Ecolint: International School of Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

About Ecolint: Founded in 1924, Ecolint (also known as the International School of Geneva) is recognised as the world’s first school established explicitly to provide an international education. A not-for-profit institution with three campuses and around 4,000 students, it offers the full International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside IGCSE/GCSE and SAT preparation. With teaching in English and French from pre-school through secondary, Ecolint delivers a truly global education within a diverse, multicultural community.

Guided by values of respect, cultural integration, and global awareness, the school emphasises language development, international mindedness, and engagement with global issues. It features a diverse student body and strong reputation for academic excellence.

School Mission: Ecolint’s mission is to “educate students to be global citizens with the courage and capacity to create a just and joyful tomorrow together”. The aim is to provide a distinctive high quality international education.

Head to the school’s website for further information about the school and job vacancies.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes – this school is highly recommended for families if you can make it work financially. With its pioneering role in international schooling, diverse community and bilingual (English and French) offering, it provides an inclusive and well-rounded environment for families. The main drawback is Geneva’s very high cost of living. 
Many teachers will find the professional experience, international environment, and exceptional quality of life too good to say no to if offered a role – even if you can only make it work for a few years financially.

Overall compensation package rating

Based on our research, teachers receive a competitive salary package for Europe. While health insurance isn’t covered directly by the school due to Switzerland’s mandatory system, relocation support and PD opportunities are available. The high cost of living in Geneva, particularly housing and healthcare, means careful budgeting is important.

Tuition benefits

Teachers are eligible for 100% fee remission for students. This used to be uncapped, however there were rumblings that this was being reduced to two children (not confirmed).

Housing

Based on our research, the school provides a housing benefit for staff. Depending on the campus you work at, some teachers choose to live in France and travel into Switzerland each day as it offers a lower cost of living (subject to visa requirements – may not be possible in first year of contract).

Flights

Flights are provided at the beginning and end of contract.

Healthcare

In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including teachers and their families. Schools don’t typically provide private health coverage (we couldn’t source any medical insurance offered by Ecolint). Each family member must take out a basic health insurance policy, with costs averaging CHF 1,200–1,600 per month (approximately USD $1,500 to $2,000) for a family of four, depending on deductibles and chosen providers. We recommend checking this directly with schools so you can budget accordingly.

Adjustment for kids

There are 4,000 students spread across three campuses in Geneva – La Grand Boissière, La Châtaigneraie and Campus des Nations. Children generally adjust quickly thanks to its welcoming, multicultural community of over 130 nationalities, strong academic and learning support, and a wide range of extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and culture.

Average class sizes

Class sizes range from 18 to 24 across all year levels and campuses.

Teaching experience required

You’ll need two years minimum teaching experience and must be a qualified teacher to work at this school. Competition for this school is fierce, and they typically look for highly qualified and experienced teachers with aligned educational values.

Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, IB), IGCSE/GCSE, SAT

Retirement/pension benefits

You’ll be required to pay into a private pension scheme, which the school will also pay into.

School history & stability

Ecolint is the oldest truly international school in the world. It was founded in 1924.

Ecolint (International School of Geneva) – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance
  • High quality of life in Geneva
  • Accommodation benefit
  • Private pension scheme

What Teachers are Saying About Ecolint (International School of Geneva) 

There are lots of pros working at Ecolint, including great values, colleagues, access to excellent PD, facilities and the location. But your experience will largely depend on which campus you work at.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT ECOLINT

The pay looks eye-watering, but remember the cost of living in Switzerland is insane (especially rent). If you’re a teaching couple you can save but for single income families you will likely struggle.

EX TEACHER, ECOLINT

The La Châtaigneraie is bilingual up to Year 9. Unless it’s changed, the students have to change teacher in the middle of the year to switch language teachers. It’s not easy and although the teachers try their best, it’s definitely affected my child’s learning.

EX TEACHER AT La Châtaigneraie CAMPUS
  • Busy pedestrian street in Vienna's historic centre, with a view of St Peters Church, Austria
  • Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna in Austria on a sunny day - what you might choose to visit if you teach at Danube International School
  • A horse drawn carriage with tourists in Vienna

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: High – Geneva is considered one of Europe’s safest cities. It has a low crime rate and a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Many expat families live in central districts such as Eaux-Vives or Champel, or in quieter residential areas like Cologny and Chêne-Bougeries, all of which offer good housing options and proximity to parks and Lake Geneva.
  • Adaptability: Strong – With a large international community linked to the United Nations and other global organisations, Geneva is highly accustomed to welcoming families from abroad. English is widely spoken in professional and school settings, while French is the main local language. Families benefit from excellent healthcare, cultural diversity, outdoor activities around the lake and Alps, and a strong focus on children’s well-being.
  • Cost of Living: Very High – Geneva is regularly ranked among the world’s most expensive cities. Housing, in particular, is costly, especially in desirable districts close to Ecolint campuses. Public transport is efficient, healthcare and services are excellent, and quality of life is extremely high. Many expat families find the investment worthwhile for the safety, education, and lifestyle Geneva offers.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The International School of Geneva, or Ecolint, was founded in 1924 and is recognised as the world’s first school created specifically to provide an international education. Today it has around 4,000 students from more than 130 nationalities across its three campuses: La Grande Boissière, La Châtaigneraie, and Campus des Nations. A not-for-profit school, it offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) as well as IGCSE/GCSE and SAT preparation. Instruction is primarily in English and French, reflecting Geneva’s international outlook and bilingual heritage.

Ecolint places strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship. Students are supported by tailored learning programmes, a broad co-curricular offering in arts, sports, and culture, and modern facilities designed to nurture both academic success and personal growth. The school’s values are rooted in encouraging international understanding, language development, and respect for the host country and global issues.

For teachers, Ecolint provides the opportunity to work in one of the most established international school environments in the world (with a reputation as one of, if not the, best international school worldwide). While health insurance is not typically covered by the school due to Switzerland’s universal system, salaries are competitive, and relocation support is offered. Geneva itself is safe, cosmopolitan, and highly international, though the cost of living is very high.

Do you currently teach at Ecolint? Please get in touch with us to share your story or complete our teacher survey to tell us more.

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