Preparing Global Citizens in Braga

In today's international education landscape, families are increasingly seeking schools that offer more than academic excellence. They are looking for environments where children feel valued, develop strong character and learn how to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

By Advertiser, in Education · 05 Nov 2026, 15:40 · 0 Comments

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: CLIB – The Braga International School;

A School Community Built on Belonging

At CLIB – The Braga International School, belonging and value are central to the student experience. Bringing together families from many different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, the school places a strong emphasis on kindness, inclusion, and community, ensuring that every child feels a sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.

Kindness as a Daily Practice

This commitment is particularly evident during the school's annual Kindness Week, a celebration that reflects CLIB's broader educational philosophy. Rather than viewing kindness as a standalone initiative, the school integrates empathy, respect, gratitude, and social responsibility into everyday school life. Through collaborative projects, charitable initiatives, wellbeing activities, and community events, students are encouraged to recognise the positive impact they can have on those around them.

"At CLIB, we believe education is about much more than academic achievement," says Alexandra Gonçalves, Admissions Officer. "We want our students to develop into compassionate, confident, and globally minded individuals who understand the importance of contributing positively to their communities."

Learning in an International Environment

The school's international character plays a key role in this kindness approach. Students learn alongside classmates from different countries, languages, and cultural traditions, creating a naturally diverse environment where mutual understanding and respect are part of daily learning. This exposure helps young people develop the cultural awareness and interpersonal skills that are essential in an increasingly global society.

Part of a Wider Educational Community

Beyond its own international environment, CLIB benefits from being part of the Dukes Education family, a network that brings together six schools across Portugal. This connection enriches the experience of students, staff, and families by creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and innovation across the group.

One recent example is the introduction of High Performance Learning (HPL) across all Dukes Education Portugal schools. This internationally recognised framework focuses on helping every student develop the behaviours, mindsets, and cognitive skills needed to achieve their full potential. By combining academic rigour with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth, HPL complements the values already embedded within daily life at CLIB.

Being part of the wider Dukes family also gives students access to a broader educational community that extends beyond Braga. Through shared initiatives, events, and best-practice collaboration between schools, students benefit from an educational experience that is both locally rooted and internationally connected.

Supporting Families Through Transitions

For expatriate families relocating to Portugal, this sense of community can be particularly important. Moving countries often presents challenges for children, but a welcoming and supportive school environment helps make the transition smoother. At CLIB, students are encouraged to form meaningful friendships, participate fully in school life, and engage with the local and international community around them.

Nurturing Responsible Global Citizens for the Future

Alongside its academic programme, the school actively promotes values such as generosity, leadership, service, and environmental responsibility. By encouraging students to look beyond themselves and consider how they can contribute to the wellbeing of others, CLIB aims to nurture not only successful learners but also responsible global citizens.

As Braga continues to attract international families drawn by Portugal's quality of life, schools such as CLIB are helping to create communities where children can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. In doing so, they are demonstrating that kindness is not simply an event or theme, but a fundamental part of preparing young people for life in a global world.

Families interested in learning more about CLIB – The Braga International School can visit the campus, meet the community and discover how its international approach supports every child's academic and personal development.