Globally Minded, Locally Inspired: Raising Confident Global Citizens in Barcelona

For children growing up between cultures, an international education can offer much more than a passport to future opportunities. It can help them understand different perspectives, build confidence across cultures and languages, and develop a sense of belonging in an increasingly connected world.

At Hamelin-Laie International School, this idea is captured in the school’s guiding philosophy: “Globally Minded, Locally Inspired.” With students and families representing more than 60 nationalities, the school creates an environment where children are exposed to different cultures and perspectives every day, while remaining closely connected to the language, history and traditions of Catalonia and Spain.

The school describes this balance as giving children both “roots and wings”: a strong sense of identity and belonging alongside the curiosity, adaptability and confidence to thrive wherever life takes them. For families relocating to Barcelona, or for local families seeking a genuinely international education, Hamelin-Laie’s trilingual environment offers a distinctive experience: children can develop a global outlook without becoming disconnected from the community they call home.

We spoke to Sarah Osborne-James, Principal of Hamelin-Laie International School, about the school’s globally minded approach, its multicultural community, trilingual education and the importance of helping children develop both a strong sense of identity and the skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

The Importance of a Globally Minded, Locally Inspired Education

“Globally Minded, Locally Inspired” means giving children the best of both worlds: an education that opens their eyes to different cultures, ideas and perspectives, while helping them feel connected to the place where they live. We believe that becoming a global citizen starts with understanding and valuing the community around you.

While Hamelin-Laie offers a truly global education, it is also deeply rooted in its local context in Barcelona, giving students the opportunity to grow up in one of Europe’s most dynamic and international areas while staying connected to the language, history, traditions and community of Catalonia and Spain.

For internationally mobile families, this balance is especially valuable. Children need both roots and wings. They need to feel a sense of belonging while developing the confidence, curiosity and adaptability to thrive wherever life takes them.

Many local families are looking for the same thing: an education that broadens their children’s horizons while keeping them connected to their own culture and community. 

Growing Up in a Truly International School Community

One of the greatest benefits of an international education is the opportunity to learn alongside people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. At Hamelin-Laie, our students interact daily with classmates from more than 60 nationalities, which naturally helps them develop empathy, open-mindedness and strong communication skills.

This diversity is reflected not only in our community, but also in our curriculum. We follow the Spanish National Curriculum, enriched by the International Curriculum Association (ICA) framework, which encourages curiosity, cross-curricular learning and an understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Perhaps most importantly, students discover that there is often more than one way of seeing the world. They learn to listen, respect different viewpoints and appreciate what others can teach them. These experiences help prepare them not only for their future studies and careers, but also for life in an increasingly connected and multicultural world. The best thing about this, is that it all happens naturally, its not forced as the children are naturally inclusive and accept difference.

Helping Children Navigate Multiple Cultures and Identities

At Hamelin-Laie, many of our students are what we call Third Culture Kids, young people whose identity is shaped by multiple cultural influences rather than a single national background. Questions like “Where do I belong?” or “What shapes my identity?” are a natural part of their journey.

I believe the most important thing parents can do is help children embrace every part of their personal story, identity and see their multicultural background as a strength. When children feel proud of their heritage while remaining open to new experiences, they develop confidence, adaptability and a strong sense of self.

Our diverse community helps make this possible. Students are surrounded by peers who bring different languages, traditions and perspectives to school every day. For international students, this creates a sense of belonging among others with similar experiences, while local students benefit from daily exposure to different cultures. Together, these experiences help young people develop empathy, understanding and the skills to thrive in a multicultural world.

The Role of English, Spanish and Catalan in School Life

Languages are at the heart of life at Hamelin-Laie. English is the main language of learning, while Spanish and Catalan are an integral part of both the curriculum and everyday school experience. We see learning languages not just as an academic skill, but as a way of connecting with people, cultures and new perspectives.

Our students gain the confidence to communicate across different languages and settings, an invaluable skill in today’s world. 

For international students, learning Spanish and Catalan also helps them feel at home in Barcelona, build meaningful relationships and engage more deeply with the culture and community around them.

Connecting Students With Catalan Culture and Local Traditions

Local culture is a natural part of everyday life at Hamelin-Laie. We want students to experience the richness of the region they are growing up in, not just read about it in textbooks.

Throughout the year, students take part in many local celebrations such as Sant Jordi, when they write stories and poems, participate in literary competitions and exchange books and roses. During the Christmas season, younger students also enjoy Tió de Nadal (Caga Tió), a much-loved local custom in which children care for a magic log that gives them small gifts and treats. 

Beyond these celebrations, students explore local history, geography, literature and traditions through their classroom learning, as well as through school trips and hands-on projects. These experiences help them build a genuine understanding of the region and a meaningful connection to the community around them.

Building a Strong International School Community in Barcelona

Community is something we care deeply about at Hamelin-Laie. With families from so many different backgrounds, we want everyone to feel welcome, included and connected from the moment they join the school.

