Foreign residents who come to Austria with children or begin a family face plenty of culture shocks when it comes to schools. Here’s what readers had to say about the education system.
From language barriers to children getting split into different tracks after primary school, Austria’s education system can be tricky for foreign families to navigate.
We asked readers of The Local Austria to share their experiences and what they think about schools.
‘Too early to split children up’
For many international parents in Austria, one aspect of the education system stands out as controversial: the early separation of children into different secondary school tracks after primary school.
From ages 10-11, a child moves to secondary school and is sent either to vocational training (Mittelschule, or MS) or academic (Allgemeinbildende höhere Schule), which is further divided into several types of training or study. They can apply for either, but need to be accepted, and the academic path is usually the one most sought after.
Laszlo, 51, who’s from Hungary and based in Vienna, said the system can disadvantage international children who are still in the process of learning German.
Children are just starting to pick up the language, and “then you are already measured and forced to select a track”, he said.
“Too early… not all kids are mature enough at 10,” he added.
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Victoria, 48, in Vienna, said the decision is too intense for youngsters. “Children have no idea what they are good at age 10,” she said.
Others agreed that the tracking should happen later. Niksa, 46, from Croatia and living in Graz, said: “It’s too early to make such decisions. I think it needs to be after eight years.”
Kat, 44, from the UK and living in Vienna, said the system negatively divides children. “At that age, it’s ridiculous that the students not only have to choose a certain path for their future, but also they get divided into two worlds: the clever and the not so clever.”
Some parents were even more blunt. A father in Lower Austria who described himself as a “p*ssed off dad” said: “It totally sucks. The fact that the poor children need to choose Mittelschule vs Gymnasium after fourth grade is mind-blowingly stupid.”
Another reader, Emma, 44, originally from Ireland and now based in Vienna, described the system as a “disaster”, although she noted that discussions about extending primary school to six years could improve things.
READ ALSO: Should Austria extend primary school education from four to six years
However, not everyone sees the system as completely negative. A 44-year-old respondent from Canada in Vienna said it can work for some children. “If a child has a preference or a special interest, allowing them to pursue it in a supportive environment is amazing,” they said.
Emil Jorgensen, 29, from Denmark, living in Krems, Lower Austria, was also cautious about early separation. “I wouldn’t really like it, because it takes away options for kids way too early.”
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Mixed views on Austria’s language support
Parents reported varied experiences with support for children whose first language is not German.
A few respondents said young people had been “very well” supported.
A parent from Canada said their child had succeeded despite speaking no German at home, thanks to attending a German-speaking Kita. The parent that their child was “excelling in reading and writing in German. We feel the system is supportive when you use it.”
Others found the system more challenging
Victoria in Vienna said language help was stronger in earlier years. “Both children were supported well in the lower education years (kindergarten and elementary school). In high school, I believe there could be better support in the schools.”
READ ALSO: Four things foreigners in Austria need to know about the education system
Some respondents said the Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted their children’s German learning.
“They get two years of support, but those years were during Covid when half their German classes couldn’t take place,” said Kat in Vienna.
Majella Grawatsch, from Australia, said her family had struggled to get any help to grow her kids’ language skills.
“They have not been supported in any way, with German as well, even though it was their first language (we moved away for a few years),” the 38-year-old who lives in Vienna said. “I think the education system in general is terrible, to the point where I want to move back home.”
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‘Confusing’ system
Many foreign parents said understanding Austria’s school system can be a real challenge, particularly in the early years.
“There’s very little guidance on hand from teachers or official sources,” said Victoria.
Another recurring view among respondents was that the system feels outdated.
Victoria said her children find school uninspiring. “I think schooling here is stuck in the 80s,” she said. “My children say it is boring. The teachers are uninspiring in their methods.”
Daniel said there isn’t a focus on critical thinking. “Too traditional, focus on memorising and not social skills,” he said.
Majella in Vienna also criticised what she described as outdated attitudes. “The system, attitudes and approach are decades old and require reform urgently. In digital, in learning support, attitudes of teachers, and well being, including mental health.”
Meanwhile, Kat said the lack of consistency between teachers surprised her. “In primary school, every teacher is the law in itself… grading is not done to a standardised level, and a lot of times, very obvious favouritism between teachers and particular students within a class.”
What’s your experience with the Austrian education system? Let us know in the comments below.