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The Boarding House, Your Home at CIS

The Boarding House,
Your Home at CIS

Live and learn in a welcoming, international boarding community — where students from around the world share daily life, build friendships, and grow together.

Who Can Live in Our Boarding House?

We welcome students aged 15+ (Grades 9–12) from across Germany and around the world. Boarding is ideal for:

  • International students relocating without their families
  • German students living far from Cologne
  • Families seeking a structured, independent environment for their child

Living Spaces & Facilities

Students live in shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Common areas are available for relaxing, studying, or spending time together. The boarding space is designed to support both independence and community life.


We offer three room categories:

  • Category A: Single room with ensuite bathroom
  • Category B: Single room with shared bathroom (two single rooms share one bathroom)
  • Category C: Double room with ensuite bathroom

Common areas are available for relaxing, studying, or spending time together. The boarding house is designed to support both independence and a strong sense of community.

Meals & Nutrition

Healthy meals are served daily, and all students eat together. This not only ensures proper nutrition but also builds a sense of community and routine.

Supervision & Safety

Our experienced team ensures that students are safe, supervised, and well cared for at all times. Staff are present in the boarding house and are available to help with practical needs or provide emotional support.

Community & Connection

Living, Learning, and Laughing Together

In the boarding house, students spend time together every day — talking, playing music, and sharing meals. On weekends, they take part in group activities or simply relax together. In addition, every second Friday we organize an excursion to explore Cologne and the surrounding area, giving students the opportunity to discover new places and strengthen team spirit. These shared experiences help them build strong friendships and feel at home.

Location

The boarding house is located inside the CIS school building, giving students direct access to classrooms, facilities, and support services. Living on campus simplifies the day-to-day routine and helps students stay organized, focused, and connected to school life.

The Boarding House Photo Gallery

Try It for Yourself

We invite prospective students to experience life at CIS firsthand with a two-day trial visit. It’s a chance to take part in classes, meet current students, and get a real feel for our boarding community and campus life.

Requirements

To enroll in the CIS boarding program, students must be at least 15 years old. Since all academic instruction is in English, a minimum B2 level is required for admission to the international school. This ensures students can follow lessons, participate in class discussions, and engage with peers.
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Boarding Fees and What's Included

Boarding FeesPaymentAmount
Accommodation in Cat. A*Annually After Enrollment25.380,00 €
Accommodation in Cat. B*Annually After Enrollment24.300,00 €
Accommodation in Cat. C*Annually After Enrollment22.140,00 €
Security Deposit One-Off After Enrollment2.000,00 €
Insurance **Annually After Enrollment702,00 €
*Cat. A: Single Room with ensuite bathroom
*Cat. B: Single Room with shared bathroom (two single rooms are sharing a bathroom)
*Cat C: Double Room with ensuite bathroom
**Liability, accident and health insurance (1st - 18th month 39.00 EUR per month; from the 19th month on 57.00 EUR per month)

The Boarding House Program

If you’d like a detailed overview of life in our boarding house, you’re welcome to download our Boarding House Program. It covers everything from daily routines to support systems — ideal for families who want to explore more before getting in touch.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Interested in joining our boarding house? Please fill out the inquiry form — our team will get back to you promptly with all the information you need to move forward.
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Amazon Jungle

Throughout February, 2024, 25 of our CIS students embarked on a long journey to the Amazon Jungle in Iquitos, Peru. Students worked hard the previous months to raise funds to be able to create their community service project with the local communities of El Chino in the Tahuayo Region of the Amazon basin. Once there, our 25 students, along with our three teachers and the guides at the lodge they stayed in, participated in a whole day community service project where students built two complete Primary School classrooms. Our students built 20 desks and 20 chairs from scratch with the help of the local community and finished the day by putting the new furniture inside the classrooms. Thanks to this initiative, the students were able to fill up two classrooms that are now providing full day education to the children of the community. At CIS, one of our pillars of excellent education is understanding the privilege that comes with being an IB student and an international school student, and the importance of being global citizens. With this, comes the responsibility of being stewards of the communities that inhabit this world and the importance of giving back and being change makers!
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
08:15 - 09:45Targeted LearningSpanish / French / EALMathThe ArtsHumanities
09:45 - 10:15Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15HumanitiesThe ArtsEnglishEnglishPersonal Growth
11:15 - 12:15MathEnglishScienceScienceGerman / GAL
12:15 - 13:15Science
13:15 - 13:45Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15Spanish / French / EALHomeroomGerman / GALSportMath
14:15 - 15:15German / GALClubsClubsClubsClubs
15:15 - 16:45ClubsCubsClubsClubsClubs
Grade 3/4 Timetable Example
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
07:00 - 08:00 Early Supervision Early Supervision Early Supervision Early Supervision Early Supervision
08:00 - 09:30 Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry
09:30 - 10:00 Snack & Recess Snack & Recess Snack & Recess Snack & Recess Snack & Recess
10:00 - 10:30 Instrumental Kung Fu Instrumental Tai Chi Instrumental
10:30 - 12:00 Unit Unit Unit Unit Tai Chi + Unit
12:00 - 13:30 Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess
13:30 - 14:30 Unit
Math, German, English, Social Studies
Swimming Library Music Unit
14:30 - 15:30 Spanish Clubs Art Unit Clubs
15:30 - 16:30 Spanish Spanish Spanish
16:30 - 18:00 Late Clubs Late Clubs Late Clubs Late Clubs
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