Our School

A place to belong. 
St. Gilgen International School offers a world-class education in a stunning Alpine setting. In the lakeside town of St. Gilgen, tradition, safety, and outdoor adventure meet modern teaching and a vibrant international community – an ideal place for students to thrive.

Every child has a talent and
St. Gilgen International School will develop it.

Key facts about St. Gilgen International School

Welcome. Willkommen. Bienvenida. Over 35 nationalities make up our diverse and vibrant community.

Just fly by. Only 35 minutes from Salzburg Airport – StGIS is easily reachable from across Europe.

Every student matters. With a 5:1 staff-to-student ratio, we offer truly personalized support.

Find your tongue. Instruction is in English, with German, Spanish, French, and self-taught IB mother tongue options.

Explore your playground. St. Gilgen sits in a UNESCO World Heritage region – 50 peaks, 67 lakes, 300km of ski slopes.

Conquer the world. Our graduates attend top global universities, including Harvard and Oxford.

Hone your talents. Music, sports, theatre, art, and outdoor education – guided by professionals.

We’re in this together. Our scholarship programme supports talented, motivated students.

Dates & Numbers

Founded: 2008
Students: ~230
Day-to-Boarding ratio: ~ 60%/ 40%
Average class size: 12 – 15
Nationalities: ~30
Teaching staff: ~50
Student-to-Teacher ratio: 5:1
Average IBDP score: 31,6 Points (2024)
Students receiving a scholarship: 30%

Virtual Tour

Our Mission, Vision & Values

Equipped for tomorrow. We nurture individual talents in the right environment, preparing students with skills and knowledge for future success.

Empowered to be your best. With a supportive network and specialists in every field, students develop their strengths and reach their full potential.

Become a force for good. We foster global awareness, integrity, and respect – empowering students to positively impact the world.

A lifelong love of learning. We inspire curiosity and a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. Seize the opportunity of a lifetime. Gain an education that lasts a lifetime.

 

Seize the opportunity of a lifetime – an education that lasts a lifetime.

Sustainability at StGIS

We’re committed to making St. Gilgen International School climate-friendly and regenerative. We work with local schools and municipalities, alongside a wider green network (‘Green Minds’) to enable participatory, real-world collaboration.  We actively promote critical thinking and positive solutions and are proud holders of the Eco-schools Green Flag.

Visit our Sustainability Page to explore ongoing projects, past initiatives, and to register for the Climate Solutions Conference 2026.

Our sustainability team aims to:

  • Educate our community to establish an environmental mindset and focus on solutions
  • Promote circular use of resources
  • Raise awareness– whether in the classroom, during activities and trips, or in the boarding houses.
  • Reduce our carbon footprint– making StGIS greener and more energy-efficient.
  • Involve everyone- enabling all to reflect and contribute.

Our History

Founded in 2008 by Austrian architect Alexander Serda, St. Gilgen International School was envisioned as a vibrant, globally-minded community—where talented teachers and students thrive in a stunning natural setting. This vision continues to shape our diverse and dynamic academic culture. From the start, our mission has been clear:

To always be the best version of ourselves. This is what Path of Excellence means to us.

Our historic lakeside campus – once home to famed writer Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach – reflects three key values:

Scholarship & Creativity
Marie’s legacy inspires our commitment to intellectual depth and creative thinking.

Empowerment
Her story of resilience symbolizes our drive to shape students who lead with integrity.

Global Awareness
Legend says she planted trees from around the world—mirroring our international mindset.

Today, StGIS is proud to be recognized as Austria’s most exclusive school by leading national publications.

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Non-Profit School Operator

St. Gilgen International School is guided by a parent-established foundation committed to supporting the sustainable growth and development of our school community.

On May 17, 2016, ownership transitioned to the St. Gilgen International School Privatstiftung, in line with Austrian law. The school is operated by St. Gilgen International School GmbH, a non-profit limited company that reinvests all surplus into school development – ensuring no private ownership, only mission-driven stewardship.

The Foundation was established by nine founding members in 2016, with more added since. You can view the Foundation Charter here and a list of Founders and Donors here.

