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Taught languages German, English, Spanish, French, Latin
Typical class size 4
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School
Introduction
Salem International College at the Härlen Campus in Überlingen offers students in Grades 11 and 12 the choice between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in English and the German Abitur. Situated directly on the shores of Lake Constance, the campus features a central community building housing a theatre workshop, library, and café, alongside an artificial turf hockey pitch (Source: schule-schloss-salem.de).
Rooted in Kurt Hahn’s educational principles, the school emphasizes practical responsibility. A distinctive requirement for all students is active participation in essential campus services, such as the fully operational student-run Fire Brigade, the First Aid team, or nautical services. Outdoor education remains another signature program; students engage in continuous outdoor excursions, building upon foundational experiences like the nine-day Outward Bound wilderness expedition in Norway. Boarders live in residential wings of approximately 18 students, ensuring structured, individual daily support.
2. The admissions process includes a personal interview with the applicant and a campus visit for the parent and child, including a tour of the castle grounds, classrooms and dormitory buildings; an alternative is a digital meeting and virtual tour.
3. Complete a placement test. Prerequisites for admission: for Abitur at Salem, German language proficiency (written and spoken) is required to participate in Gymnasium-level instruction. For students enrolling in international classes and the IB Diploma Programme, fluency in English (written and spoken) is required, and an assessment test across subjects is used. Admission is possible at the start of each school year for entry into grades 5–11; admission to grade 12 or mid‑year entry is not advisable but may be possible in individual cases. Online information events: 45‑minute online information sessions on various topics are available; register to attend.
Scholarships
Schule Schloss Salem has a scholarship programme to enable talented students to attend regardless of income. The scholarship fund is around 3.2 million euros and currently supports about 20 percent of students. The programme is funded mainly by the Kurt Hahn Foundation and the school; Wolfgang Dürr Foundation and Beck'sche Foundation Berlin also contribute, with additional support from private donors and the Dornier Foundation.
