The International Schools Association (ISA) is a non-governmental organization that promotes international and intercultural understanding through international education. ISA has over 50 international school members across four continents and holds consultative status with UNESCO. ISA's mission is to further world peace and international understanding by encouraging international-mindedness in schools and celebrating cultural diversity and similarity. The organization also promotes education for peace, sustainability, and humanism.

1. International Schools Association
*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
Building for the future

2. International Schools Association
Education is the best instrument to build a better world. Living in peace is achieved
by working together and celebrating our cultural diversity and similarity.

3. International Schools Association *UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
Welcome to the International Schools Association.
My name is Luis Martinez and as the Chairman of ISA, it is a great honour for
me to welcome you to our organization.
Holding a consultative status in the UNESCO, ISA works to promote
international and intercultural understanding.
ISA for me is the perfect vessel to communicate the values of peace, freedom,
equality, tolerance and also to celebrate the diversity and similarity of the
different countries around the world.
As a network made up of over fifty international schools on four continents, we
encourage the teachers and the students to investigate, understand and also
promote these values and the perspective of Internationalism as a real way to
build a better world.
I have dedicated a large part of my life to teaching in international institutions
and this experience allows me to share the importance of internationalism and
international education.
If you feel the same way as we do, I invite you to learn more about ISA and I
encourage you to become a member of our association.
Thank you for your time and I hope soon to welcome you as a new member of
the International Schools Association.
3

4. International Schools Association*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
ISA
History
p. 5
ISA
Philosophy
p. 6
Education
for Peace
p. 7
Education for
Sustainability
p. 8
ISA Oral
English Exam
p. 9
ISA Social
Networks &
Technology
p. 10
ISA YLE
& Annual
Conference
p. 11
ISA
Self-Study
Guide
p. 12
ISA
Board
Structure
p. 13
ISA
International
Humanism
Award
p. 14
4

5. International Schools Association *UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
UNESCO’s first education seminar, in 1947, was on the theme
of education for international understanding. In 1948, UNESCO
published a radical pamphlet, written by Marie-Therese Maurette,
the then Director of the International School of Geneva, who in
promoting the need for “International-mindedness”, posited that
this was a concept which needed to be “taught rather than caught”.
Amongherproposalswere:moreprominenceinatlasesto“theworld”
as a “concept” rather than over focusing on individual countries; a
new “World History” course; insistence on pupils learning a second
language and participation in some form of community service.
By 1951 a small group of headteachers volunteered to form the
Conference of Internationally Minded Schools. In the same year,
with UNESCO backing together with the support of staff, parents
and governors of the International School of Geneva and the United
Nations International School in New York, the International
Schools Association (ISA) was founded. ISA was the very first
educational,nongovernmental organization (NGO) to have, and
to continue to have, consultative status at UNESCO. ISA became
one of the earliest examples of supranational educative bodies
operating on the stage of global education. By the early 1960’s
there were some 50 self-declared international schools, more than
half of which were ISA members.
“The history of
mankind is the
history of ideas”
Ludwig Von Mises
“More prominence in
atlases to “the world”
as a “concept” rather
than over focusing on
individual countries”
Marie-Therese Maurette
ISA
History
“Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world”
Nelson Mandela 5

6. International Schools Association*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“The philosophy
of the school
room in one
generation will
be the philosophy
of government in
the next”
Abraham Lincoln
ISA works to promote international and intercultural
understanding. In so doing the Association espouses a number of
values – peace, freedom, equality, tolerance and the celebration of
both diversity and similarity – which express for the Association
the essential meaning and purpose of multiculturalism and
international mindedness.
ISA believes that young people should face the challenges arising
from the acceptance of these values and is supportive of all
organizations which share its conviction about internationalism,
international mindedness and international education in all its
forms and wherever it may be found.
ISA objectives are the following:
• To further world peace and international understanding through
education.
• To encourage the creation of new international schools.
• To encourage co-operation among international or
internationally-minded schools through consultation on teaching
and administrative questions.
• To facilitate or undertake the study of educational problems of
interest to such schools.
• To nurture interest in national schools of international matters as
a means of improving international understanding.
• To publicize the aims and principles of international schools and
promote international understanding among national schools.
ISA
Philosophy
6