The Foundation

The Executive Board is led by Chair Gert Fahrnberger, Deputy Chair Christian Dreyer, and Tanja Scherb.

The Advisory Council includes Founders, Parent Association and Betriebsrat (staff council) reps, and members from the St. Gilgen municipality and Salzburg county. The full list is available here.

The Foundation provides strategic oversight—guiding governance, long-term planning, Head of School appointments, and financing. Day-to-day operations are managed by St. Gilgen International School GmbH. More details are outlined in the Board Policy Manual here.

Operations are funded through school fees and scholarships. We do not rely on public funding—preserving full independence in academics and staffing. Accreditation with national and international authorities is maintained (see full list here).

The Foundation welcomes new philanthropic members. A €100,000 endowment secures a lifelong seat on the Advisory Council.

Media Coverage

Puls4 documentary "Schulwahnsinn" (in German)

The documentary SCHULWAHNSINN! explores differences between private and public education. It features St. Gilgen International School as a model of personalized learning, small class sizes, and strong arts and sports offerings — contrasted with the challenges of overcrowded and under-resourced public schools.

Events

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Homecoming Weekend 2025

We are extraordinarily excited to welcome you to our first Homecoming Weekend on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June 2025.
The DARE Adventure Race

The Dare Adventure Race

Earth, water, dust and dirt. A mental and physical challenge. Push yourself and your team to the limit. An unforgettable experience.
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Wings for Life Run​

Every year our students and staff organise the Wings for Life charity app run as part of the global challenge, which attracts hundreds of external competitors.
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TEDx

The StGIS TEDx Team is a group of students that organizes mini TED-style events within our community.
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IB Art Exhibition

At the annual IB Art Exhibition students exhibit a wide variety of works ranging from paintings, sculptures, installations pieces and films.
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Concerts

The Music Department is annually organising a winter and spring concert.
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Die Zukunft des Lernens

Premiere am 17. Oktober: Bildungsexperte Andreas Salcher zu Gast in der St. Gilgen International School/ Buchpräsentation und Podiumsdiskussion
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Community Days

Community day sees the whole school community students and staff, engaged in service activities across the village, clearing up and preparing for winter and spring.
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Inspiring People Series

The world also comes to us, with regular visits from leading experts in their fields coming to talk to students about everything from human rights to marketing strategies.

School Leadership

Diplompädagogin (Pädagogische Akademie Strebersdorf), Fulbright Scholar (NY), M.A. Spanish Literature (University of Northern Iowa, U.S.); M.Ed. Leadership and Management (Bath University, UK)

Why StGIS? Combining the best of local and international

Martina Moetz

Head of School
Nationality: Austrian

Bachelor of Geography (hon) (University of Bristol); Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Geography (University of East Anglia)

Why StGIS? Early morning swimming in the lake

Andrew Woodman

Head of Learning & Deputy Head of School; Teacher of Economics
Nationality: British (English)

MSc in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education from Buckinghamshire New University; BA Hons French and Russian with Business from University of Swansea, Wales. PGCE Modern Foreign Languages

Why StGIS? Creating happy homes, exploring opportunities together

Adam Crew

Head of Boarding & Student Life; Teacher of French
Nationality: British (English)

Diploma in tourism management; A-level business academy

Why StGIS? St. Gilgen International school inspired my life.

Natascha Lohse

Head of Operations & Office Administration
Nationality: Austrian

Academic Staff

M.Ed – Educational Leadership (Concordia Univ. Portland); B.Sc – Biology & Secondary Education (Univ. of Northern Colorado); A.A. – Music Performance (Edmonds College Washington)

Why StGIS? Opportunities, People, Challenge, Growth, Trust, Respect

John Patton

IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Careers and Higher Education Advisor; Teacher of Biology and Sport Science
Nationality: American

BA – English & Economics (University of Melbourne), Diploma in Education –English & Economics; MEd – Educational Leadership

Why StGIS? Space, Place, Pace, Smiles, Miles, Styles

Peter Bennett

Leader of Learning for English; Teacher of English; Teacher of Economics
Nationality: Australian

BSc (Hons) (University College of Wales); Economics – Worcester College (Worcester UK); Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Economics and Physical Education

Why StGIS? Inspiring natural beauty and inspiring people.

