Global Citizenship
Promoting an appreciation of diverse perspectives
At CIS, a global citizen is someone who understands and appreciates diverse perspectives while actively engaging with local and global issues, interacting respectfully with others, and taking responsible action for sustainability and collective well-being. We nurture global citizenship through multiple programs, from environmental stewardship to language learning.
CIS GOES GREEN
It is critically important that we take care of our planet. The CIS Goes Green initiative aims to engage our school community in taking responsible action for environmental sustainability and collective well-being.
CIS participates in the Eco-Schools Programme, one of the world’s largest sustainable schools programs. Students build leadership skills and contribute to environmental management through hands-on activities, such as tree planting.
Our environmental ethos is also reflected in the architectural design of our campuses. We have over 2,000 solar panels on our rooftops and many of our campus buildings incorporate open-air spaces for natural ventilation. Our school’s waste plastic, cardboard and paper is recycled into furniture. 100% of our cafeteria food waste is sent to a black soldier fly farm where it is decomposed and used as high-protein animal feed. Efforts are underway to become a plastic-free campus.
We know that spending time in green spaces can benefit mental and physical well-being. At recess, students spend time outdoors in our shady gardens and tree-lined recreational areas every day. Elementary students, with clipboards in hand, often make observations in the Butterfly Garden. Our natural grass soccer field is used for Physical Education and Wellness classes, as well as tournaments.
In March 2024, we unveiled our commissioned painting by Cambodia-based artist Tamara Venn, which represents the CIS Goes Green initiative.
EXPERIENCE WEEK
Experience Week is an annual off-campus adventure for students in middle school and high school. Students explore new places, engage with new cultures, and meet local community members. These interactions offer exposure to different ways of life and highlight commonalities among all people. Students often participate in local service projects.
SERVICE LEARNING
Service learning integrates meaningful community service with academic learning. It enhances global citizenship by fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a sense of responsibility towards the global community. At CIS, service learning is integrated into the activities of student clubs and projects implemented as part of the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme, a core component of the IB Diploma Programme. Service learning is informed by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to address global challenges and support a more sustainable future.
LANGUAGE LEARNING
We know that learning and using multiple languages supports cultural competence, an important skill for global citizens. All students take regular language classes in their choice of Khmer, French or Mandarin. Mandarin and French Bilingual Programs are also available. Learning a new language enables communication with people from diverse backgrounds, and offers insight into different cultures, values and perspectives.
CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS AND GLOBAL OBSERVANCES
Our community comes together for annual Khmer New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations. These schoolwide events are opportunities for students studying Khmer and Mandarin to perform and take on leadership roles. Student clubs organize activities for global observances such as Earth Day and International Women’s Day. Cultural celebrations and global observances foster global citizenship by promoting an appreciation of diverse cultures, encouraging empathy, and inspiring individuals to become active participants in addressing global challenges.