The American International School - Salzburg > Articles by: Will Nahmens

With Austria as one of the world leaders in the fight to rid of the Coronavirus, AIS-Salzburg is in a great position to open it’s doors sooner than most boarding schools around the globe. The video footage below we took yesterday, April 16th, is of Salzburg residents enjoying the sun after the government eased restrictions. 

“We are very optimistic that our summer school will begin in July and that the 2020-2021 school year will commence in September.  There will likely continue to be some restrictions remaining in place, however, we are planning on adjusting our programs in light of these,” said Headmaster McLean from his office on Thursday.  

“We are very optimistic that our summer school will begin in July and that the 2020-2021 school year will commence in September.“

Headmaster McLean

AIS-Salzburg acted very early, sending our boarders home as early as March 10th for an early Spring Break.  This provided a much-needed period for our teachers and administrators to prepare effectively for the start of online coursework on the 31st.

“Thankfully, the Austrian government also initiated restrictions and cautionary measures very early as well.  This is now beginning to bear fruit and we are very thankful that our students are safe and sound at home and that they are able to continue their learning online.  The numbers tell a positive tale:  the quick reaction of the government and the cooperation of the citizens has resulted in a significant decline in the number of daily coronavirus cases after a peak in late March that did not threaten the ability to provide full health care for those infected,” added McLean.

“..the quick reaction of the government and the cooperation of the citizens has resulted in a significant decline in the number of daily coronavirus cases..”

Headmaster McLean

In fact, Austria acted so quickly and swiftly, that after only one month of lockdown, the number of daily coronavirus cases dropped below 100 on April 13th for the first time since March 11th. These results have Austria being praised around the globe for it’s quick and efficient action. 

Source: Google.com

“Provided the population here doesn’t get too impatient and the necessary social distancing and personal protection measures remain in effect, I think we can realistically begin planning for the summer and fall—provided we prudently and thoroughly consider any and all health implications given most-likely scenarios,” replied McLean when asked about the likelihood of doors opening on schedule.  

With the early spring break imposed by AIS-Salzburg, this provided a two-week window for administration and teachers to prepare for online classes. 

“One of the best decisions we made was to host all of our classes on the same platform.  This made the transition to online instruction much more manageable for our students, parents and the teachers themselves,” said McLean when asked about the of the school’s quick implementation virtual learning program.   “Being a small school with a very experienced teaching faculty, we were able to cooperatively set up the program and work out solutions to both potential and actual problems or frustrations.  The experience gained from this online instructional period will serve our staff and students in the future as well.”  

“One of the best decisions we made was to host all of our classes on the same platform.  This made the transition to online instruction much more manageable for our students, parents and the teachers themselves.”

Headmaster Mclean

After three weeks of virtual teaching, feedback from teachers of AIS-Salzburg is that they now have significant amounts of instructional material that can be used in the future to supplement instruction, out-of-class assignments and homework, as well as support students who experience extended absentee periods or require tutorial assistance. 

Of course, we would rather be ‘live’ and interacting directly with our students—nothing can replace this aspect of a solid preparatory education—but until that time, we are witnessing very positive, ongoing results. Probably the best decision we made was to host all of our classes on the same platform. This has made the transition to online learning easier for students, parents and teachers,” said McLean when asked about the of the school’s quick implementation virtual learning program.

The video below presents a few of the highlights from week 2 and 3 of AIS-Salzburg virtual learning via Google Classroom.

All of our teachers use the Google Classroom® platform so that students (and parents) have the advantage of familiarizing themselves with a single program for all courses in their academic schedules.  There will, of course, be some road bumps and frustrations along the way, but by working together and providing immediate feedback to questions, we can adapt well to this unusual situation and move forward full throttle!

What year or years did you attend AIS-Salzburg at what grade levels? 

I first attended AIS-Salzburg as a freshman in 9th grade in 2009 and graduated in 2013.

What is your fondest memory of attending AIS-Salzburg?

I like thinking back to school times, in terms of making international friendships all over the world. Classes with teachers who indeed live their profession and are successful in passing on their joy to their students. Finding out my ambitions for sports like volleyball, climbing and running.

Have you remained in contact with any former AIS-Salzburg classmates?

The first 2 1/2 years, yes, but keeping in touch is quite difficult, even when you are in the same city. However, we are equipped with Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms where we can socialize with each other.

What have you done academically since graduating from AIS-Salzburg? 

I studied Hotel Management in Klessheim, Salzburg. After receiving my diploma in 2015, I decided to take the business license at the WIFI in Salzburg.

How well were you prepared for university?

I was perfectly prepared for college.

What aspects of your education at AIS-Salzburg best assisted you in further academics and/or professionally?

I believe that practice inside-/and outside of class with friends really helped me to improve my level for languages in general. With that progress I felt quite confident in my studies at Klessheim. Since I get to travel a bit for work, I am able to use my knowledge for languages in Italy and France as well.

Are there any personal accomplishments since graduating that you want to share?

I have hobbies like photography, which I can contribute to my work life, that I count as an accomplishment.

Are there particular AIS-Salzburg moments or memories that have stayed with you over the years?

Volleyball tournaments, getting to know my friends for the first time and excursions.

Do you have any advice for students at AIS-Salzburg or applicants to the school?

Use your time for preparation efficiently, have fun with friends and do not stress about growing up, reaching adulthood will come by itself soon enough.

Adam Lichty started working at AIS-Salzburg in 2015, and has made a major impact ever since. His love for mathematics combined with his passion for teaching inspires students to reach more of their potential in mathematics;  often to a surprising level. His love for his job is not only evident in the excitement that comes through when one watches his instructional math videos, it is also evident in the success rate of our calculus students on the AP® Calculus Examination since he joined the school. This success is highlighted by a 100% AP® Calculus Exam passing rate in 2018 compared to the worldwide average passing rate of 58% .

The video below helps to illustrate his love for his profession and subject and the positive effect it has on his students.

Inside Mr. Lichty’s classroom

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZnWjuCOKx4dUbauCbjS0Lk51BHiNVl0A

Given our historical and educational orientation, it should not be surprising that our students participate in a program that will provide excellent preparation for entrance to universities and colleges in North America and around the world. As shown in this video, our small class sizes help to facilitate our rigorous college-preparatory program.

University acceptances 2013-2019

U.S. Universities and Colleges:

Canadian Universities and Colleges:

U.K. Universities and Colleges:

Dutch Universities and Colleges:

Other Universities and Colleges: