News: Teach Abroad in a Swiss Alpine Setting - May 6, 2022
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Friday, May 6, 2022School Spotlights

Teach Abroad in a Swiss Alpine Setting

Founded in 1904, Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, Switzerland (LAZ) is one of the most traditional Swiss international boarding schools, yet it is dedicated to modern cosmopolitanism and developing skills for mastering future challenges. In a setting of outstanding natural beauty, LAZ offers a safe environment where students are not only inspired to discover and develop their own interests and creativity but also encouraged to actively engage in a school community based on trust, honesty, and empathy. The school provides a holistic education that fosters critical thinking, academic curiosity, leadership skills, a sense of responsibility and community service, respect and tolerance for other cultures, creativity, and global networking.

LAZ is set in spectacular alpine surroundings, 1750 metres above sea level, near the resort of St. Moritz in the Engadin Valley. Overlooking the village of Zuoz, the expansive campus includes its own sports fields within walking distance of the Zuoz ski area. The natural environment is notable for its health-promoting qualities: high altitude, low pollen, and a dry, sunny climate.

The school campus, which is located in the upper part of the village of Zuoz, covers 130,000 square meters and consists of 12 buildings. These include houses for the boarding school students, sports fields, two ice fields, tennis courts, a golf driving range, media library, theatre, art and music rooms, dining hall and student cafe, as well as the administrative offices, parking lots and outdoor areas. Zuoz itself has five ski lifts and a golf course.

LAZ is accredited by the Council of International Schools, the Swiss Group of International Schools, Swiss Learning; Kanton Graubünden; the Center for International Education; and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools. The teaching staff of 70 includes 40 educators from Switzerland.

LAZ is an authorized IB World School offering the following programmes: Swiss Matura, International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), or International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP). The Swiss Matura option offers a broad general education; the choice of subject specialization in various focus areas is also provided. The Swiss Matura allows exam-free admission to all Swiss universities and opens doors to renowned international universities. This international school currently enrolls 190 boarders and 110 local, day students in Grades 7-12. Students come from neighbouring regions and more than 45 nations!

In addition to the compulsory sports lessons and weekly games, LAZ offers extra-curricular soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, fives, cricket, and, during the winter, ice hockey in the evenings. At championships and tournaments, school teams successfully compete for ranks and medals, and on weekends, team sports activities along with skiing and snowboarding are part of the programme.

Students who enjoy theatre, music, or visual arts are given many opportunities to experiment outside of the school day—in theatre groups in the Zuoz Globe Theatre, in art projects, during workshops, and in choir, orchestra, band, and private instrumental lessons.

LAZ can hire certified teachers of diverse profiles, including newly-certified teachers, and candidates with non-teaching partners. They will also consider interns. Candidates must hold an academic degree as well as a teaching certification in the subject they will be teaching. There is no age limit to obtain a work visa; however, EU/EFTA nationalities will be given preference due to work permit restrictions.

The overseas teaching benefits package includes a moving allowance and a 50% contribution to the retirement plan. The school offers a limited number of staff accommodations at a reasonable market price for single, couple, or family occupancy. There is a small annual contribution towards tuition for all dependents. The competitive salary is the key to substantial savings or the chance for a family of four to live on the LAZ package.

To gain access to Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz AG’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of any vacancies, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.

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.


Did You Know…?

Senior Associate Gary MacPhie is based in Toronto, Canada where he started his teaching career, and then spent 26 years overseas as a teacher, principal and recruiter in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.