IBWISE invites Pre-IB and Mid-IB students to a challenging and unforgettable 6-day leadership trip in the picturesque mountain village of Mariazell and its surrounding Ötscher region in the Austrian Fore Alps — just 1.5 hours from Vienna. Students will experience breathtaking mountain hikes, traditional Austrian crafts and farm life, volunteer service in the Ötscher national park, and an overnight stay in a mountain hut. The trip is led by Dr. Alexander Grubich, an experienced IB CAS coordinator, PD workshop leader, and teacher at the Vienna International School. Each student receives an official IB CAS certificate documenting their accomplished hours and activities, which can also support university applications. Cost: €1,750 / 1 week (all-inclusive: half board, transportation, 24/7 care & activities)
The programme is built around the IB CAS framework, covering Creativity, Activity, and Service components in an immersive, experiential setting. Students engage in daily CAS reflections and debrief sessions led by Dr. Alexander Grubich, a certified IBO Professional Development workshop leader for CAS. Each participant receives an official CAS certificate with documented hours, descriptions, and dates — suitable for IB portfolios and university applications. The focus is on local and global issues, and the programme offers tailored incentives for both Pre-IB and Mid-IB students.
Students take part in a rich variety of creative, active, and service-based activities throughout the week. Creative activities include learning traditional Austrian craftsmanship (e.g. forging), bread and butter making, cheese production at a local farm, and playing a traditional Austrian instrument. Active pursuits include mountain hiking (including a 14 km walk), rope climbing, and Mountaincarts. Service activities include volunteering in the Ötscher national park with local rangers, cleaning up nature, helping in an outdoor kindergarten, and assisting at a local Austrian inn and mountain farm. Students also visit the historic Basilica of Mariazell and the Montan Museum Gusswerk.
Students stay at the cosy Hotel Weißer Hirsch (Wiener Straße 6, A-8630 Mariazell) for the majority of the trip on a half-board basis. On Day 5, students overnight in the traditional alpine mountain hut Schutzhaus Vorderötscher, located near the peak of the Ötscher (1893m), as part of the national park adventure.
Quality comes first at IBWISE! We provide our PRE IB- & MID IB students with outstanding IB preparation in a friendly, compassionate, and caring atmosphere.
A 2-week Spanish immersion and CAS leadership adventure in the charming Andalusian Pueblo Blanco of Vejer de la Frontera, combining intensive Spanish classes, meaningful community volunteering, and authentic cultural experiences.
Summer Courses Guide
