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Walking through the gates of BEPS International School, it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer presence of nature. Just a short stroll from the Bois de la Cambre, one of Brussels’ most beautiful green spaces, the campus feels more like an extension of the forest than a typical school. And as I watch a group of children heading into the woods, their excitement bubbling over, it’s clear this is no ordinary field trip—this is their classroom.

Today, the students are exploring the ecosystem of the Bois de la Cambre. Equipped with magnifying glasses and notebooks, they’re crouched by trees, inspecting the intricate patterns on bark and tracing the path of ants as they march along roots. One teacher explains how fallen leaves decompose and enrich the soil, turning a simple forest floor into a real-time science lab. Another group, further down the path, is sketching landscapes for an art project.

It’s not just about being outdoors, though. BEPS uses its location and philosophy to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in its students. This commitment is woven into every aspect of school life. Inside the classrooms, lessons on sustainability translate to tangible actions. Students compost food scraps, participate in waste-reduction challenges, and build creative projects like bug hotels to support biodiversity. One student proudly tells me about the bird feeders they constructed last semester, smiling as they recall the robins and sparrows that soon visited their handiwork.

The school itself walks the talk. Energy-efficient systems reduce consumption across campus, and meals are carefully curated with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Even the youngest students understand that these choices matter. “It’s like helping the Earth breathe better,” one child explains, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world—which, here, it is.

As I wrap up my visit, the students return from the woods, chattering about their discoveries—a strangely shaped acorn, a particularly fast beetle, a bird they heard but didn’t see. Their joy is contagious. It’s clear these children aren’t just learning about nature; they’re developing a relationship with it.

If I’m honest, it’s hard not to feel a little wistful. Imagine growing up in a place where curiosity is encouraged, where your classroom stretches beyond four walls, and where you’re taught from an early age that the world is worth taking care of. At BEPS, that’s not a dream—it’s everyday life.