The International School Rheintal (ISR) has served the educational needs of the international community in Liechtenstein and the St. Gallen and Vorarlberg regions of Switzerland since 2002. This small pre-K–12 school delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. Located in the small Swiss town of Buchs, near both Liechtenstein and Austria, ISR is surrounded by mountains and is near the Rhine River. Zurich is about 75 minutes away by car and 90 minutes by train, and the town has good train connections. German is the official language of the region.
The ISR campus, which comprises a main four-story building with three additional buildings, includes fully-equipped science laboratories, a computer lab, a library, and art rooms. Outside, students can play on the sports field and playground equipment.
Fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the St. Gallen Education Department, ISR currently enrolls 126 students of 30 nationalities. The language of instruction is English, but extra language support is provided if required. German is taught throughout the school as a first language for native and advanced speakers of German and as a foreign language. The school provides specialist teachers for children with special education needs, and if a child needs additional support beyond what the school can offer, ISR will work with the parents to find appropriate support.
The teaching staff of 25 includes eight from the U.K., four from North America, and three from Switzerland. Because of the small size of the school, teachers often teach more than one subject and/or teach across programs, and they all offer after-school activities and participate in and contribute to school events throughout the year.
Many extra-curricular activities are available to enhance student life. Sessions run for approximately eight weeks, with activities varying throughout the year, depending on student interest and the availability of instructors. Activities that have been offered include cooking, band, gardening, computer activities, chess, arts, Model United Nations, International Award, dance, and photography. Additionally, students have opportunities to perform music and drama and to display their individual work in the school. Students also enjoy local and extended field trips.
IS Rheintal prefers to hire experienced, certified singles and couples with a non-teaching partner. They will consider teaching couples and candidates certified in non-English speaking countries. However, teachers must hold an EU passport—because it is difficult otherwise to obtain work authorization—as well as an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Those up to the age of 64 may obtain a work visa.
The benefits package includes a moving allowance and airfare at the start of employment. Full tuition is covered for all teachers’ children, and a retirement plan, to which the school contributes 6.5%, is offered. The school makes professional development for the IB a priority. This package is a chance for some savings.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