Throughout the year, we bring families together through celebrations, workshops, performances and community events. One of our favourites is the International Potluck, taking place this year on 25 September, where families share food, traditions and stories from their home countries.

These shared experiences often spark friendships, conversations and connections that extend well beyond the school gates. They help create the warm, inclusive atmosphere that makes Hamelin-Laie feel like a community rather than just a school.

Balancing Global Opportunities With Local Connections

We believe both dimensions are essential. Through global learning initiatives, connections across the Nord Anglia Education family, and collaborations with organisations such as UNICEF, The Juilliard School and MIT, our students engage with ideas and challenges that extend far beyond the classroom.

At the same time, they develop a strong connection to the community around them through classroom learning, cultural celebrations, local partnerships, and educational visits and excursions. We encourage students to think globally while staying engaged with the culture and community they experience every day.

\

Developing the Skills Children Need for an Interconnected World

Academic achievement will always be important, but I believe young people also need the confidence, resilience and interpersonal skills to thrive in a fast-changing world.

At Hamelin-Laie, we believe academic success and personal growth go hand in hand. Alongside a strong academic programme, our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme helps students understand themselves, build positive relationships and make thoughtful decisions.

Ultimately, we want our students to leave us not only with excellent academic foundations, but also with the empathy, confidence and sense of responsibility needed to navigate life, contribute to their communities and build meaningful connections with others.

Supporting Academic Success, Wellbeing and Personal Growth

Creating Opportunities for International Collaboration

This year, we are especially excited to host the Nord Anglia STEAM Festival, welcoming students from schools across Europe to collaborate on hands-on challenges in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from peers, develop creative solutions and experience international collaboration first-hand.

Preparing Globally Minded Students for the Future

The Values at the Heart of a Hamelin-Laie Education

Kindness, Respect and Responsibility are at the heart of everything we do at Hamelin-Laie, and I hope these values stay with our students long after they leave our school.

Of course, we want them to achieve excellent academic outcomes and be well prepared for their next steps. But just as importantly, we want them to be confident, open-minded young people who build meaningful relationships, show empathy and compassion, and understand the positive impact they can have on others.

In a world that increasingly values achievement and ambition, I hope our students never lose sight of the importance of being kind, courageous and deeply human. If they leave Hamelin-Laie with the confidence to pursue their goals while caring for the people and communities around them, then we have achieved our mission.

About Sarah Osborne-James, Principal of Hamelin-Laie International School

Sarah Osborne-James has been Principal of Hamelin-Laie International School since 2023. With more than 26 years of experience in international education across Europe, Asia and Latin America, she is passionate about creating learning environments that combine academic excellence, wellbeing, innovation and global citizenship. She holds a Master’s in International Education from the University of Warwick and is committed to helping every student thrive both academically and personally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamelin-Laie International School

Where is Hamelin-Laie International School?

Hamelin-Laie International School is located in Montgat, around 20 minutes from the centre of Barcelona.

What curriculum does Hamelin-Laie International School follow?

Hamelin-Laie follows the Spanish National Curriculum, enriched by the International Curriculum Association (ICA) framework. The approach encourages curiosity, cross-curricular learning and an understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Is Hamelin-Laie International School bilingual or trilingual?

Hamelin-Laie provides a trilingual learning environment in English, Spanish and Catalan. English is the main language of learning, while Spanish and Catalan are an integral part of the curriculum and everyday school experience.

How international is Hamelin-Laie International School?

Hamelin-Laie has students and families representing more than 60 nationalities. This creates a naturally multicultural environment in which students learn alongside children from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

How does Hamelin-Laie support international families?

The school’s diverse community gives internationally mobile children the opportunity to connect with peers who may have similarly multicultural experiences. The school also uses its trilingual environment and connection with the local community to help international students feel at home in Barcelona.

How does Hamelin-Laie connect students with Catalan culture?

Local culture is integrated into everyday school life through classroom learning, school trips, projects and traditional celebrations. Students take part in events such as Sant Jordi and Tió de Nadal while also learning about the region’s history, geography, literature and traditions.

What does “Globally Minded, Locally Inspired” mean at Hamelin-Laie?

The phrase reflects the school’s aim to give students a broad international outlook while keeping them connected to the community where they live. The school believes children need both “roots and wings”: a strong sense of belonging alongside the confidence and adaptability to engage with the wider world.

What kind of student thrives at Hamelin-Laie International School?

The school’s international and multicultural environment can suit children who enjoy learning alongside people from different backgrounds and are curious about the wider world. It is designed to help students develop open-mindedness, communication skills, adaptability and a strong sense of belonging.

What values are important at Hamelin-Laie?

Kindness, Respect and Responsibility are at the heart of the school’s educational philosophy. Hamelin-Laie aims for students to leave school with strong academic foundations alongside empathy, confidence, compassion and a sense of responsibility towards others and their communities.

Read more articles about education on the MumAbroad website