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Alles über das Leben und Lernen am Internat
Im Internat zur Schule gehen – was heißt das eigentlich? Was sind die Unterschiede zu anderen Schulen, wie kommt man an ein Internat, für wen sind sie überhaupt geeignet und wie ist das Leben dort? Über Internate gibt es ziemlich viele unterschiedliche Vorstellungen, doch nicht alle sind wirklich zutreffend. In diesem Blogpost geht es um die Vorteile von Internaten und die Kosten eines Internats, um die Besonderheiten und Voraussetzungen und darum, wie der Besuch eines Internats für den weiteren Lebensweg eine entscheidende Weichenstellung sein kann.
All about life and learning at a boarding school
What does it actually mean to attend a boarding school? How does it differ from other schools, who is it suitable for, and what is daily life like? There are plenty of ideas and assumptions about boarding schools, and not all of them are accurate. This article explores the advantages of boarding, the costs involved, the admissions requirements, and above all how such a school experience can be a turning point in a young person’s life.
The basics of boarding schools
A boarding school is, at its core, a school. But it is also much more than that. Alongside classrooms, there are houses and dormitories where pupils live like a family during term time. That combination – school plus home – shapes everything. These institutions combine academic education with a structured warm and welcoming residential environment.
Because students live on campus, boarding schools usually offer much more than ordinary schools. From sports and music to drama and outdoor education, they provide a wealth of extracurricular opportunities and activities. Yet academically they follow the same curriculum, qualifications, and government regulations as other schools. Most boarding schools are privately run, but they meet (and normally exceed by some margin) the same educational standards as state schools in their respective countries.
Boarding schools around the world
Germany
Boarding schools in Germany are found across the country. Some are state-run, others are independent. Many have long traditions and pride themselves on personalised teaching and care. Some rank among the top schools in the nation.
Switzerland
Swiss boarding schools enjoy an international reputation for excellence. Many students come from overseas because parents value Switzerland’s stability, safety, and academic quality.
United Kingdom
Britain has perhaps the greatest density of boarding schools in the world, many with centuries of history. From the historic schools of England to Scotland’s famed colleges, they combine tradition with modern facilities and offer an unrivalled breadth of extracurricular choice.
United States
In the USA, distances and mobility have made boarding schools an established part of the educational landscape. American boarding schools often resemble mini-universities, with impressive facilities and a strong focus on preparing students for college life. Talent development, whether in sports, science, or the arts, is central to their ethos.
Studying abroad
Spending time abroad broadens horizons like few other experiences can. A year at a boarding school overseas offers both an excellent education and unforgettable cultural experiences. Many schools welcome international pupils enthusiastically, enriching their communities with fresh perspectives.
Admissions procedures vary from country to country, but Akademis consultants can guide families through the requirements and help prepare students for interviews and entrance exams.
Recognised qualifications at boarding schools
Boarding schools award the same qualifications as local day schools: the Abitur in Germany, the Matura in Switzerland, A-Levels in the UK, or the High School Diploma in the USA. Many also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), recognised by universities worldwide. Boarding is not only for a full course of study – shorter stays of a semester or a year are also popular.
The best conditions for learning
Academically, boarding schools have significant advantages: small classes, dedicated teachers, and personalised attention. Teachers often live on campus, fostering strong relationships with students and offering additional support. Facilities are usually excellent, with modern science labs, music centres, theatres, and sports complexes. Career counselling is often built in, helping students set a path towards the world’s best universities.
Why a boarding school is more than just school
Boarding is about community. Students live and learn together, sharing not just lessons but hobbies, sports, and experiences. Afternoon and weekend activities are integral to school life – from drama and music to clubs, expeditions, and sports.
For those with particular passions, specialist programmes exist: sports academies, elite choirs, or partnerships with drama schools. Boarding schools often nurture future leaders, musicians, scientists, or athletes by giving them opportunities to grow in their chosen fields.ße Zahl an Internaten, die bestimmte Talente ganz gezielt fördern, seien es nun akademische oder anders geartete Interessen.
What does a boarding school cost?
Tuition fees vary widely – from around €30,000 to over €90,000 per year – depending on location, facilities, and extras included. While this is a significant investment, many schools offer scholarships or financial aid for talented students.
Every student is different
Boarding schools are diverse: single-sex or co-educational, academic or artistic, religious or secular. Some specialise in supporting students with learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD, while others focus on gifted education. Whatever the focus, the hallmark of boarding schools is individualised attention and an environment that fosters confidence and motivation.
Boarding schools: a conclusion
Boarding schools offer much more than academics. They provide an all-round education, combining academic excellence, extracurricular enrichment, and personal growth. For many young people, the experience sparks new motivation and creates lifelong memories.
Boarding School FAQ
What makes a boarding school special?
Students live and learn in the same environment, surrounded by friends and teachers who become part of a close-knit community.
Are boarding schools good schools?
Many of the world’s most respected schools are boarding schools. Small classes, dedicated teachers, and excellent facilities mean outstanding outcomes for pupils.
How can I attend a boarding school abroad?
Schools in the UK, USA, Switzerland, and beyond welcome international students. Short-term and long-term options are available, and qualifications are often recognised worldwide.
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How can we help you?
Julia Wilmes
Managing Director
Supporting families through these important steps in their children’s educational journey has become my heartfelt mission since founding Akademis. That is why it is especially important to me that we dedicate ourselves to every student seeking a boarding school with empathy and personal care.
