Finding a Home Away from Home: How International Families Integrate at Palacio de Granda


Relocating to a new country raises plenty of questions for families with children, chief among them: will my child make friends easily, adapt to a new language, and feel at home? Palacio de Granda, an international school in Asturias, believes joining a new school is about more than academics. It’s about belonging.

Here, Ricardo Díaz Bernardo, Head of School at Palacio de Granda, explains how the school’s multicultural community, multilingual approach and personalised attention help international families settle in, and why Asturias itself offers a compelling setting for families building a new life in Spain.

Relocating to a new country is an exciting adventure, but for many families it also brings important questions. Will my child make friends easily? How will they adapt to a new language and culture? Will they feel at home?

At Palacio de Granda, we understand that joining a new school is about much more than academics. It is about belonging. That is why we have created a welcoming international community where students from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds quickly feel part of everyday school life.

Our classrooms bring together pupils from a wide range of nationalities, creating a naturally multicultural environment where diversity is valued and celebrated. For newly arrived students, this means they are joining a community that is already accustomed to welcoming international families and helping them settle into their new surroundings.

Language plays an important role in this process. Through our immersive multilingual approach, English serves as a common language that helps many students feel confident from the moment they arrive. From Early Years onwards, English is integrated into daily learning, communication, and collaborative activities, allowing children to develop fluency naturally while building meaningful relationships with their classmates.

As students progress through the school, they continue to strengthen their language skills through the study of additional languages such as French or German. This multilingual environment not only supports communication but also encourages openness, cultural understanding, and respect for different perspectives.

One of the aspects international families value most is the personalised attention each child receives. With small class sizes and close relationships between teachers and students, we are able to understand each learner’s individual needs and provide the support necessary for a smooth transition. Whether a student is arriving from another region of Spain or from abroad, our team works closely with families to ensure they feel supported every step of the way.

Integration extends beyond the classroom. Through projects, sports, cultural activities, and school events, students quickly become active members of the community, building friendships that often last throughout their school years.

Families relocating to Asturias also discover a region that offers an exceptional quality of life. Known for its safety, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere, Asturias provides an ideal setting for children to grow, learn, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Surrounded by mountains, coastline, and green landscapes, students benefit from an environment that combines educational excellence with personal wellbeing.

At Palacio de Granda, we accompany students throughout their educational journey, from Early Years to Bachillerato. This continuity provides stability and reassurance for families who are building a new life in Spain, knowing that their children can grow within the same supportive community for many years.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that every student, regardless of where they come from, feels confident, valued, and prepared for an international future.

Because when families move to a new country, finding the right school is not only about education. It is about finding a place where children truly belong.

Find out more about Palacio de Granda and the admissions process on the school’s website.

About Ricardo Díaz Bernardo, Head of School at Palacio de Granda

Ricardo is from Asturias but spent 20 years in the United Kingdom where he completed his education and grew professionally. He holds a bachelor’s in sports and science education and a master’s in leadership. Ricardo is passionate about innovation, education development and learning strategies.

He also believes that learning about other cultures can enrich everyone. In London, he worked as a teacher and a phase leader for a decade before settling into leadership positions. Ricardo believes that amazing learning experiences are key to a quality education. He’s worked with other overseas educators in the UK and South America and has supported governmental institutions in Brazil.

In his spare time, he runs a website that supports schools in the UK and abroad. He also likes any active sport, reading, researching, cooking, painting and spending time with friends and family – especially with his wife and young daughter. He also enjoys coffee and dark chocolate!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palacio de Granda?

Palacio de Granda is an international school in Asturias, Spain, supporting students from Early Years through to Bachillerato, with a strong focus on welcoming international families and helping them integrate into school life.

What languages are taught at Palacio de Granda?

English is used as a common language from Early Years onwards, integrated into daily learning, communication and collaborative activities. As students progress, they go on to study additional languages such as French or German.

Does the school only welcome students from abroad?

No. Palacio de Granda welcomes students relocating from other regions of Spain as well as from abroad, and works closely with all families to ensure a smooth transition, regardless of where a child is joining from.

How does the school support new students settling in?

Small class sizes and close relationships between teachers and students allow staff to understand each learner’s individual needs. Integration also extends beyond the classroom, through projects, sports, cultural activities and school events.

Where is Palacio de Granda located?

The school is located in Asturias, a region known for its safety, natural beauty and quality of life, surrounded by mountains, coastline and green landscapes.

Can students stay at Palacio de Granda for their entire education?

Yes. The school accompanies students from Early Years through to Bachillerato, offering continuity and stability for families settling into a new life in Spain.

Read more articles about international education on the MumAbroad blog