Instruction in the first years takes place in
German. From Year 8 onward, Salem is fully bilingual and offers a dual curriculum. Students may either continue in the German system (Abitur) or enter the international classes and the
IB Diploma Programme, in which the primary language of instruction is
English. Most students are of German background, but there are a significant number of international students, with students attending from countries such as Switzerland, Spain, US, China, Russia, Korea, India, Canada, Australia and Italy. All students in the upper years must engage in community service at least one afternoon per week. All students must also participate in a regular program of sports and/or outdoor pursuits. Participation in the arts is strongly encouraged. Far more than in
boarding schools from the
Anglo-American tradition, everyday responsibilities are placed in the hands of students under the guidance of staff. Many activities are led by students elected by their peers. In 2013 the one-year interdisciplinary
Salem Kolleg was opened in Überlingen; it is a
studium generale programme seeking to prepare high school graduates for their academic and professional future through an orientation year of classes,
career counseling,
personal assessment, and
outdoor leadership courses. The programme shares many of the Salem facilities. Approximately one-third of pupils receive financial aid through various
scholarship programmes. ==Campuses==