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Why I Chose IISD for My Children?
Testimony of an Expat in Rome
Excellence in International Education in Rome
Choosing an international school for one’s child is a crucial step for expatriate families. Between concerns about change, the challenge of adaptation, and the discovery of a new culture, families seek an environment that combines academic excellence, cultural openness, and a caring approach. At the International Saint-Dominic Institute in Rome, children grow in a multilingual and multicultural setting, where each student is supported to fully thrive from the very first day.
Testimony of Christine KINGHOMBE, former parent at IISD
Arriving in Rome in 2021 with my children, who at the time spoke only French, I was looking for a school capable of offering both academic continuity, genuine international openness, and strong human support. After visiting several institutions, IISD, a member of the Odyssey Education group, quickly became the obvious choice.
A cultural diversity that made it easier for my children to integrate
When we arrived in Rome, I was worried that my children would feel out of place. At IISD, that concern disappeared within the first few weeks. The school welcomes students from more than 40 nationalities, creating an environment where everyone can find their place. This diversity offered them: an immediate sense of belonging, the opportunity to make friends from all over the world, daily cultural exposure, and the experience of difference as a source of richness. Thanks to this international community, my children never felt isolated. They discovered a caring environment where diverse backgrounds are valued and where you learn as much from others as you do from the lessons.
A truly plurilingual environment
When they arrived, my children spoke only French. Within a few months, thanks to daily immersion and native-speaking teachers, they began to understand Italian and soon became comfortable expressing themselves in English. I particularly appreciated the natural learning of three languages, the international certifications (IB, French Baccalaureate, Cambridge), and an environment where languages are present everywhere, in class, in the playground, and during activities. Today, my children are multilingual, an invaluable gift for their future.
Personalized support that truly makes a difference
What touched me most at IISD was its human dimension. Every child is known, supported, and encouraged. I saw my children grow in confidence, develop their talents, receive emotional support, and progress at their own pace. There is a genuine sense of care, far from the impersonal atmosphere found in many schools.
A rich, balanced and inspiring school life
IISD is not limited to academic classes. My children discovered theatre, music, visual arts, sports competitions, humanitarian projects, school trips and many other activities. This variety made them more curious, more open-minded and more confident. The school nurtures a precious balance between academic excellence and personal growth.
Dual Diploma: French Baccalaureate + IB
IISD is one of the few schools in Rome that offers both the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
For my children, this meant perfect continuity with the French system, the possibility of later accessing European, American and international universities, and educational stability from preschool to high school.
This dual certification is a major asset for expatriate or multicultural families.
Pénélope’s Experience at IISD
A student’s testimony about campus life, the richness of the international community, the multicultural and multilingual environment, and the caring support that defines IISD
Why does IISD stand out?
Choosing a school while living abroad is an important decision.
For our family, IISD was much more than a school. It was a place of welcome, learning and personal growth.
If you are looking for a French international school in Rome that combines academic rigor, cultural openness and genuine human support, IISD is truly worth discovering.