7. International Schools Association *UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
ISA has members from all over the world, and it’s school network
is very diverse but at the same time very alike. They have schools
on four continents, the celebration of both diversity and similarity
is what expresses ISA’a essential meaning and purpose of
mulitculturalism and international mindedness.
ISA is an advocate and promoter of Education for Peace, which is
a conceptual framework from which schools may devise a program
comprising the transmission of universal values and enduring
attitudes, and the development of skills which will enable ISA
students to become active global citizens. The UN and its agencies
have adopted clear statements concerning human rights and
responsibilities which recognize peace as an essential human
construct. Education as the principal vehicle which will develop
and inculcate school age children with the habit of peace.
Thefollowingguidingprincipleshavebeentakenfromthecovenants
and agreements produced by the international community over the
last 50 years. They are central to the education for peace program:
Dignity - Equality - Liberty - Justice - Responsibility
Security - Solidarity - Democracy
Schools are encouraged to explore and analyze these principles
within their communities so that they are accepted as the
foundation for building a culture of peace.
“If we are to
live together
in peace, we
must come to
know each other
better”
Lyndon B Johnson
Education
for Peace
7

8. International Schools Association*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“We need to
think of the
future and the
planet we are
going to leave to
our children and
their children”
Kofi Annan
ISA also promotes and supports Education For Sustainability,
because it allows every human being to acquire the knowledge,
skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable
future.
For this reason it is necessary to include key sustainable
developmentissuesintoteachingandlearning;forexample,climate
change, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, poverty reduction,
and sustainable consumption. ISA’s Education for Sustainability
Curricula Framework for K-12 guides the teaching and learning
methods that motivate and empower learners to change their
behavior and take action for sustainable development. Education
for Sustainable Development requires far-reaching changes in the
way education is often practiced today. UNESCO is the lead agency
for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
(2005-2014).
“The day will come
when nations will be judged
not by their military or economic strength,
nor by the splendor of their capital
cities and public buildings,
but by the well-being of their peoples:
by their levels of health, nutrition and education;
by their opportunities to earn a fair reward for their labours; by their
ability to participate in the decisions that affect their lives; by the respect
that is shown for their civil and political liberties;
by the provision that is made for those who are vulnerable and
disadvantaged;
and by the protection that is afforded to the growing minds and bodies of
their children”
(UNICEF Progress of Nations 1998)
Education for
Sustainability
8

9. International Schools Association *UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“Language is the
road map of a
culture. It tells
you where its
people come from
and where they
are going”
Rita Mae Brown
ISA members during the summer of 1994, and Jacqueline McLellan
of Calgary, Canada, discussed the possibility of creating a new set of
oral English examinations. These examinations would emphasize
expressive and fluent communication in English and not simply
the acquisition of grammar and vocabulary.
The exams were used for the first time in Argentina in October
1994 and in Uruguay in 2004. The first examiners were Jacqueline
McLellan and Ruth Toner Murdoch. Grant Paterson joined the
Examining Board in 2002 and helped further to develop and to
refine the syllabus.
Philosophy
Theseexaminationsaregearedtodevelopingoralcommunicationin
English. Through the narration of literature, through relating their
own experiences, through learning how to organize more formal
presentations, as well as learning ease of impromptu speaking,
candidates will gain many valuable skills. Candidates will build
self-confidence and learn fluency, effective delivery techniques,
and artistic expression of ideas. Personality, confidence, correct
pronunciation, and vocal technique will be strengthened through
this experience.
ISA provides an examination syllabus and a consultant that guides
schools in the correct use of the ISO exam.
ISA Oral
English Exam
9

10. International Schools Association*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“Facebook was
not originally
created to be
a company. It
was built to
accomplish a
social mission to
make the world
more open and
connected”
Mark Zuckerberg
ISA believes strongly in today’s technologies. Its website,
newsletters and social networks are an important part of its
association. The ability to communicate to all their members
and to learn about all their achievements in real time makes ISA
an even stronger network. ISA has over 50 school members on
four continents and the possibility to interact with one another
is cultivating and enriching. The rapid evolution of technology
is a motivation for ISA because it has a positive impact on the
expansion of its international network and broadening the
importance of international understanding.
ISA Social
Networks &
Technology
10