Leaza May

Leader of Learning for World Studies; Extended Essay Coordinator; Teacher of Economics; IBDP Examiner for Economics; Mentor Tutor
Nationality: British (Welsh)

Erstes Staatsexamen – French and English Lehramt Gymnasium (Universität Augsburg, Bavaria); PGDE – German and French (Aberdeen University, Scotland)

Why StGIS? Amazing community, amazing children, amazing location

Nicole Gifi

Leader of Learning Languages; Teacher of German; Teacher of French
Nationality: German

Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Bristol University); MSc (hon) (Bristol University)

Why StGIS? Arresting beauty, inspirational peers, family feeling

Declan Fleming

Leader of Learning Science; Teacher of Science
Nationality: British (English)

BSc Sport and Exercise Science, University of Bath, PGCE secondary Physical Education, Cardiff University

Why StGIS? Mountains, Snow, Rock, Lake, Outdoor, Energy

Liz Riley

Leader of Learning for Movement & Wellbeing; Athletic Director
Nationality: British (English)

BA (Hons) in Mathematics and Education, PGCE in Mathematics and Information Technology – Liverpool University

Why StGIS? A beautiful and inspiring place to learn

Paul La Rondie

IB MYP Coordinator; Teacher of Mathematics
Nationality: British (English)

BA European Studies (Hons) – German and Geography (Bradford Univ.); Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Primary (Glasgow Univ.); Master of Education (Open Univ.)

Why StGIS? Feeling alive by lake and mountains

Clare Willey

Primary Coordinator, Teacher of Primary and Teacher of Science
Nationality: British (English)

BA (Hons) in Finance, Accounting and Management (University of Notting- ham) and Grad. Dip. Teaching (Second- ary) (University of Auckland)

Why StGIS? Community, adventure and new experiences. 

Nadia Ambigaibalan

Teacher of Mathematics and Deputy House parent (Kendler)
Nationality: Malaysian

BA (Hons) in English Philology (Uni- versity of Murcia), BA (Hons) in Mod- ern Language Studies: Spanish and German (The Open University), PGCE Secondary: Spanish (Trinity and All Saints College), MA in Education and Technology (University of Alicante)

Why StGIS? Community, nature, growth, adventure and well-being. 

Carlos Cazorla

Teacher of Spanish and German
Nationality: Spanish

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Queen’s University; Bachelor of Education Queen’s University

Why StGIS? Mountains, lake, beautiful scenery, small community.

Julie Ham

Teacher of English and School Counsellor
Nationality: Canadian

BSc Physics, University of Bristol

Why StGIS? Access to nature, mountains and clean air. 

Richard Peacock Fraser

Teacher of Mathematics
Nationality: British

MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Ongoing) – Portsmouth University. PGCE – Swansea Metropolitan Uni- versity. BA Hons in Welsh – Cardiff University

Why StGIS? Breathtaking scenery, caring and supportlive environment. 

Arwel Evans

EAL Teacher
Nationality: British (Welsh)
Neil Gower portrait

BSc (hons) – Agriculture; Post Graduate Certificate Education

Why StGIS? Inspiration around every corner, truly amazing!

Neil Gower

Teacher of Biology and Deputy House Parent (Traube)
Nationality: British (English)

BA HONs Education Studies with Special Educational Needs (Liverpool John Moores University); PGCE Primary Education – specialising in SEND & Inclusion (Edge Hill University); Masters – Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (Liverpool John Moores University) 

Why StGIS? Everyone in the School family, included.

Grace Brand

House Parent - Kendler Learning Support Team
Nationality: British (Welsh)

B.A. (Hons.) in German Studies, M.A in German Literature, M.Phil in German Studies, PGCEi, B.Ed

Why StGIS? Opportunity for growth, learning and happiness. 

