Our definition of Internationalism 

At St Andrew’s College, we embrace our responsibilities as open-minded and empathetic global citizens who are proud of our own heritage, whilst celebrating diversity, cultivating global mindedness and supporting inclusion. 

Internationalism informs our processes, resources and curricula and brings our school community closer by developing a mutual understanding of our varied beliefs, nationalities, languages, cultures and religions. 
To embed our vision of internationalism we: 

1.  Celebrate Diversity
2. Cultivate global mindedness
3. Support inclusion

St Andrew’s College rejoices in its increasingly international character and is keen to acknowledge the invaluable contribution which its overseas students make to the academic and cultural life of the school.   Our international student population represents more than fifty countries worldwide, including the United States, Spain, the UK, South Korea, Japan, Australia and Brazil - to name but a few. The international composition of the school community fosters a warm welcome and a supportive atmosphere for new students, making it easier for them to adapt to life in their new surroundings.    

There are many organisational aspects of the College that reflect this internationalism. Academically, we offer students the opportunity to follow the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in the senior school, a course which prepares them for admission to universities anywhere in the world and encourages the development of globally minded, socially conscious learners. We also host the SATs, which are essential for admission to Colleges in the United States. American-style transcripts are available for students hoping to attend Colleges in the US and Canada. To support the many international students whose first language is not English, we have a very active EAL (English as an Additional Language) department which helps accelerate both academic progress and social integration for incoming students.

The College has been fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools. This recognition affirms that we provide a standard of education and range of facilities that compare favourably with those offered by other leading international schools around the world. We were the first school in Ireland to achieve this recognition.

Internationalism is also embedded in our curriculum and co-curricular programmes, where themes of global citizenship, sustainability, and social responsibility are integrated across subject areas. Our participation in the WorldWise Global Schools (WWGS) programme serves as an anchor for this work, connecting classroom learning with real-world global issues. Through WWGS, students and teachers engage in projects that explore topics such as climate justice, equality, and sustainable development—reinforcing our commitment to developing learners who are informed, compassionate, and active global citizens.

Sustainability is a central pillar of life at St Andrew’s College. The school community is actively engaged in a range of sustainability initiatives, from student-led environmental committees and recycling programmes to curriculum-based projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts encourage students to think critically about the impact of their choices and to work collaboratively toward creating a more sustainable future.

Internationalism also flourishes in our cultural activities, such as the Model United Nations programme, which challenges participants to understand complex global problems and propose solutions that reflect the perspectives of diverse nations. On a more festive note, one of our most widely celebrated events is the annual Intercultural Week/International Night, during which dramatic, musical, and culinary presentations showcase the distinctive cultures of our student body. This event not only enriches the school community but also engages the wider public, whose enthusiastic support for the festival is greatly appreciated. Finally the Uganda Project, which provides students with the opportunity to visit a school, hospital, and orphanage in the Kisiizi area to assess local needs and organise fundraising initiatives that deliver tangible assistance.

We are proud that St Andrew’s College is an enthusiastically international and forward-looking school. Through initiatives such as the IB, WWGS, and our sustainability and service projects, we aim to help students see themselves as global citizens—aware of their shared responsibility for the welfare of all people and the planet we call home.