11. International Schools Association *UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“The good about
learning is that
no one can take it
away from you”
B.B.King
ISA and its school members share the same values and have the
same dedication towards international education.
Every year ISA celebrates a Youth Leadership Encounter where
students and teachers from their member schools participate in
educational and cultural events. ISA has been the pioneer an a
principal advocate of these encounters. All member schools that have
participated share rewarding memories. These encounters lead to
the creation of knowledge, tolerance, understanding, and last but not
least, long-lasting friendships among all participants. The possibility
to unite students from different countries and cultures is a positive
and enriching experience that students and educators cherish forever.
Each year a different school member sponsors the event.
ISA also celebrates during these encounters its Annual Conference
which is aimed at educators and students. The conference is always
focused on International Education and how it is affected by
different global matters that encompass a wide range of topics. The
goal of the conference is so that everyone has a better international
understanding of life. The Conference is lead by ISA and guest
speakers each one an expert in its field.
ISA Youth Leadership Encounters have taken place in many
countries here are just a few examples of them.
ISA Youth
Leadership
Encounter
& Annual
Conference
India International School
“Global Issues”
SEK Costa Rica
“Earth Focus”
Cempaka School Malaysia
“Youth Encounter
Expedition”
11

12. International Schools Association*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“The United
Nations, whose
membership
comprises almost
all the states in the
world, is founded
on the principle of
the equal worth
of every human
being.”
Kofi Annan
ISA accepts, adheres to and wishes to promote the principles and
values expressed in the United Nations Declaration of Human
Rights adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution
217 A(111) of the 10th of December 1948. For this reason, the
Association developed the Self-Study Guide to help schools define
their understanding of the term “international” in education.
ISA expects that each school which undertakes this Self-Study
Guide will in the same spirit accept these principles and values
and that they will form the underlying basis of its definition of
internationalism.
The Guide offers no preconceived definitions or interpretations of
internationalism or international-mindedness. One fundamental
aspect of the Guide is that it allows a school to speak to and for
itself. Each school may assume genuine ownership of the Guide, of
how it is put into practice and of how to respond to its outcomes.
All schools that would like to become members must apply by
filling out and application that can be found on our website:
www.isaschools.org.
After the application has been studied a ISA representative will
get in contact with the school and review the school’s application.
The Association will act as a consultant and advise the potential
member throughout the selection process.
ISA
Self-Study
Guide
12

13. International Schools Association *UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“Commitment is
what transforms
a promise into
reality”
Abraham Lincoln
The ISA Board is made up of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary,
Treasurer and 9 other Members. The mission of the ISA Board is to
successfully lead the growth and continuance of the association by
respecting its By-Laws and Statutes.
The Board Members are a group of dedicated individuals that
work as one so that all members of ISA receive the best service.
Every year a Board Meeting is celebrated so that all members can
assist and discuss the matters and concerns of the association. ISA
members are not only institutions but they are the students and
teachers that make it possible for these schools to succeed.
The ISA Board is committed to encourage members and potential
members in ISA’s mission for world peace and international
understanding through international education.
ISA Honorary Members
Ms. Ruth Bonner Dr. Esther Lucas
Mr. John Goodban Mr. Gerard Renaud
Organization,
ISA Board
Structure
& Honorary
Members
13

14. International Schools Association*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
“The mind is like
a parachute it
works best when
it is open”
14th
Dalai Lama
ISA’s International Humanism Award is a philosophy, a state of
being, a way of living which consists in a set of universal human
values that only active dialogue and shared experience can
uncover.
This philosophy has to do with respect for diversity, that is to say,
respect for other ethnic groups, other cultures and languages. It
has to do with tolerance and openness to others.
The acceptance of others, whose national culture is different from
one’s own, is acquired through International Understanding. This
leads one to be open to compromise, to fight against prejudice,
racism, isolationism, etc…
International Humanism aims at bringing together different
cultures by respecting what makes them different and accentuating
what they have in common, their universal human values.
International Humanism leads to peace and harmony
(written by L.E. Timmermans Ex-Board Member of ISA)
A list of International Humanism Awards recipients can be found on the
website www.isaschools.org/awards
ISA
International
Humanism
Award
14

15. International Schools Association *UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
Main Office
18, Av Louis-Casaï
1209 Genèva
SWITZERLAND
info@isaschools.org
Luis Martinez-Zorzo
ISA Chairman
luis.martinezzorzo@gmail.com
Mariely Cuevas Zamora
Executive Assistant
mariely.cuevas@isaschools.org
US Office
Lisa Venegas
Executive Administrator
Boca Prep International School
10333 Diego Drive South
Boca Raton, FL 33428
USA
Phone: +1-561-883-3854
Fax: +1-561-483-2004
lisa.venegas@isaschools.org
© 2015 ISA All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
International Schools Association
www.isaschools.org

16. International Schools Association
*UNESCO CONSULTATIVE STATUS
www.isaschools.org