Malvika Kala

Teacher of German, ToK and World Studies
Nationality: Indian

University of Canterbury, Graduate Diploma in Teacher and Learning; Laurentian University, Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education

Why StGIS? Mountain Adventures, Flourishing Community, Passionate Educators.

Julie Porter

Wellbeing Coordinator; MYP Physical and Health Education Teacher
Nationality: Canadian

Ph.D. in Artistic Practice (University for the Creative Arts, UK), MA Fine Art, BA Fine Art (Hons), PGCE Art and Design.

Why StGIS? Creative, quirky, friendly spaces, the unexpected.

Dr. Kirsty Lamont

Teacher of Art
Nationality: British (English)

B.A. Ed. (Hogeschool van Utrecht), M.A. (Universität Hamburg)

Why StGIS? Magnificent scenery meets internationally-minded school community.

Julia Peters

Teacher of English and German
Nationality: British, German

B.Sc. (Biochemistry), B.Ed.

Why StGIS? Positive outlook, endless ‘Wanderwege’.

Travis McKeen

Teacher of Chemistry
Nationality: Canadian

Education – BA Hons Primary Education (English) University Wales, Cardiff

Why StGIS? Lust for learning, lust for life!

Sarah Crew

EAL Teacher and House Parent (Traube)
Nationality: British (Welsh)

MSc Environmental Sciences, BSc Environmental Biology, Diploma in Education and Training (DET), Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)

Why StGIS? International-mindedness, sustainability, tradition, glocalization at its best.

Michael Soeldner

Head of Experiential Education; Teacher of Geography; Teacher of Individuals & Societies
Nationality: German

Bsc hons Biology; Msc Cell and Molecular Genetics; Post Graduate Certificate in Education

Why StGIS? I love biking up big hills.

Carolyn James

Teacher of Mathematics
Nationality: British
PGCE (i), University of Nottingham; BA Hons Popular Music, University of Gloucestershire

Why StGIS? Mountains, Culture, Respect, Wellness, Nature, Community

Guy Daws

Teacher of Music & Industry Arts; Instrumental Teaching Programme Coordinator
Nationality: British (English)

BA Hons in Drama & Theatre Studies. University of Kent.

Why StGIS? Adventure. Europe. Community. Mountains. Eccentricity. Wonder.

Thomas Disney

Teacher of Drama
Nationality: British (English)

MA (Hons) Archaeology (University of Glasgow), MA Fine Art (Central Saint Martins at University of the Arts London), and iPGCE (University of the West of England)

Why StGIS? Fantastic hiking, cycling, and ski touring.

Veronika Flint

Teacher of Design and Art
Nationality: Slovak

Post Grad in Translation from Bristol University, BA Hons in French, Italian and European Studies from Bath University, QTS Reading University

Why StGIS? Inspirational opportunities, Natural beauty, Community and friends

Maia Bristol

Teacher of I&S and English, Champion for Sustainability
Nationality: Swiss & English

MA (Hons) in French, University of Ed- inburgh; MLitt in History, University of Glasgow; PGCE in History, University of Buckingham

Why StGIS? Tranquil restoration; meadows and woods and mountains.

William Flint

Digital Learning Co-ordinator, History, Individuals and Societies
Nationality: British

Bachelor of History (hons) (University of Sheffield); PGCE (The University of Nottingham); Masters in International Relations (University of Nottingham) in progress

Why StGIS? The lake, the mountains, the community, all round well-being!

Sally Powell

Global Politics and Individuals and Societies
Nationality: British (English)

PGCE (University of Greenwich); BEng (hons) – Electronic Engineering (University College Swansea); MSc – Defence Technology (UK Defence Academy)

Why StGIS? Scenery, people, language, challenges, creativity, coffee

Neil May

Teacher of Art, Teacher of Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Arts Technician
Nationality: British (English)

B.Sc. Sociology, London School of Economics, Member of the Chartered College of Teaching

Why StGIS? A small intimate atmosphere perfect for quality learning.

