What does it look like to grow up in the heart of Europe’s cultural capital? At AMADEUS International School Vienna, boarding students get the best of both worlds: a quiet, green campus and easy access to the centre of Vienna. This unique setting helps students grow into confident, culturally aware and globally-minded individuals. Supported by an international boarding team, AMADEUS Vienna provides a welcoming environment where every student can truly thrive. AMADEUS’ Boarding philosophy centres around the UNESCO Happy Schools that foster a balanced and supportive environment for all students. We are proud to be the only International school in Vienna with a Boarding House.
‘Happy School’ [is] a space that supports the learning, health, well-being and daily joy of the entire school community” (UNESCO, 2024).
Building Friendships, Responsibility, and Belonging
The AMADEUS boarding house serves as an important part of the school community, offering students a structured and supportive living environment. Located in a quiet, forested area, the boarding house provides access to fresh air and natural surroundings, which contribute to a calm atmosphere for study and rest. Students live in modern rooms equipped with private bathrooms, and the boarding team ensures that essential routines, such as laundry and cleaning, are managed consistently. A dedicated social floor gives students space to relax, interact with peers, and participate in informal activities such as foosball, helping them build positive relationships outside the classroom.
In addition to physical comfort, the boarding programme places strong emphasis on students’ emotional well‑being. For many, living away from home represents a significant change, and the boarding team works to create a stable, caring environment that supports this transition. Staff members pay attention to students’ individual needs and experiences, whether by acknowledging important personal events, offering guidance during challenging moments, or simply being available for conversation. Through this approach, the boarding house aims to provide students with a sense of continuity, belonging, and balanced support throughout their school journey.
The Boarding Schedule: Balancing Study and Community Life
To help students stay organised and maintain well-being, the Boarding House follows a clear daily routine. Students from Grade 5 to Grade 12 have a structured schedule that balances academic life with quality free time.
A typical school day begins at 8:00 AM with a fresh breakfast, followed by classes and a shared lunch break. Once lessons conclude, students participate in activities or head to a supervised study hall to stay ahead with schoolwork. This dedicated study time occurs four times a week, ensuring a quiet space to focus on academics. With the boarding team nearby to offer guidance whenever needed, students can feel confident and supported in their academic journey.
After dinner, the school day officially ends with "Community Time." This is a special part of the evening where students can put their books away, relax with their peers and share impressions about their day with their mentors. It is a time for building the lifelong friendships that boarding is famous for. To make sure everyone is well-rested and ready for the next day, the house settles down for bedtime at 22:00.
Exploring the City with Boarding Weekend Programme
Weekends provide the perfect opportunity for boarders to explore Vienna and bond with friends. Through the Boarding "Opportunities Programme," a wide range of trips offers a mix of culture, sports and adventure. Activities are carefully selected to match the seasons, ensuring every student experiences the very best of the region.
In the autumn and winter, the schedule might include a trip to Budapest, ice skating or visiting the world-famous Viennese Christmas markets. As the weather gets warmer, the focus shifts outdoors for river cruises on the Danube, paddleboarding and trips to local climbing parks or swimming pools. These weekend journeys allow students to discover the beauty of Central Europe while building lasting memories beyond the classroom.
Focusing on Health and Nutrition
We believe that balanced nutrition is a huge part of feeling happy and healthy. Boarding students are provided with five meals a day, prepared on-site by our talented AMADEUS chefs. The menu changes regularly and features a mix of fresh Austrian and international dishes. Our kitchens are also always stocked with healthy snacks like fresh fruit, yogurt and bread, which are available at any time. On the weekends, students who enjoy cooking even have the option to prepare food for themselves, turning mealtime into a fun social event.
Ultimately, boarding at AMADEUS is about more than just academics, it is about providing students with a safe, nurturing space to grow into independent adults. By balancing an organised study life with cultural exploration and a warm community spirit, we ensure that every student feels valued and supported.