Helping Families Feel at Home in Singapore

A Sense of Belonging: Helping Expatriate Families Feel at Home in Singapore

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, full of opportunities for growth and new experiences. For expatriate families, it is an opportunity to immerse in vibrant cultures, meet new people and explore a fresh environment.

At Holland International School, we understand the excitement and the potential challenges of this transition. With over 100 years of history, our school has cultivated an engaging environment that fosters happy, confident and competent learners. By incorporating local cultural elements into our curriculum, fostering a strong sense of community, and offering a variety of resources and co-curricular activities, we help our students and their families feel right at home in Singapore.

Understanding the Local Culture

Immersing oneself in the local culture is key to feeling connected in a new country. At Holland International School, we facilitate this transition by integrating local cultural elements into our school activities. Our Culture Week and International Day celebrations encourage students and their families to appreciate and engage with Singapore's rich cultural landscape as well as cultures around the world. With interactive workshops and engaging activities, we offer a hands-on approach to learning about different traditions and customs. Students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of not just their new environment, but the myriad nationalities they may encounter in a culturally-diverse country like Singapore.

Cultural immersion through IPC curriculum

Our International Primary Curriculum (IPC) themes also play a big part in cultural immersion. Through thematic units such as “Here and now, there and then”, students explore the concepts of heritage, home and host country. At the beginning of every school year, the unit “This Is Me” also encourages students to share about their home and family, helping them adapt to school and build a sense of belonging.

The IPC curriculum enables learners to engage with global content while making connections to their local area. Through diverse and meaningful engagements, they develop international-mindedness and learn to appreciate different viewpoints. This approach not only enriches their academic experience but also enhances their cultural awareness and empathy.

Building a Support Network

A supportive community is vital for any expatriate family adapting to a new country. Holland International School fosters a strong sense of community among students, parents and staff. School assemblies and activities provide excellent opportunities for parents to connect, share experiences and build lasting relationships. Holland International School also has an Advisory Council to facilitate open communication between parents, staff, the board of governors and the management team. Meeting at least once every two months, the council allows families to offer input on educational matters, helping them engage more deeply with the school community.

Maintaining Familiar Routines

Maintaining familiar routines from home can provide comfort for expatriate families. At Holland International School, we celebrate significant cultural events, ensuring students stay connected to their roots and Dutch heritage. King’s Day, joyously celebrated with vibrant flea markets, Dutch games and overflowing snacks, is a highlight. Additionally, on 4 May each year, the school pays tribute to the fallen during Remembrance Day, allowing students to study history and learn about the past as they move towards becoming future-world citizens.

Engaging in Co-curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities are not just grounds for building friendships and helping children and families integrate into their new environment; they also boost students’ confidence and develop them more holistically.

At Holland International School, we offer a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests, including sports, arts, drama, languages, coding lessons and more. These activities help students develop new skills, discover their passions, and make friends more readily. Through connections with like-minded peers, children adjust more easily and feel more engaged in their new community.

Accessing Resources and Support

Access to resources and support systems is essential for navigating a new environment. Holland International School provides a wealth of resources to help families ease into life in Singapore. Monthly open houses and campus tour sessions allow parents to understand the school environment, IPC curriculum and how well-suited their children might be for the school.

The school’s open approach and close-knit community empower families with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in a new country.  

Testimonials 

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of families who have made the enormous step to move and who have successfully transitioned to life in Singapore. Testimonials from these families show how the school’s supportive environment have made a positive impact on their settling-in process.

One family shared, “We were made to feel very welcome in Holland International School, and we also felt at home almost straight away thanks to the professional teaching staff, the parents and the school’s open approach. Holland International School is one of the reasons we are so happy that we made the move to Singapore!” (The Verheijen Family)Another family enthused, “The school is in a wonderful green location where teachers know most of the children by name and parents hang around at the coffee machine for small talk. We recommend Holland International School to families looking for an environment where children are encouraged to develop confident, independent and adaptive young minds.” (The Desmet Family)

Navigating changes can seem less scary for parents and children alike with the right support systems in place. A strong community makes the transition smoother and more enjoyable.

By embracing local culture, fostering a strong community, and providing comprehensive resources, we help families create a sense of belonging in their new home.

We invite you to visit Holland International School, attend an Open House, or you contact us for more information on how we can support your family’s transition to life in Singapore. 

For more information about our curriculum and program, you can find more information here