Our Mission and Values

Mission & Values

ISSOS is a values led company, and these values run through everything that we do. They shape every decision we make, from the campuses that we operate in to the staff that we hire and the environment that we create at our summer schools.

Two friends with their arms around each other wearing ISSOS t-shirts.

ISSOS was started with one clear mission in mind, to create a safe place for people to learn and grow.

ISSOS students sitting together and looking at a phone.

Our Mission and Values

Our mission is simple: to create a safe place for people to learn and grow. Guided by our core values of Safety, Community, Education, Quality, Service and Fun, we ensure these principles underpin everything we do. It was built around the simple and beautiful quote below, which encompasses everything that ISSOS stands for:

"One hundred years from now it will not matter the kind of car I drove, the size of house I lived in or how much money I had in the bank, but the world will be a little better because I was important in the life of a child"

Safety

Of all of our values, this is the one that comes above all others - and it doesn't just mean physical safety, it’s about emotional safety too. Because without feeling safe in every sense of the word people cannot learn and cannot grow.

Safety relates to everything we do, from the way we set up our classrooms to the people we choose to work with, the trips we choose, the campuses we run in.

Safety is also the number one reason behind choosing our campus locations. Parents trust us with their sons and daughters, but we also want to give our students a chance to explore their independence at ISSOS, and we feel fully confident that our campus locations allow them to do that safely.

“If people do not feel safe they will not learn and they cannot grow.” - Barbara Arb

ISSOS students smiling and holding ice creams outdoors.

Community

ISSOS brings together students from all over the world with the aim of breaking down cultural barriers to create a truly inclusive global community, our ISSOS Family, where no one is judged on the colour of their skin, their race, their religion, or anything else! By helping build friendships that cross countries and oceans we help to create a greater social understanding, building a more connected and accepting world.

Our community is also about the wider network of people we work with, and the campus towns we operate in. We pride ourselves on developing strong relationships and hope that everyone involved with ISSOS, from students and parents, to staff members and our university partners feels safe in the knowledge that we are a good, honest and fun company.

We’re also dedicated to continuing to build our community and have a strong sense of social responsibility. As a company, we believe in giving back and are committed to giving to charities both at home and in the countries that our students are from.

“We discover that all human beings are just like us, so we are able to relate to them more easily. That generates a spirit of friendship and develops meaningful relationships.” - Dalai Lama

ISSOS debate teacher leading a discussion in class with others raising hands.

Education

We strongly believe in a balanced education and in creating a balance in everything we do. It's why we created our programme structure around subjects and activities to educate and enrich both hearts and minds so that academics, electives, sports, the arts and hobbies all have equal importance.

Traditional education settings tend to focus a lot on academic excellence and students' creativity can get left behind. It's our job at ISSOS to help all of our students rediscover their natural creativity, which is why our programmes deliver education in innovative and creative ways, encouraging every student to believe in their own greatness.

To help us deliver our award-winning educational programmes, we only employ and work with people who are experts in their fields, who share our values and who believe in what we do.

“Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

ISSOS student presenting during a debate class.

Quality

Everything that we do, from the moment a student signs up to the moment they leave, is done to the highest standard possible. If we do something, we do it well - because we’re only ever as good as our last summer school programme so we have to get it right the first time, every time.

We follow strict protocols both at head office and at our summer campuses with manuals that detail all of our procedures so that the experience we deliver is always of the quality that people expect from us.

We also listen to our students and their parents to make sure we always deliver on every aspect of the programme, and can put any feedback into action to keep the quality of our programmes high, year after year.

“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” - Henry Ford

ISSOS students with luggage being welcomed by staff at St Andrews campus.

Service

ISSOS is built on providing a service to our students, their parents, our summer teams and everyone else associated with our company. We always aim to go beyond basic service, building meaningful relationships that last far beyond the summer.

We have people that genuinely care about what we do and who care about our students, and that shows in our high standards of service. We work hard to make sure that the teams we employ and the service we provide truly are second to none. Our service is what sets us apart from others and helps us to deliver and create the Experience of a Lifetime at ISSOS.

“ISSOS is not about ‘what is in it for me?’ ISSOS exists to deliver on,‘how can I help you?”

ISSOS students jumping and smiling in Central Park, New York with skyscrapers behind them.

Fun

Here at ISSOS we truly believe in work hard, play hard, because life should always be about creating balance in everything we do. Everyone involved in our programmes from the head office staff to our students and summer school teams should have fun when attending or working with ISSOS.

Every aspect of ISSOS, from head office to the summer school campuses is full of laughter, and by making sure that we think about the fun aspect of everything we do, it helps to make sure that every ISSOS summer really is The Experience of a Lifetime.

“Life is not a dress rehearsal, let’s enjoy it.”

Student and Parent Spotlight

Hear what our students and parents say about ISSOS

Lucy

St Andrews

“Our daughter attended St Andrews, and she couldn't have had a better experience. It's no exaggeration to say that she was happy from the moment she arrived until the moment she tearfully left! This was especially reassuring for us, as she was visiting all the way from Canada and felt quite anxious before going. As parents, we highly recommend this program."

Saif

Cambridge

“I attended Cambridge and St Andrews, my first time at ISSOS and any camp. It was life-changing—I met my best friend, gained independence, and discovered more about myself. By summer’s end, we’d already planned to meet again. Thank you to the ISSOS Family for an unforgettable experience!”

Finley

Yale

"I chose ISSOS because I was looking for a summer programme that combined academics with fun and creativity instead of just lessons. The variety of classes and activities at ISSOS, along with the chance to meet students from all over the world, really stood out to me."

Lowa

St Andrews

"Truly the experience of a lifetime! I went to St Andrews and had so much fun. The Leadership class and electives were really engaging, and the teachers and counselors were both professional and welcoming. Excursions and activities were incredible, and I met friends from all over the world who I hope will last a lifetime. Thank you ISSOS—I’ll never forget this summer!"

Maddy

Cambridge

“I had the time of my life at ISSOS. It boosted my confidence, helped me grow, and introduced me to amazing people who inspired me to be my best self. The classes were engaging, the diversity was incredible, and I loved the day trips and evening activities. The counselors were always supportive. Huge thank you to ISSOS—I’d do it all over again!

Academics

Our academic classes cater to the needs of international students, and help build valuable transferable skills. Classes run for 3 hours each weekday and taught by highly qualified teachers who are experienced, working professionals in their fields.

Learn more

A group of ISSOS students preparing to go out on the water fora sailing class.

Electives

Each student combines their academic class with one of our electives which meet for four afternoons each weekday. These classes let students discover exciting new hobbies or develop existing skills from our expert team of professional coaches and teachers.

Learn more

Large group of ISSOS students sitting on steps outside a historic building in New York.

Trips & Activities

All of our students take part in our varied and exciting evening activities, clan events and cultural trips to nearby cities. Every event has been designed for our students to have fun, explore, and get to know their fellow ISSOS students from around the world.

Learn more