Zander woke up early and was excited to go to school. He had to meet a new learner from Korea at school, explain how everything works and help him find his way. Zander said,

“Mom, I remember how freaked out I was on my first day at the new school. I can only imagine how stressed he must be. I hope we can understand each other’s English.”

ICS Student Ambassadors

The families at Zander’s school live in Zurich for an average of 3 to 5 years. As a result, there are often people coming and going. A new beginning in a new country with a foreign language is overwhelming because everything feels strange and different. Foreigners must make many lifestyle changes. It helps if someone who has been through the situation, patiently explains how everything works and helps you find your feet.

The Inter-Community School (ICS) understands the adjustment required and consequently has the concept of Student Ambassadors. Before the new learners arrive, the Student Ambassadors must contact the learners and their parents by email. Zander is one of the many ICS Zurich Student Ambassadors.

Zander enjoys the role very much and is excited about every new learner. He has already welcomed new learners from the USA, UK and Korea.

Ambassadors of our countries

We form first impressions about a person and the place they represent when we meet them. Every person acts as an ambassador of his country and origin. We enjoy travelling to foreign countries, and the people we have interacted with shaped my opinions on places and contributed to my memories.

Brazil

We explored the coast of Brazil during a cruise holiday. The ship docked at a coastal town for a few hours, and we wanted to visit a beach. We used Uber transport and hoped the technology platform would overcome language issues. The Uber driver used his Google App to translate his Portuguese into English and convinced us to go to a beach that is a favourite amongst the locals just outside of town.

We decided to take the risk but became more nervous as he drove further away from the ship. A few kilometres outside the town, he stopped to our relief at the most beautiful beach and offered to wait for us. He socialised with his friends, the owners of a beachfront restaurant, while we swam in the warm tropical waters.

On the way back, he played tour guide and showed us historical buildings while telling us about the town’s history. He was an example of someone who finds joy and purpose in his work and an excellent ambassador for his village and country.

Italy

With a visit to the Lombardy wine district in Italy, a planning slip caused us some challenges. We forgot to renew our international driver’s license and were consequently dependent on public transport. Our accommodation was high up on a mountain, and that made it difficult to get to the shops and train station in the valley.

Upon our arrival, the manager of the Wine Hotel in Sondrio picked us up at the train station. After that, they helped us with transportation plans every morning. They lent us electric bikes and asked different people to take us as part of their ride to town. Even the mom of the girl who completed her tourism internship at the hotel had a turn. We want to return with our car and thank them again for their hospitality.

Malawi

Many people who come from other African countries work in South Africa. Our first gardener was from Malawi, and he made an incredibly positive impression on us. After him, we appointed Samuel, also from Malawi. Samuel and I got along very well. He told me about his country and its people, and we still have contact. Because of him and his predecessor, I believe that people from Malawi are friendly, hardworking, and honest. I imagine it to be a beautiful country, even though I’ve never been there! A visit to Malawi is on my bucket list.

We are all ambassadors

We are all ambassadors of countries, regions, and organizations. Our actions speak much louder than words and impact people’s impressions, opinions, and experiences. In this role, we sometimes unknowingly leave lasting memories with others.

Regards

Emsia