Stuart Payne

English Language and Literature / TOK Coordinator
Nationality: British

Master in Medical Translation, Bachelor in Science (Hons), Postgraduate Certificate of Education.

Why StGIS? Balanced community, amazing setting to inspire life-long learning.

Maria Mateo Becerril

Teacher of Spanish
Nationality: Spanish

BA (Hons) English and American Literature (University of Kent), QTS (University of Reading)

Why StGIS? New opportunities and adventures

Alexandra Bird

English Teacher
Nationality: British (English)

Lehramtsstudium – German, English and Italian (University of Innsbruck and Vienna)

Why StGIS? Passionate teaching and learning in the most beautiful environment.

Andrea Patton

Teacher of German Language and Literature
Nationality: Austrian

University of the West of England
B.A.S.I level 2 ski instructor
Archery GB coach

Why StGIS? Mountains, creativity evolution

Lettie Adams

Outdoor Education Assistant and House Parent (Bachwirt)
Nationality: British (English)

IFMGA Ski & Mountainguide; IFMGA Canyoning Guide

Why StGIS? Outdoors, respect, humor, landscapes, students, spirit

Thomas Kukla

Head of Outdoor Education
Nationality: Austrian

BA Hons in Latin American Studies, University of Liverpool; PGCE(i), University of Nottingham; Level 4 CPD Award in Perspectives on Dyslexia

Why StGIS? Stunning scenery, new possibilities and challenges.

Elizabeth La Rondie

Teacher-Librarian
Nationality: British (English)
Physical Education & Education Studies (Liverpool John Moores University) QTS (University of Reading)

Why StGIS? Memories, moments and milestones though movement.  

Lewis Parry

Teacher of Movement & Wellbeing; House Parent (Kendler)
Nationality: British (English)

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (University of Central Lancashire)

Why StGIS? Lovely people in an amazing environment

Daniel Brazier

Senior Laboratory Technician
Nationality: British (English)

Law

Why StGIS? Warm and welcoming environment surrounded by mountains. 

Irakli Khukhunaishvli

Boarding Residential Assistant (Kendler)
Nationality: Georgian

Psychologist, National Aviation University in Kyiv

Why StGIS? The concentration of people who will change this world for the better.

Anastasiia Vdovychak

Boarding Residential Assistant
Nationality: Ukrainian

BA (Honours) Fine Arts

Why StGIS? Sense of community and belonging. Hiking.

David Dragulj

Residential Assistant & Learning Support
Nationality: Slovenian & British

StGIS Staff

Administrative Staff

Business Administration

Hotelbusiness

Why StGIS? The lake, the mountains, the people

Ulrike Weil

PA to Head of School
Nationality: German

Bachelor of Science; Master of Science – in progress

Why StGIS? Inspiring people, stunning environment, plenty possibilities

Maximilian Obauer

Marketing Manager
Nationality: Austrian

Tourismusschule Bad Ischl (mit Matura abgeschlossen)

Why StGIS? Bester Arbeitgeber im schönsten Ort der Welt

Burgi Swete

Accountant
Nationality: Austrian

Economy high school Salzburg (Annahof)

Why StGIS? Awesome people and school buildings.

Theresa Stangl

Purchasing administrator
Nationality: Austrian

Diploma in Event Management, Certificate in Business Administration

Why StGIS? Great school in beautiful surroundings. 

Kerstin Dierker

Receptionist
Nationality: German

Matriculated at the Tourismusschule Salzkammergut in Bad Ischl.

Why StGIS? An international community on my doorstep.

Manuela Hubbart

Head of Housekeeping and Catering
Nationality: Austrian

Bachelor of Science –Mathematics, Statistics; Post Graduate Certificate Education –  Mathematics and Outdoor Activities

Why StGIS? Meeting new people, and exploring the outdoors.

Rachael Dale

Camps Coordinator
Nationality: British (English)

Bachelor of International Business Economics in French , Bachelor of Economics, Master of Science in Marketing

Why StGIS? Endless inspiration and opportunity in a breathtaking environment. 

