The come from many different countries and speak different languages – Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Polish, and many others. Like in every school, fights here happen also; however, there is no finger-pointing at one another because of the skin color, unusual customs or accents.

The students of Manhattan International High School are representative of the multicultural character of New York City; they set an example as to how to live in harmony and tolerance.

At 317 E 67th Street, where the school is located, an annual event – Culture Day – recently took place. During this yearly celebration, a few hundred students have a chance to present their family traditions and culture. The major attraction is a rich artistic program and foreign dishes students serve their schoolmates.

Proud youth

The students from the Manhattan International speak 30 languages. The largest ethnic group is comprised of Dominican students, followed by Chinese. Polish students come in third. Currently, 22 students from Poland attend the school. Most of them commute from Greenpoint and Ridgewood. For the occasion of Culture Day, they prepared a dance and music program, performing a modern version of a Polish folk song, Zasiali Górale.

True fusion

“Most of us have been in the States for a year or two, but we all speak English fluently. We have assimilated very quickly,” said Justyna Kraszewska in her interview with Super Express.

Magda Stawowa, Justyna’s friend, adds that their school is a typical mix of different nationalities.

Katarzyna Markot and Ewelina Sierzputowska added, “Here everyone learns with interest about the customs and traditions of our friends. No one is laughed at or discriminated against.”

Nationality is not a problem

“This is a very special place. Despite the great diversity of nationalities and customs, the students get along great. The fact that they come from different countries is not a hindrance for anyone,” said Malgorzata Czajkowska, who works at the school as a teacher’s assistant.

There are also two Polish secretaries working at the school. One of them is Wioletta Metel, who has been working at the International High School for 10 years. She stresses the fact that working with such a diverse group of students gives her great satisfaction.

The same as others

Alan Krull has been the school principal since 2003. His father immigrated to the United States from Bialystok, Poland at the age of two.

“Despite the great diversity of their backgrounds, our students are just the same as in other schools. Children are simply children. However, in this high school, more so than in others, they learn tolerance. They learn from their friends traditions of, for example, Muslim countries,” Krull said, adding that no one among the school employees asks about immigration status. The school accepts students who live in New York and have been in the States for less than four years.