Wawel International School – anglojęzyczne przedszkole i szkoła podstawowa Kraków
WAWEL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
How Children Make Friends: Language, Nationality, and Culture Don’t Have to Stand in the Way
As parents, one of the most important things we want for our children is for them to grow up happy, confident, and well-connected with others. Friendships play a crucial role in a child’s emotional development, helping them build social skills, navigate the world, and feel a sense of belonging. For many parents, the question arises: “Can my child make friends easily in an international school where there are children from different countries, languages, and cultures?” The answer is a resounding yes!
Friendship is a universal need for all children, and the ways in which children form friendships are deeply rooted in their innate social skills, which transcend language, nationality, or culture. At Wawel International School, we believe that an international environment can actually enhance the friendship-making process, allowing children to embrace diversity and build lasting, meaningful relationships. Let’s dive into how children make friends, and why an international school is just as great, if not better, a place for building friendships as a local school.
The Science of Friendship: How Children Connect with Each Other
Friendship begins early in childhood, long before children are able to articulate their feelings or understand abstract concepts like cultural differences. In fact, studies show that from a very young age, children are biologically hardwired to seek connections with others. According to developmental psychology expert Dr. Carolyn Zahn-Waxler, social interactions and friendships are critical to a child’s emotional growth. Friendships allow children to develop key social skills, such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution—skills that are vital for success in both school and life.
The process of making friends begins with shared experiences. Whether children speak the same language or come from the same background, they are naturally drawn to one another through play, shared activities, and collaborative experiences. Psychologist Dr. Jean Piaget, a pioneer in the study of child development, noted that children’s friendships are often built through play, especially imaginative or cooperative play. In fact, play is the common language of children, a universal way for them to bond regardless of their linguistic or cultural backgrounds.
Children are remarkably good at forming bonds without needing to rely on language as the primary means of communication. In fact, studies have shown that children as young as three years old are capable of making friends through non-verbal cues—such as body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. This means that even if a child does not speak the same language as another child, they can still form connections through shared activities and emotional exchange.
Social Skills Are Universal
One of the most powerful aspects of childhood friendships is that the social skills required to form them are universal. The ability to share, take turns, express feelings, and respond to others with kindness and empathy is not tied to any specific language, nationality, or culture. As human beings, we are all wired to respond to warmth and friendliness, and children are no exception. Studies have shown that children are especially sensitive to emotional cues, and they are drawn to others who exhibit positive social behaviors, such as a smile, a helping hand, or an invitation to play.
Furthermore, research from the University of Cambridge on social development found that children’s ability to make friends is greatly enhanced in environments where they feel emotionally safe and supported. An international school, like Wawel International School, offers this kind of environment by encouraging mutual respect, inclusivity, and kindness. Children in this setting learn to value different perspectives, building friendships not just based on similarities but also on curiosity and appreciation for diversity.
An International School: A Rich Environment for Friendships
At Wawel International School, we take pride in the fact that children from diverse backgrounds—whether it’s different languages, cultures, or nationalities—interact and become close friends. Our students learn to appreciate the uniqueness of their peers and celebrate their differences. This not only enriches their social experiences but also broadens their worldview.
In a diverse classroom, children are exposed to a variety of social norms, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches. This gives them the opportunity to adapt to different social situations, develop flexibility in their interactions, and build relationships based on shared values, rather than just shared backgrounds. The ability to connect with others from different cultures is a vital skill in today’s globalized world.
Many parents worry that an international environment might isolate their child, particularly if the child doesn’t speak the same language as the others. However, studies show that multilingual classrooms actually enhance children’s social development. According to research by the American Psychological Association, bilingual or multilingual children tend to be more adaptable and empathetic, as they are accustomed to navigating different communication styles. This flexibility makes it easier for them to bond with peers, regardless of language barriers.
Friendship Beyond Words: Emotional Bonds Take Precedence
Even in an environment where multiple languages are spoken, children can form strong emotional bonds with their peers. This is because the emotional component of friendship is not dependent on language. According to Dr. Viorica Marian, a professor of communication sciences, children are incredibly adept at picking up on emotional cues and understanding the intentions behind social behaviors, even when there is no common language. Whether it’s a comforting touch, a shared laugh, or a group activity, these emotional exchanges create a foundation for friendship that transcends verbal communication.
At Wawel International School, we create opportunities for children to interact through collaborative play, group projects, and creative activities, ensuring that every child has the chance to bond with others. These experiences allow children to understand one another on an emotional level, creating a strong sense of camaraderie, regardless of their linguistic or cultural differences.
An International School Is a Thriving Place for Friendships
As a parent, you want your child to have the opportunity to form friendships that will last a lifetime. You may wonder if an international school, with its diverse student body, can provide that same close-knit community that a local school might. The truth is, international schools offer rich, rewarding environments for making friends—often even more so than local schools. In an international setting, children learn to communicate, connect, and build friendships based on shared emotional experiences, rather than linguistic or cultural similarities.
At Wawel International School, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where every child, no matter their background, feels welcome and valued. Through play, shared activities, and mutual respect, our students form friendships that are deep, meaningful, and full of joy. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to make friends across cultures is a skill that will serve your child for a lifetime.
If you want your child to experience a rich social life and grow into a confident, globally-aware individual, Wawel International School is the perfect place to start. Your child will not only make friends—they will learn to thrive in a world that celebrates diversity.