Dr Samuel De León

How long have you been working in the field of education?

I have worked in the field of education since 2009. Initially in Spain, coordinating language immersion courses in public schools, and developing educational projects for primary and secondary schools. Additionally, during the period in which I was Councilor for Culture and Education, I had the opportunity to launch projects of a marked social and cultural nature in High Schools and other educational centres. I moved to Vienna in 2019 and since 2021, I have been part of the AMADEUS International School Vienna Community. For the last three years, I have held positions in the Marketing and Admissions departments, and I am currently the Head of Admissions and Marketing at the School. Two departments that have allowed me to be part of new projects such as the AMADEUS Festival Vienna and promote other initiatives related to music and art.

What makes Austrian schools special?

Austrian schools are a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering a truly special educational experience! Students can choose between academic and vocational tracks, ensuring their talents are nurtured and prepared for their desired future.  Austria's vibrant culture is woven into the curriculum. From music and art to history and local traditions, students gain a deep appreciation for their heritage. At AMADEUS International School Vienna, we are aware of how unique it is to study in Vienna, and we are proud to be located in the beautiful and historic grounds of Semmelweis (in the distinguished 18th district) in direct contact with culture, art and music.

Why do parents opt for Austrian schools for their children's primary and secondary education?

Parents seeking a rigorous academic foundation for their children are drawn to Austria's esteemed educational system.  Austrian schools cultivate well-rounded individuals, foster intellectual curiosity alongside cultural awareness and a strong work ethic. For those seeking an international perspective within this exceptional framework, AMADEUS International School Vienna offers a compelling choice. Imagine an environment where your child flourishes in a multilingual-setting, and is nurtured by a globally-minded faculty. AMADEUS Vienna provides a unique opportunity to embrace the excellence of Austrian education while preparing your child to thrive in an interconnected world.

How are Austrian boarding schools ranked? Are these rankings reliable?

Unlike their university counterparts, Austrian boarding schools haven't been subject to widespread and standardised rankings. This allows you to focus on the unique strengths and educational philosophies of each school when making your decision. However, there are prestigious international accreditations that hold significant weight. AMADEUS International School has been recognised by both the Carfax Education Index and the Boarding School Association (BSA). Our School consistently ranks among the top 15 boarding schools in Europe and the top 100 globally. This suggests a commitment to Educational Distinction that transcends national rankings.

When is the best time to apply to Austrian boarding schools, and what should applicants prepare for?

At most Austrian boarding schools, applications usually follow their traditional calendar. To ensure a smooth process, it is essential to start your application well before the registration deadline. AMADEUS International School Vienna, however, embraces a delightfully unconventional approach. Our perpetual application window welcomes aspiring students throughout the year. This fosters a spirit of inclusivity, ensuring every child has the opportunity to be considered for their vibrant learning community. Regardless of the application timeframe, strong preparation is key. Some essential elements to assemble for most Austrian boarding schools are: academic transcripts (provide a comprehensive record of the student's past academic performance), teacher recommendations (letters of recommendation from past teachers offer valuable insights into the student's strengths and potential) and standardised Language Tests (for schools with instruction in German or English, language proficiency tests might be necessary). In the specific case of AMADEUS International School Vienna, students must have an interview (online or onsite) with the Head of Primary or Secondary, depending on each case, as well as a potential interview with the Head of the School if required. Students who wish to apply for specific programmes such as the IB Career-Related Programme (Music or Art&Design) must send their portfolios and/or videos of their performances so that they are considered in each case.

What subjects are most popular among students?

Students' interests tend towards a fascinating duality: the practical and the expressive. On the practical side, fields like Business, Economics, and Science draw significant interest. These subjects offer clear paths to rewarding careers with tangible societal impact. Business and Economics equip students to navigate the complexities of the globalised world, while Science allows them to directly improve lives through Medicine, Research, and more. However, the allure of creative expression is equally as strong. Music and Art consistently capture students' imaginations. These subjects foster personal growth, ignite creativity, and provide a platform for self-expression. The enduring popularity of these disciplines underscores the human desire for beauty and emotional connection. 

Is it challenging for talented students to receive scholarships? What are the typical offerings?

At AMADEUS Vienna, we recognise that financial considerations shouldn't hinder a talented student's pursuit of an exceptional education. We take a personalised approach to scholarships, meticulously evaluating each application to identify a student's unique strengths, academic prowess or artistic brilliance in music or visual arts. Our scholarship offerings are equally diverse, ranging from full tuition awards to those specifically designated for students excelling in these coveted creative fields.

At what age do students typically enrol in Austrian schools?

In Austria, compulsory schooling begins at the age of six. This is typically the starting point for public Volksschule (primary school). However, it's interesting to note that AMADEUS International School Vienna, which offers a programme from Early Years (EY) to Diploma Programme (DP), accepts students starting at a much younger age. Our Early Years Centre is an international kindergarten in Vienna that welcomes children of ages 3-5 years old from all around the world. We foster a safe space for all the different cultures and value the importance of every student’s mother tongue. 

Do all Austrian schools offer ESL courses? How important are they?

ESL courses are not ubiquitous in Austrian schools, but they are a valuable asset for students seeking to strengthen their English language proficiency.  At AMADEUS International School Vienna, we are proud to offer dedicated ESL courses and support to our students.  In addition, our Residential Summer Camp with a language component provides an immersive environment where students can hone their English or German skills.

What additional expenses should parents plan for? 

At AMADEUS International School Vienna, while the annual tuition fee is comprehensive, there are some additional expenses to consider for a well-rounded educational experience for your child. These additional expenses are: Capital Fee, Enrolment Fee, Security Deposit Fee (refundable), Boarding House Fee (if applicable), Medical Insurance Fee (required, if applicable) and Residence Permit Fee (for EU and non-EU Citizens, if applicable). Each student's needs may vary and any additional fees will be communicated through the Admissions Process. 

Beyond teacher qualifications, what do parents consider when choosing a school? 

The security of our beautiful campus in the 18th district, the proximity to culture and art thanks to our integrated Music and Arts Academy, the benefits that Vienna offers as one of the most livable cities in the world, the diversity of our student body and our mission to ensure that our students become global citizens with values ​​such as respect, solidarity and cooperation. In short, the peace-of-mind of knowing that our students are in the best hands.

What advice would you give to potential students before enrolling in a school?

The advice that I would like to give them when applying to be part of our Community is based on the ideas that our students have about our School. "If AMADEUS Vienna was a person, they would be: "Open-minded, diverse, international. S/he is someone who saw the world, a traveller who saw good and bad. Passionate, creative, imaginative, reflective. S/he is connected to both arts and music and keen to learn. Fun, Inspirational, risk-taker. S/he is not afraid of challenges, but he could also be boring. We are not perfect. Is a good communicator. S/he speaks two or more languages. Smart, critical thinker, curious. S/he has his own opinions. Friendly, non-judgmental, caring. S/he welcomes new people into his life. Unique, balanced, colorful. S/he brings something special to the community.”