and share recipes from home, making it a truly special experience. Trying these different dishes helps everyone understand the flavours and ingredients that are important in each culture.
Here is a little video reportage, shot and edited by Sofia, of what the event looked like and what kind of traditional dishes our students displayed during the night for everyone to get a taste of.
Traditional Costumes and Music
Another highlight is the traditional clothing and music. Many students come dressed in clothing that represents their heritage. These costumes are beautiful and symbolic, each representing a part of the country’s history and traditions. Music also fills the room, with traditional songs and even some dances that students perform. This combination of costumes, songs and dances brings the cultures to life and makes everyone feel connected to the celebrations.
Learning and Building Friendships
International Night isn’t just about showcasing culture; it’s about learning and building friendships. As students prepare for this event, they think deeply about their culture and what it means to them. They work together, helping each other organise tables, food, and activities. This creates new friendships and helps everyone feel part of a group. By sharing their traditions and learning about others, students develop respect and understanding for each other’s backgrounds.
Becoming Global Citizens
Events like International Night help students become global citizens. In today’s world, it’s important to understand and respect different cultures, and this evening is a great way to do that. It helps students appreciate diversity and prepares them to be open-minded and respectful wherever they go in the future.
International Night at St Clare’s is more than just a fun event; it’s a meaningful experience where students can celebrate and learn from each other’s cultures. With food, clothing, music, and shared stories, it’s a night to remember. Students not only honour their heritage, but also build connections and understanding, making St Clare’s a stronger, more inclusive community. To advance international education and understanding.
Written by Ludovica and Sofia – IB26 students