Settling In – Helping New Students Adapt to School & Portugal

Starting at a new school is always a big step. Starting in a new country can feel even bigger. At International Sharing School Lisbon, we understand that “settling in” is not just about learning names and finding classrooms, it’s about helping every student feel seen, supported, and truly part of our community. 

As the Pastoral Team, our mission is to ensure that every new student, and their family, feels welcomed into both our school and into life in Portugal. We know that the early weeks can be a mixture of excitement and nerves, curiosity and confusion. That’s why we place relationships, empathy, and communication at the heart of everything we do. 

A Culture of Care and Connection 

Our approach is simple but powerful: connection first. Each student is more than a name on a register, they are part of our story. Tutors and teachers take the time to know students personally: their interests, backgrounds, languages, and little quirks that make them unique. Greeting them each morning, checking in with how they’re feeling, and celebrating small successes are daily habits that build trust and a sense of belonging. 

We believe that positive relationships are the foundation of wellbeing and academic success. Our restorative practices reinforce this belief, focusing on listening, understanding, and helping students learn from challenges rather than simply reacting to them. Mistakes and misunderstandings are part of growing up, and our goal is to guide students through them with compassion and fairness, not fear. 

Finding a Place in a New Culture 

For many families, joining ISS Lisbon means not only a new school but a new home in Portugal. From navigating local supermarkets to picking up a few Portuguese words, every small win helps students (and parents) feel more confident. We actively encourage cultural curiosity, celebrating Portugal’s traditions, food, and language, while also creating space for students to share their own cultures with pride. 

We host activities and discussions that help new students make sense of what’s around them, how things work at school, what’s different from their previous learning experiences, and what remains reassuringly familiar. Within our pastoral sessions, we talk openly about identity, belonging, and adaptation, helping students recognise that they are not alone in the process.

Peer Support and Student Voice 

We also know that sometimes, the best support comes from other students. Our buddy system and Prefect Team play an important role in welcoming newcomers, showing them around, and helping them settle into the rhythm of daily life. This peer connection often makes the difference between feeling like “the new kid” and feeling part of a team. 

Encouraging student voice is also essential. We want our learners to know that their opinions matter, that they can shape their school experience, raise concerns, and suggest improvements. In tutor time and pastoral sessions, we regularly check in on how students are adapting and make adjustments when needed. 

A Shared Responsibility 

Settling in is a community effort. Parents, teachers, and students work together to create a supportive network around each child. We encourage parents to communicate openly with tutors and coordinators, to share any concerns early, and to celebrate progress along the way. 

Behind the scenes, our Safeguarding and Behaviour Policies ensure that safety, respect, and inclusion guide every interaction. These aren’t just documents, they are living reflections of our values: care, fairness, and the belief that every student deserves to feel happy and secure. 

A Journey Worth Taking 

Moving countries, changing schools, and making new friends can be daunting, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for growth. Every year, we watch our new students blossom, finding their voice, embracing challenges, and contributing to the diverse tapestry of our school life. 

At International Sharing School Lisbon, we don’t just help students settle in; we help them belong. Because when students feel safe, supported, and valued, everything else, learning, friendships, confidence, falls beautifully into place. 

Writen by: Marta Cayatte, Inês Vilas and James Kinnard, MYP Pastoral Leaders