Which academic programs does HIF offer? What is the difference between IB and Swiss Matura syllabus?
HIF is an international boarding school with a strong local identity. It is attended by students from the local region and by boarding students from Switzerland and around the world. Our student community is therefore truly diverse. At HIF you will find international education in its purest form, where the local meets the global and both learn from each other, take part in each other’s lives and are enriched by the experience.
Our school offers a challenging Swiss Matura programme as well as an international IGCSE and IB programme. Both paths will lead to excellent universities all over the world. The Swiss Matura will give you direct access to the outstanding Swiss Technical Universities in Zurich and in Lausanne, both ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide, as well as to all other renowned Swiss universities and hospitality management schools.
What is the difference between IB and Swiss Matura syllabus?
This is not an easy question to answer.
At first sight, the differences are obvious: The IB Diploma requires students to take 6 subjects, of which 3 at higher level with English and possibly an additional language at B or ab initio level. In the Swiss Matura, students take 9 subjects to examination level with two higher level subjects. In addition, at least three languages will be tested in the final exams: German at C2 level, English at C2 level and French at C1 level.
The IB Diploma programme is more concept based, the Swiss Matura programme still has a stronger focus on content. Students who like to explore interdisciplinary links between subjects and develop their own projects will thrive, students who prefer to focus on in-depth knowledge acquisition will find the Matura to be their ideal learning environment.
In general, the IB diploma is more widely recognized than the Swiss Matura because it is awarded annually to a large number of students. Exams and student marks are normed, so a mark of 30 at one school is the same as 30 at a school on the other side of the world. Most universities know about the IB diploma and publish their IB recognition policies.
The Swiss Maturité does not have the same level of international recognition as the IB because a much smaller number of students apply to universities outside of Switzerland. After all, Switzerland has its own excellent, highly ranked universities with very low fees. Many foreign universities are not familiar with the Matura and frequently require extremely high marks from students applying with a Matura.
If your child wants to attend university in Switzerland, it is easier with a Swiss Matura because Matura students are automatically admitted to any Swiss university as it is a highly selective programme and only 20% of the Swiss student population will pass a Matura. Swiss universities require the full IB diploma, specific IB courses at higher level, German at C1 level, marks that are well above average, and sometimes an entrance exam.
When US colleges and universities know the Swiss Matura well, they seem to be big fans. An admissions officer from Harvard recently stated that, in the past few years, Harvard has admitted more students from Switzerland with the Matura than with an IB diploma.
What academic careers do the Hochalpines Institut Ftan graduates pursue (which universities do they tend to enter)?
HIF has a strong track record in the Swiss Matura programme, 98% pass rate with a majority of our students continuing to renowned Swiss universities like ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of St. Gallen (HSG), EPF Lausanne, University of Geneva or Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). Some of our students have chosen universities abroad, in Germany, the US and Great Britain, but the vast majority take up their higher studies in Switzerland
Our alumni are lawyers, engineers, musicians, professional athletes, diplomats, teachers, physiotherapists, writers, university professors and many more, all very successful and established in their professional lives.
HIF is famous for its unique combination „sports & academics“. Could you tell us more about it?
Sport is a core element in our philosophy of learning. It promotes health and well-being but also resilience, self-discipline and team spirit – vital qualities for successful adults and future leaders. However, academics always come first. Whether you are aspiring to become a competitive athlete or simply enjoy leisurely skiing the slopes of the nearby skiing area, you can combine your love of sport and the outdoor life with a challenging formal education.
At HIF our job is to be responsive to the needs and development of each student, regardless of his or her performance level. If you are a talented athlete with strong ambitions, our team of expert coaches together with the boarding house team, teachers and the individual tutors will provide the individual support and mentoring to help you coordinate your training and competitive schedules with the demands of the school. If you are a young person with a strong but less competitive interest in sport, our coaches will help you develop your skills and personal abilities as well as your physical strength to build positive body awareness and a strong physique.
Whom would you recommend choosing HIF?
HIF is a small school with currently 70 students, of which 30 in boarding, 40 from the region. Our school fosters a student-centred, family-style school culture and caring relationship between educators and learners. We strongly feel that the bedrock for successful learning and the ability to lead a happy, fulfilling life is for young people to feel valued, appreciated and secure. This is the learning and living environment that we create for our students.
An education at our school helps students to discover their talents, develop their potential and pursue their dreams within a motivating, supportive school community. Our students believe in themselves and their ability to succeed with hard work, self-responsibility and lifelong learning. Also, we promote open-mindedness, critical thinking and teamwork.
Also, the school’s alpine location and the beauty of its surroundings inspire students to lead healthy, active and outdoor lives. They develop a sense of connectedness with the amazing natural environment of the Lower Engadin. If students are keen on sports, they could not find a better environment than HIF and the Engadin.
Which special offers and activities are available? If I'm interested in a stay at HIF Swiss International School- what options do I have to get to know the school?
From January to end of March, we are offering a Winter Get-to-know HIF opportunity, where students come to the school for between one and two , visit classes on three mornings and take skiing lessons the rest of the time. They stay in the boarding houses and mix and mingle with our students in the evenings. Parents can choose to accompany their children and book a stay at one of the lovely hotels in nearby Scuol. They will be invited for an information session to the school and two evening activities with their children.
HIF also offers a two-week International Summer Adventure Camp in July, which is the ideal way to get to know boarding house life. Students study German or English in the morning and have an amazing activities programme in the afternoon.
How is the school copying with the current situation and which measures have been taken to decrease COVID risks?
Our school put together a general HIF COVID-19 Protection Concept in line with the rules and recommendations of our Swiss Authorities that cover all areas of teaching and learning at our school. Our School Management is in constant contact with the respective Authorities and is ensuring that all requirements are being adhered to in accordance with official rules and regulations. Currently we are still holding our lessons in-house, but are ready to switch to online teaching should need arise.
Masks are compulsory everywhere at school, strict rules with regard to hygiene, keeping the distance and ensuring a safe living and learning environment have been established for day and boarding students. We have students tested upon the first symptoms and have the possibility to put boarding students in isolation or quarantine, if necessary. We are constantly communicating and also checking with all members of our school community to ensure that everyone is well informed and up to date with all relevant information.