Rita Ruppert

Social Media Specialist & Alumni Liaison
Nationality: Hungarian

Austrian Business High School

Why StGIS? StGIS became part of my life

Arnulf Trimborn

System Administrator
Nationality: Austrian

Mechanics

Why StGIS? Nice Team and the variety of work

Markus Gneist

Facilities Manager
Nationality: Austrian

Interior Designer

Why StGIS? Da arbeiten, wo andere Urlaub machen. 

Martin Kogler

Facilities Technician
Nationality: Austrian

Why StGIS? My colleagues, the students, the location.

Victoria Brandstätter

IB Diploma Programme Assistant
Nationality: British (English)

BSc (Hons) Event Management

Why StGIS? An infinite amount of excellent opportunity.

Lily Burford

Activities Assistant
Nationality: British

Support Staff

Tourism and Hotel Management

Why StGIS? International environment, beautiful nature and surroundings

Tanja Aichriedler

Medical Assistant
Nationality: German

DGKP AKH Wien, Experience in different departments in hospitals in Austria and Switzerland, various advanced health trainings

Why StGIS? Good spirit, lovely people, great potential.

Birgit Aspoeck

Senior School Nurse
Nationality: Austrian

DGKP, Experience in emergency and intensive care medicine in Munich.

Why StGIS? New adventure, hometown, lovely colleagues

Alexandra Erber

School Nurse
Nationality: Austrian

Vacancies

Beyond a Job. At StGIS, education is a way of life. If you are purposeful, adventurous, and bring integrity (and humour!), you’ll thrive in our community.

Grow with Us. We invest in our people. All staff – teaching and non-teaching – receive full support, professional development, and room to grow.

Go All In. We welcome passionate, student-centered educators ready to contribute to our vibrant 7-day a week boarding school. Innovation, energy, and teamwork are key.

Apply Now. We value every application and review each one with care.

Teacher of English

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: € 46,877 to € 67,868
Deadline: Monday 26th May 2025

German A Teacher

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: € 46,877 to € 67,868
Deadline: Friday 16th May 2025

Medical Center (w/m/d)

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: 20 to 35 hours a week
Salary: € 32.000 (40 hours)
Deadline: Friday 30th May 2025

Residential Boarding Assistant

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: From € 29,000 
Deadline: Friday 25th April 2025

Head of Mathematics

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: € 46,877 to € 67,868 + HoD Allowance
Deadline: Friday 28th March 2025

MYP & IBDP Design Technology Teacher

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: € 46,877 to € 67,868
Deadline: Monday 10th March 2025

Residential Boarding Assistant

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: From € 29,000 
Deadline: Friday 25th April 2025

DP Physics and MYP Science Teacher

Dates: From August 2025
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: € 46,877 to € 67,868
Deadline: Friday 28th March 2025

Please download the full application pack for each open post. Included is a detailed overview of the application process and specific details about each post.

St. Gilgen International School invites CVs and customized application letters for potential future roles at StGIS. We commit to reviewing these applications, keeping them on file for a year, and referring to them when vacancies arise. Please send your applications to info@stgis.at.

Please note: We do not advertise our vacancies on ESLemployment.com or globaltesol.com. If you have seen a job advertisement on those websites, they were not placed by St. Gilgen International School.

Our Location

Where the Magic Happens. Austria’s safety and natural beauty make it the perfect place to learn. StGIS, set in the lakeside town of St. Gilgen, is often called the “Hogwarts of the Alps”- and for good reason.

Welcome to Paradise. Our breathtaking surroundings offer year-round adventures: skiing, sailing, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and more – all in clean, fresh alpine air.

Culture at Your Fingertips. Just outside Salzburg, students enjoy access to world-class music, theatre, and weekend trips to museums in Vienna and Munich.

Find Your Platform 9¾. With easy connections via Salzburg, Munich, and Vienna airports – and a dedicated school bus from Salzburg – StGIS is closer than you think.

Contact Details

St. Gilgen International School
IschlerstraĂŸe 13
5340 St. Gilgen
Austria

P +43 6227 202 59
info@stgis.at

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