Bringing the World to ISZL: International Day and Refugee BBQ 2025

Every spring, our Zug campus comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of the world, where you’re just as likely to hear Korean pop music as you are the sound of Alphorns or Bollywood beats.

Welcome to International Day at ISZL — a day that’s become one of the most loved and well-attended events of the year, bringing more than 1,700 attendees from across our community to celebrate the cultures and traditions that make us so unique.

A Global Feast

Organised by our Parents’ Association, International Day is an all-day celebration of the nearly 60 nationalities that make up our community. It’s a chance for families to proudly share their culture and traditions (and, their best recipes).

A true feast for the senses, country stalls lined the campus, run by community members who cooked, decorated, and welcomed everyone with open arms. Whether you were in the mood for stroopwaffel, curry, crêpes, fairy bread, or bubble tea — there was something delicious around every corner.

Throughout the day, our talented community took the stage with live performances, from a Party in the USA to dance ensembles and singalongs. It was a wonderful reminder of the creativity and confidence we see at ISZL — showcasing talent and pride in equal measure.

Younger children spent the day happily bouncing, climbing, and sliding their way through the inflatable play area, giving parents a chance to enjoy the food stalls and connect with one another.

Extending the Spirit of Giving: Refugee BBQ and Family Fun Day

The very next day, the equipment, inflatables, and infrastructure stayed up — but the purpose was different.

Thanks to thoughtful planning and the generous support of our vendors and volunteers, we were able to reuse much of the International Day set-up to host our annual Refugee BBQ and Family Fun Day. In partnership with Canton Zug, ISZL welcomed over 550 refugees living in the canton for an afternoon of games, food, music, and connection.

It’s a small gesture, but a meaningful one. What began as a simple idea has grown into a tradition that reflects ISZL’s values: community, compassion, and global citizenship in action.

With the help of generous vendors, dedicated volunteers, and families who donated time or simply kindness, the event offered a warm space for families who are rebuilding their lives in Switzerland.

Thank You, ISZL!

To everyone who cooked, hosted, sang, danced, set up tents, flipped burgers, greeted guests, or simply showed up with a smile: thank you. These events remind us that our school goes beyond being a classroom.

Thank you to Irene Haaima for generously donating her time and skills to photograph these events.