Why education plays a key role in supporting internationally mobile families

International mobility has become a normal part of modern working life. Families relocate for professional opportunities, new projects, or international postings — often with little time to prepare for the emotional and social impact this move can have on children.

While much attention is rightly given to contracts, housing and logistics, the experience of children during relocation is still too often overlooked. Yet in practice, they are the ones who must rebuild friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging from scratch.

Over the past years, working with hundreds of teenagers from across Europe and beyond, we’ve seen first-hand how education can play a decisive role in helping internationally mobile families settle successfully.

The hidden challenges children face when relocating

For many children, relocation brings a combination of excitement and uncertainty. New languages, new schools and unfamiliar social environments can be energising — but also destabilising.

Common challenges we observe include:

• hesitation to speak in a new language, even when comprehension is good

• social withdrawal while trying to “find their place”

• increased reliance on screens as a safe and familiar source of comfort

• a gradual drop in self-confidence, especially in early adolescence

These challenges are rarely the result of a lack of ability. More often, they stem from fear of making mistakes, fear of standing out, or simply not knowing where one belongs.

Why education matters beyond academics

Education is often understood purely in academic terms. But for internationally mobile children, education also fulfils a much deeper function.

Well-designed educational environments help young people:

• regain confidence in communication

• form new social connections naturally

• develop independence and resilience

• feel part of a community again

Language, in particular, is not just a school subject — it is a gateway to social integration. When children feel confident speaking, they are far more likely to engage, make friends and feel at home in a new environment.

This is why immersive, experience-based learning environments are often so effective for internationally mobile families.

Immersive environments as a stabilising force

In mixed, international settings where no single nationality dominates, children are encouraged to communicate authentically rather than perfectly. Confidence comes first; accuracy follows.

This approach is central to how we design our programmes. Our language camps, for example, combine structured activities, creative projects and everyday social interaction to help teenagers build confidence in real situations, not just classrooms.

For many families, these environments act as a bridge — helping children rebuild social confidence before or during periods of transition.

Education within the international business ecosystem

As international mobility continues to grow, companies and institutions are increasingly recognising that family wellbeing is inseparable from professional success.

This broader perspective is reflected in discussions taking place at institutional and cross-border business events across Europe, such as an upcoming Belgian–Spanish networking event in Madrid bringing together companies, public institutions and international organisations.

Education, language and youth integration are no longer peripheral topics — they are becoming part of the wider conversation around sustainable international mobility.

Building confidence as the foundation for integration

One recurring lesson stands out clearly: confidence comes before performance.

When teenagers feel safe, supported and encouraged to express themselves, learning accelerates naturally. This is why confidence-building is at the heart of our approach — whether through collaborative projects, sports, creative challenges or everyday social interaction.

Parents looking for environments that support this process can explore our confidence-focused camps, which are specifically designed to help teenagers thrive socially and linguistically in international settings.

A shared responsibility

Supporting internationally mobile families is a shared effort. Companies, schools, institutions and educators all play a role in creating environments where children don’t just adapt, but flourish.

Education, when approached holistically, can be a powerful stabilising force — helping young people find confidence, connection and belonging, wherever life takes them.