Learning English and German at AIS-Salzburg
May 5, 2025
Students at AIS-Salzburg who want to learn English or German at an expedited pace have plenty of opportunities and support within our program to do so. Facilitating their learning are small class sizes and additional options to learn outside of the core instructional hours.
Learning English
AIS-Salzburg requires that all students enroll in two instructional hours of English coursework daily at all grade levels. This allows expanded focus on the English curricular content by spreading it over two periods, as well as increasing the amount of both fiction and non-fiction reading experiences before graduation. Additionally, this allows a greater emphasis on all students’ English proficiency in grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics. This is considered necessary and beneficial given the high number of non-native English speakers enrolled at AIS-Salzburg. Native English speakers benefit from this program in terms of greater reading comprehension, the refining and polishing of composition skills, and by gaining a more comprehensive level of preparation for AP examinations and SATs.
For students who struggle with the level of English presented in the classrooms and the required, written material, the school administration can establish small group or one-on-one English tutorials with qualified, external instructors. This generally tends to affect the younger students in grades 7 and 8 and can add important and fundamental support for an accelerated level of comprehension and proficiency over a shorter period of time.
Photo: 9th-grade student, Volodymyr B., presents his argument in a mock trial in the fall of this school year.
Learning German
German language courses are mandatory for all students, regardless of their proficiency level, and are structured to accommodate a range of abilities. The program includes five levels for non-native speakers—German I through German V—and two levels of German Literature for native speakers and highly proficient non-native speakers. Placement is determined based upon individual ability observed by the instructors during the first two weeks of the school year and all levels are divided between those in grades 7 through 9 and those high school students in grades 10 through 12. Successful completion of each level is required for promotion and graduation, ensuring that students develop the necessary language skills to engage effectively in both academic and social settings.
For students seeking additional support or enrichment in German, especially those who hope to gain entrance into the Austrian or German University systems, AIS-Salzburg offers a German language tutoring elective, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed in their language studies as well as meet entrance requirements and diploma equivalency demands.
Photo: A student receives additional German language instruction through our German Tutoring Elective.
Summer Language Program
In addition to the regular academic year, AIS-Salzburg offers a Summer Language Program designed to enhance students’ English and German language skills in an immersive environment. This program is open to students aged 12 to 18 and provides intensive English and German instruction across three to four levels, tailored to the proficiency of each student. The summer sessions also include a variety of cultural and recreational activities, such as excursions to local and regional destinations, providing students with a well-rounded experience that complements their language learning. We invite you to learn more about our summer language program by clicking on the button below.
Official Languages Offered
AIS-Salzburg also offers an introductory elective course in Italian language and culture as well as further instruction in the French language for those with a foundational level of knowledge. Within small groups with very experienced instructors, these course options are designed to either develop an understanding of basic grammatical structures, vocabulary, pronunciation and reading skills, or wish to further develop their language proficiency.