A cultural institution that gives students an access all areas pass to the world, the United Nations International Schools (UNIS) gives students a trip around the globe in just a stroll down the school hallway.

“We’ve got over 60 countries represented among the staff and that diversity of cultures from within the teaching staff brings about perspectives that can only really be achieved here,” Executive Director Stewart Walker told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

“Even at other international schools around the world, you don”t find that diversity among the staff and that’s a critical piece for us to maintain.”

Nestled between the East River and Franklin D. Roosevelt highway in Manhattan, central New York City, UNIS stands at the eastern edge of midtown where it overlooks the rest of the city. As a symbol for both international heritage and cultural diversity, it’s a crossroads for children and families across the globe that are looking for a unique, international educational experience.

“We’ve got these kids around the world who interact with each other and therefore get an international understanding that is based upon personal friendships and personal relationships, which is the strength from it,” Walker said.