A Global Community Where Families Feel They Belong

Choosing an international school is about more than curriculum, facilities or location. For many families, particularly those moving to Barcelona, it is about finding a place where their child feels happy, supported and part of something bigger.

At Hamelin-Laie International School, that sense of community is built every day through the relationships between students, families and staff. One of the ways this comes to life is through the annual International Potluck, a much-loved tradition held at the end of the first month of the academic year. Bringing together families from across the school, the event offers an opportunity to celebrate cultures, build new connections and welcome those who are just beginning their journey in our community.

This year's International Potluck was a wonderful reflection of that spirit. With families representing nearly 30 countries, the school field was transformed into a colourful celebration of cultures, traditions and flavours from around the world. Families prepared dishes that were meaningful to them, shared stories from home and spent the evening getting to know one another.

What stood out was not just the variety of food on offer, but the conversations, laughter and connections shared across the field throughout the afternoon.

Where International Families Feel at Home

Starting life in a new country or a school move can feel both exciting and challenging. One of the things families often tell us is how important it is to find a school community that helps them settle, make friends and feel at home.

For families who have recently joined the school, the International Potluck is often one of the first opportunities to connect with other parents and become part of the community. Held each year at the end of the first month of the academic year, the event helps welcome new families while celebrating the diversity that makes Hamelin-Laie unique.

Families set up tables across the school field, sharing recipes, traditions and stories from different parts of the world. Students moved from one country to the next eager to try something new, while parents exchanged experiences, recommendations and stories about life in Barcelona.

It was a reminder that community is often built through simple moments: a conversation, a shared experience or the chance to learn something about another person's culture.

At Hamelin-Laie, those moments happen every day. They help create an environment where families feel welcome and where students learn to appreciate different perspectives from an early age.

For new and prospective families, events like the International Potluck provide a genuine glimpse into life at Hamelin-Laie: a school where families are encouraged to get involved, contribute and feel part of the community from the very beginning.

Diversity That Students Experience Every Day

One of the strengths of an international school is the opportunity for students to learn alongside people from different backgrounds and cultures. At Hamelin-Laie, this learning happens naturally through friendships, classroom discussions, school events and everyday interactions.

The International Potluck brought that to life in a particularly memorable way. Students explored traditions from around the world while seeing the pride families took in sharing their heritage with others.

Experiences like these help children develop curiosity, empathy and respect. Just as importantly, they help students understand that everyone has a story worth sharing and something valuable to contribute.

As Head of School Sarah Osborne-James reflected:

“One of the greatest strengths of Hamelin-Laie is the diversity of our community. Seeing families from nearly 30 countries come together, not only to share their traditions but also to celebrate and learn from one another, is a powerful reminder of what makes our school so special. Events like the International Potluck help create a sense of belonging while fostering the global mindset we hope to inspire in all our students.”

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A School Community Shaped by Families

One of the reasons the International Potluck is so special is that it is driven by our families. The care and enthusiasm that went into every dish made the evening feel personal and authentic. Each table reflected a family's story, creating opportunities for conversation and connection throughout the event.

For current families, it was an opportunity to celebrate their heritage. For newer families, it was a chance to meet people, get involved and feel part of the school community.

This partnership between school and home is an important part of life at Hamelin-Laie. When families play an active role in school life, students benefit from a stronger sense of belonging and connection.

Sarah Osborne-James added:

“The enthusiasm shown by our families, who volunteered their time and shared an important part of their personal heritage, demonstrates the strong sense of community that exists at Hamelin. We are incredibly grateful for their contribution.”

Local Roots, Global Perspective

As part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools, Hamelin-Laie combines the warmth of a close-knit community in Barcelona with opportunities to connect with students and ideas from around the world.

For many families, that balance is important. Children can feel settled and supported in their daily lives while gaining the confidence and understanding that come from being part of an internationally minded school.

The International Potluck reflected both sides of that experience. It celebrated cultures from around the world while bringing everyone together in one shared community, right here on our Barcelona campus.

Discover Hamelin-Laie International School

At Hamelin-Laie, students and families arrive from many different countries and backgrounds, but they quickly discover something they share: a welcoming environment where people know one another, support one another and feel they belong.

Belonging is not built during a single event. It grows through everyday experiences, shared celebrations and the connections formed along the way.