International School of Zug and Luzern

Zug and Luzern, Switzerland

About the International School of Zug and Luzern: The International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL) is a leading non-profit international day school in central Switzerland, founded in 1961. With over 1,200 students from over 60 nationalities, this school offers a rich and diverse learning environment across two campuses located just outside Zug and Lucerne, within easy reach of Zurich. It’s the only school in the region to offer the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, and CP), alongside Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

School Mission: The school is a community of learners determined to make the world — or their corner of it — a better, kinder place. ItISZL reflects its values in everything it does to make the most of opportunities and challenges in a spirit of enthusiastic inquiry.

School Vision: Help every student turn their learning into action, creating the opportunity to stretch themselves further and achieve more than they believe possible.

Head to the school’s website for more details and job openings.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes – it’s a solid option but not outstanding option for teaching families. The salary is competitive and the location offers a safe, high-quality lifestyle, but the high cost of living and limited housing support make it harder for families to maximise savings. Overall, it’s a good post for teaching couples (or if your trailing spouse is working) if you want to experience Switzerland, but less attractive if financial benefits are your top priority.

Overall compensation package rating

Salary is paid in Swiss Francs and is competitive by international school standards, though the cost of living in Switzerland is also high. Income tax is around 10%, and under Swiss law most allowances and benefits are considered taxable, so be sure to check with the school if you receive and offer and budget accordingly.

Tuition benefits

We could not source information about tuition benefits, but feedback from a teacher who recently applied indicates that tuition is offered for up to two children.

Housing

ISZL doesn’t provide housing or a housing allowance for teachers. Staff are expected to arrange and cover their own accommodation costs, which can be significant given Switzerland’s high cost of living, particularly in Zug and Lucerne.

Flights

There is no mention of annual flights or relocation flight reimbursement in the school’s compensation details. Teachers should plan to cover their own travel expenses to and from Switzerland.

Healthcare

Teachers must personally fund their compulsory Swiss basic health insurance, which covers a comprehensive range of medical services. While this is standard across Switzerland, it represents a big personal expense – and it’s not subsidised by the school.

Adjustment for kids

Children should adjust easily thanks to the school’s strong international community, small class sizes, and emphasis on wellbeing. With over 60 nationalities, most students arrive from abroad, so new families are quickly welcomed into a supportive network. Extracurricular activities, from skiing to performing arts, provide great opportunities to build friendships and feel at home in Switzerland.

Average class sizes

ISZL averages 18 students per class and a maximum of 20 students per class.

Teaching experience required

Teachers are expected to hold a recognised teaching qualification, and at least two years of classroom experience. Prior experience with IB or AP programmes is preferred, as is inquiry-based and student-centred approaches. Applicants with EU, EEA, or Swiss work eligibility are given preference, as visa sponsorship for non-EU candidates can be limited.

Curriculum

IB (PYP, MYP, DP) and Advanced Placement (AP)

Retirement/pension benefits

The school website states generous pension contributions, but check with the school if this is a private pension scheme, as contributing the national pension scheme has strict rules for expats (funds are locked until retirement).

School history & stability

The school has a solid history and was first established in 1961.

International School of Zug and Luzern – Additional Benefits

  • Visa assistance
  • High quality of life in Switzerland – including dedicated wellbeing program
  • Free accident and long-term sickness insurance
  • Flexible work-life balance
  • Relocation support
  • Modern, collaborative work environment

What Teachers are Saying About International School of Zug and Luzern

It’s a great school for PD (the school invests in good training) and you can develop as a teacher. But of late there’s definitely a shift that the parents run the school – and some of the students behaviour as a result is poor.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT ISZL

Even with two salaries, it will be a struggle financially especially when you first move to Switzerland. The package isn’t as good as other Swiss schools, although the school is of a high quality.

EX TEACHER, ISZL

Some of the leadership team are completely disconnected from the reality of being in a classroom which is challenging. There is a bit of ‘us vs them’ between staff and SLT and it’s like an old British school with staff that need to move on.

EX TEACHER, ISZL
  • View of colourful historic buildings by the lake in Aug, Switzerland - what you can expect if working at the International School of Zug and Luzern
  • Charming Swiss countryside scene with a farmhouse and chapel among lush green fields and forests
  • Steamboat docked at Lake Lucerne surrounded by the Swiss alps

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: High – Both Zug and Lucerne are considered very safe by international standards, with low crime rates and family-friendly environments. Lucerne offers a mix of urban life and natural beauty, while Zug is quieter and known for its lakeside setting. Residential areas in both cities provide easy access to parks, the lake, and nearby mountains.
  • Adaptability: Strong – With well-established international communities in both locations, especially in Zug due to its global business presence, expat families settle in easily. English is widely spoken, though German is the main local language. Efficient public transport, clean infrastructure, and close proximity to Zurich and major European hubs make it easy to adapt.
  • Cost of Living: Very High – Both cities are among Switzerland’s most expensive places to live. Zug, in particular, is known for high housing costs, though this is partly offset by its low tax rates. Lucerne, while slightly more affordable, still carries premium prices for housing, dining, and daily expenses.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The International School of Zug and Lucerne is a respected non-profit international day school in Switzerland. It caters to around 1,200 students from over 50 nationalities across its campuses. With a long-standing reputation for excellence, ISZL offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with English as the main language of instruction.

ISZL offers a strong sense of community, focus on academic achievement, and commitment to developing well-rounded, globally minded students. Its campuses are set in some of Switzerland’s most picturesque regions, with modern facilities to support academics, sports, the arts, and outdoor education.

For teachers, ISZL provides a highly supportive and international working environment with relocation assistance, professional development, and access to high quality teaching resources. Switzerland is one of the world’s most expensive countries to live in, but it does offer good salaries, strong public infrastructure, and a safe, family-friendly lifestyle to help balance the costs.

Do you currently teach at this school? Please get in touch to share your feedback or fill out our teacher survey to tell us more.

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