Hefei: A Thriving Hub for German Families
As Hefei grows into a global high-tech center, home to companies like Volkswagen and leading research facilities, the city is attracting an increasing number of German expat families. This vibrant community has fueled a surge in German students at CISH—from just one German student in 2020 to over 150 today.
Why Choose CISH for German Education?
CISH provides exceptional support for its German student community. With five full-time German teachers and a committed Head of German Department, our program offers daily German lessons for native speakers, ensuring consistent progress and linguistic excellence. From Early Years (K1-K3), PYP (G1-5), MYP (G6-10) to DP (G11-12), we deliver a seamless education pathway, culminating in the IB Diploma Programme (Language A, HL level/ Leistungskurs Deutsch).
Curricular Transitions
How we help when you arrive:
Our curriculum blends the New Brunswick and IB frameworks with essential elements of the German school system (Lower Saxony Curriculum). Including meeting the third language requirements with Spanish and French offered to students that require it. This integration ensures a smooth transition for students relocating between Germany and Hefei.
How we help if you are required to return to Germany:
In order to help our German students transition back to their local school system we work closely with families to ensure we can meet the requirements of their school system. This includes our administration of the IB eAssessment. Grade 10 students can also pursue the E-Assessment, earning the "Erweiterter Sekundarabschluss I", which qualifies them for Germany’s upper secondary education system.
Learning and Teaching
We understand that moving to a new country comes with challenges. Teaching and learning take place in a community. That’s why CISH’s German program fosters a strong sense of "Heimat" for students and their families. Our Head of German Department collaborates closely with the local German community, offering support to families as they settle into life in Hefei. We strive to make every student feel at home while achieving academic success.
Our commitment to internationalism extends beyond native speakers. CISH offers a popular German course for non-native learners as an after-school activity, opening the door to cultural exchange and new opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
Learner Support
We have 3 teachers dedicated to ensuring our German- speaking students receive support in their home language. These lessons take place outside the regular school hours but ensure that the transition to the IB curriculum goes smoothly as students get accustomed to their new school setting.
Preparing Students for a Global Future
At CISH, we don’t just teach languages we help students develop the skills, knowledge, and perspectives they need to thrive in an interconnected world. By combining rigorous academics with cultural diversity and the global focus of the IB curriculum, we empower students to become true global citizens ready to shape the future.