Learning Beyond the Classroom: Active Opportunities at Boarding School in Austria
February 2, 2026
At AIS-Salzburg, learning extends far beyond classroom walls. Set in the heart of Salzburg, Austria—one of Europe’s most picturesque and culturally rich cities—our students are surrounded each day by mountains, rivers, historic streets, and open spaces that invite exploration, movement, and discovery.
For students who attend AIS-Salzburg, the city itself becomes part of their education. A short bike ride or walk can lead to riverside paths along the Salzach, forest trails rising above the Old Town, or quiet parks ideal for a quiet afternoon away from the school with friends. In every season, students are encouraged to engage with their surroundings—whether hiking scenic viewpoints, participating in outdoor sports, or simply experiencing the rhythm of daily life in Austria.
Photo: Students and staff hike the Untersberg mountain, located at the south end of Salzburg at the German/Austrian border
Photo: Students bike towards the city center along the bike path located along the Salzach river
These experiences are not occasional extras. They are an essential part of how students grow at AIS-Salzburg. Through a thoughtfully designed activities program, students develop independence, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Shared experiences outside the classroom help students form friendships across grade levels and cultures, strengthening the close-knit international community that defines our school.
Salzburg offers a rare balance of nature and culture, and students benefit from both. One weekend may involve exploring the historic Old Town, visiting museums, or attending cultural events, while another might include hiking in the surrounding hills, swimming at nearby lakes, or enjoying seasonal outdoor activities. In winter, the nearby Alps open the door to snow sports and alpine experiences that many students encounter for the very first time.
Photo: Students pose for a photo after biking to the Waldbad for a day of swimming and sunshine. The Waldbad is a local man-made lake, reached by a scenic 30-minute bike ride from the school.
Photo: Students pose for a photo at the Werfenweng ski resort, a 40 minute drive from our campus and one of almost a dozen ski resorts located within a 70 km radius of the school
“Students have a minimum requirement they have to meet of three weekend activities, two of which have to be healthy activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and ice skating,” said Kevin Fox, weekend activity coordinator. “When the weather is nice, we try to utilize the local area and get out into the mountains. The third activity is an entertainment activity such as going to a movie, a no-bake, or doing some crafts and art.”
For international students in particular, these moments are powerful. Living and learning in a new country can feel daunting at first, but experiencing Austria together—guided by caring staff and supported by peers—helps students feel grounded and confident. Weekend outings become opportunities to practice language skills, navigate new environments, and build real-world independence in a safe and structured way.
“A lot of students will sign up for just the minimum, but there are a number of kids who will sign up for 6 or 7, activities because they like the activities we are doing and be with their friends” said Fox.
Dean of Students, Laura Fox, who oversees the entirety of the weekend program, has witnessed first-hand how important the variety of activities can be not just in the individual students’ experience, but the overall culture at the school:
“The activities are fun and with all different ages. It brings all of the students together.”
Photo: Backyard barbecue and making of s’mores is a popular on-campus evening activity
Photo: ‘Just Dance’, a rhythm-based video game where students follow on-screen dancers to real songs by mimicking their moves, is one of the most popular on-campus activities and brings students of all ages together
Activities are fun, but it is wellbeing that sits at the center of student life. Regular movement, time outdoors, and meaningful social connection are woven naturally into the school experience. Whether students are participating in wellness walks, team games in the park, creative outdoor challenges, or reflective nature outings, they are learning healthy habits that support balance, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
These experiences also encourage students to take ownership of their growth. Outside the classroom, students learn to manage time, prepare responsibly, support one another, and step into leadership in authentic settings. Confidence builds not only through academic success, but through shared challenges, small victories, and the joy of discovering what they are capable of.
During the summer months, this sense of adventure continues through AIS-Salzburg’s Summer Language Program. Students participate in a lively schedule of afternoon activities, evening events, and weekend excursions that blend language learning with cultural immersion. From city exploration to outdoor adventures and regional travel, summer at AIS-Salzburg is designed to be engaging, memorable, and deeply enriching.
Photo: Canyoning is an adventurous outdoor activity led by local experts offered to students that combines hiking, climbing, swimming, and sometimes rappelling down waterfalls as you navigate through canyons.
Photo: Rafting the Salzach River around the magestic Hohenwerfen castle is one of the most memorable activities within our Summer Language Program.
Throughout every activity, student safety and care remain the highest priority. All experiences are carefully planned and supervised by dedicated staff or hired experts, ensuring that students are supported while still being encouraged to explore, grow, and gain independence with confidence.
What makes AIS-Salzburg truly special is how seamlessly these opportunities fit into everyday life. Students don’t simply study abroad—they live it. They learn to navigate the world with curiosity, empathy, and confidence, shaped by experiences that are both joyful and meaningful.
For families seeking an international education that values academic excellence alongside personal growth, wellbeing, and real-world learning, AIS-Salzburg offers something rare: a school where students thrive not only in the classroom, but in the world around them.