Elementary students at Nibras International School in Dubai, celebrated International Education Day in a unique way today.

Grade 2 teacher, Nastasha Van Staden, led a project where several teachers connected their students to students from around the world to learn more about their different education systems and classes. Many of the enthusiastic teachers reached out to former colleagues to create this unique experience for the students.

Students from Grade 2 through to Grade 5 at Nibras virtually connected to similar aged students in South Africa and Thailand. They proudly spoke about Nibras and shared details of their everyday life, structure of their classes, and the projects they are working on. Teachers encouraged them to share their favorite subjects and what they aspire to be when they grow up. Some students even learned how to greet each other in another language.

Students found many similarities and differences in their everyday life. They realized most of them have the same subjects in school and go to school in the morning hours. Although the pandemic has impacted school life, they all showed that their enthusiasm for meeting new people remains strong.

Quotes from Nibras International School:

“The International Day of Education has given us an amazing opportunity to connect with children from around the world. As our students made these connections, they discovered many similarities and differences. They heard different languages and realized that children around the world also use technology, and play the same sports and games.

Students from Thailand asked questions about our Rulers and looked at the similarities and differences between our Rulers and their King. Students from South Africa talked about their country and culture, and also how they wish to improve their skills. Other children loved to sing their respective National Anthems and speak in different languages.

This has been a truly authentic experience where children from around the world connected virtually to understand what it means to be Globally Minded.”

Ms. Althea Edmondson, Head of Elementary School at Nibras International School

“The idea of this project was to connect kids globally. Today we connected with the school in Thailand where I used to work, and it was absolutely amazing. Students had so many interesting questions about weather, classes, and our hobbies, and they also learned how to count in Thai. Afterwards, students asked to reconnect again as they have made new friends today. This short experience had led to something new.”

Nastasha Staden, Grade 2 teacher, Nibras International School

“We had an opportunity to connect to students in Thailand and it was amazing. Students had fun and showed so much patience and curiosity. I also connected to the teacher in South Africa, so it was a great experience for students, as well as teachers!”

Leandra Williams, Grade 2 teacher, Nibras International School

“I like that their classroom was very neat, and students were nice and polite. I hope I can talk to them again”

Amir, Grade 2 student, Nibras International School

“I learned today that students in Thailand learn the same things as we do. I want to talk to them again one day and learn more about their school.”

Kathrina, Grade 2, Nibras International School

“Students had an amazing time. This is a great start and I hope this project can grow into something more and even start a ‘pen pals’ program with our students.”  

Sloane Philip, a teacher in Varee school in Chiang Mai, Thailand