Ibiza's Multicultural Schools

Published 13 November 2006 Stephen White.

Tags: Ibiza News

63 nationalities from literally all corners of the globe

We all know that Ibiza's cosmopolitan night-life is famous all over the world. People of many nationalities and cultures visit the island to sample its unique mix of music, bars, and of course, clubs. But did you know that Ibiza's education system is also a similar melting pot of colour, creed and nationality?

There are currently around 17,000 pupils in the island's schools and almost one fifth of them are foreigners! No less than 63 nationalities from literally all corners of the globe are represented in the system but with the vast majority of foreigners coming from Morocco and Ecuador. And not only are there lots of foreigners but their numbers are increasing. This year there are 12% more than last year!

The statistics differ throughout the municipalities of the island – San Juan has the highest concentration of immigrants in its schools where one in every four students is foreign, and San Jose has the lowest proportion at 15%.

The pupils we feel most sorry for are those from Andorra, Bosnia, Croatia, Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, Malta, Norway, New Zealand and Puerto Rico where there is only one of each nationality. Who are they going to talk to at playtime?

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