Are alcohol and tobacco permitted?

No! The use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco is NOT permitted for the duration of the Bible School and Upward Bound.

Are pets allowed?

No!

For hygienic reasons, they are not allowed at Tauernhof.

Are ther shops nearby to buy groceries and toiletries?

We are within walking distance from grocery stores and other shops which sell almost everything you could possibly need (Note: shops are closed on Sundays).

Can I do my laundry during my time there?

Yes!

The costs for one load a week are included in the student fee.

Do I need a Visa if I plan to stay longer than 90 days in Europe?

Yes, non EU nationals will need a Visa for stays in Europe of longer than 90 days.


Please note that if you are a non-European national, you may only spend a total of 90 days in Europe without a Visa in any given 6 month period.


If you don’t stay longer than 90 days in Europe, and have no plans to return to Europe in the next 6 months after leaving Europe, you don’t need a Visa.

This does not apply for people from Asia and Africa who will always need a Visa for the duration of the time in Europe.


If you are accepted to volunteer at Tauernhof before or after attending Tauernhof Bible School (this has to be a total of 6 months or more), then we can help you apply for a Visa in Austria once you are here (and this will allow you to remain in Europe from the date of application till the end). In this case, please enter Europe as a tourist.


In all other cases when you intend to stay longer than 90 days in Europe, you will need to obtain a visa BEFORE YOU COME TO EUROPE.


If you plan to travel before or after Bible School and so think you might need a Visa, we advise you to contact the Austrian Foreign Ministry in your home country. We are happy to email you a confirmation letter for the embassy.

Do I need medical insurance as a student? How does it work?

Yes, in Austria everyone must have medical insurance by law. In order to get a student visa, proof of medical insurance is required. Therefore, you must be insured when you arrive.


For those outside of the EU:

In Austria you normally pay the bill immediately in cash/credit card and then hand the receipt in to your insurance company and they will pay you back.

Do I need to have knowledge of German to come to Tauernhof for Bible School?

No!

Our entire Bible School program and all activities are run in English. Also, our area of Europe is very international, so shopping and traveling can easily be done in English.

Does my University offer credits for attending Tauernhof Bible School?

The following Colleges and Universities have offered credit for studies at a Torchbearer Bible School:                                                                                      -Please note that we can’t guarantee they willcontinue to do so-

o Alberta College of Art, 1407-14th Ave NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4R3, Canada

o Appalachain State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA

o Arizona State University, Temp, AZ 85287-0112, USA

o Athabasca University, Box 10,000, Athabasca, AB, T0G 2R0, Canada

o Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave, P.O.Box 7000, Azusa, CA 91702-7000, USA

o Belmont College

o Bethany College, 800 Bethany Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, USA

o Bethel College & Theological Seminary, 3900 Bethel Drive, St Paul, MN 55112, USA

o Biola University, 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639-0001, USA

o Bob Jones University, 1700 Wadhampton Blvd, Greenville, SC, USA

o Bowie State University, Bowie, MD 20715, USA

o Briercrest Bible College, Caronport, SK, S0H 0S0, Canada

o Brock University, St Catherines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada

o Bryan College, Box 7000, Dayon, TN 37321-7000, USA

o Bryn Mawr College, Ely House, Bryn Mawr, PA 19100, USA

o California State College

o Calvary Bible College, 15800 Calvary Road, Kansas City, MO 641-1341, USA

o Canadian Bible College, 4400 4th Ave, Regina, SK, S4T 0H8 Canada

o Cedarville College, P.O.Box 601, Cedarville, OH 45314, USA

o Christian Heritage College, 2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019-1157, USA

o Columbia International University, 7435 Monticello Road, P.O.Box 3122, Columbia, SC 29230-3122, USA

o Colorado Christian University, 180 South Garrison Street, Lakewood, CO 80226, USA

o Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA 37350, USA

o Crown College, 6425 County Road No. 30, St. Bonisacius, MN 55375, USA

o Denver Seminary, Box 10,000, Denver, CO 80250, USA

o Eastern College, St David‘s, Pennsylvania, USA

o Emmanuel Bible College

o Fresno Pacific College, 1717 South Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702, USA

o George Fox College, 418 N Meridan St, Newberg, OR 97132, USA

o Gordon Conwell Theology Seminary, 130 Essex Street, S. Hamilton, Maryland 01982, USA

o Grace College of the Bible, 200 Seminary Dr, Winona Lake, IN 46590, USA

o Grace Theological Seminary, 200 Seminary Drive, Winona Lake, IN 46590, USA

o Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

o John Brown University, Siloam Springs, AR 72761, USA

o Kings University College, 9125 50th St, Edmonton, AB, Canada

o Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24506-8001, USA

o Linda Vista Baptist College & Seminary, 2075 E Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA

o London Baptist College, 30 Grande Ave, London, ON, N6C 1K8, Canada

o Masters College, 21726 Placerita Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91321-1200, USA

o McMaster University, Gilmour Hall, Room 120, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada

o Mennonite Brethren Bible College

o Miami Christian University

o Michigan State University

o Moody Bible Institute

o Multnomah Seminary, 8435 NE Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97220-5898, USA

o Northwest Baptist College, P.O.Box 790, Langley, BC V3A 8B8, Canada

o Northwest College, P.O.Box 579, Kirkland, WA 98083-0579, USA

o Northwest College of the Assemblies of God

o North Central Bible School, 910 Elliot Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404-9977, USA

o North Park Theological Seminary, 5125 North Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

o Ontario Bible College, 25 Ballyconnor Court, North York, ON, M2M 4B3, Canada

o Ontario Theological Seminary, 25 Ballyconnor Court, North York, ON, M2M 4B3, Canada

o Oregon Health Sciences, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201-3098, USA

o Philadelphia College of the Bible, 200 Manor Ave, Langhorne, PA 19047-2990, USA

o Prairie Bible College, Box 4019, Three Hills, AB, T0M 2A0, Canada

o Prairie Continuing Education, Box 4019, Three Hills, AB, T0M 2A0, Canada

o Regent College, 5800 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2E4, Canada

o Regis University, 3333 Regis Boulevard, Denver, CO 80881-1099, USA

o San Jose Christian College, 790 5 12th Street, San Jose, CA 95112, USA

o Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Ave West, Seattle, WA 98119-1997, USA

o St Olaf College, Northfield, MN 55057-1011, USA

o Tennessee State University

o Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa Falls, GA 30598, USA

o Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada

o Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2065 Half Day Road, Deerfield, IL 60015, USA

o Triune Biblical University, P.O.Box 912, Kelso, WA 98626, USA

o University of Alaska, 3211 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA

o University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

o University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East Ninth Ave C288, CO 80262, USA

o University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, USA

o Univeristy of Cincinnati, ML 00091, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201, USA

o University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

o University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada

o University of Michigan, Rackham Graduate School, Ann Arbour, MI 48109-1070, USA

o University of North Carolina

o University of Waterloo

o University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pnsacola, FL 32514, USA

o University of Washington, 1410 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

o University of Winnipeg

o University of Victoria, P.O.Box 3025, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P2, Canada

o Washington Bible College, 6511 Princess Garden Parkway, Lanham, Maryland 20706, USA

o Wenatchee Valley College, 1300 5th St, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA

o Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA

o Westmont College, 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108-1023, USA

o Wheaton College, 501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA

o Whithworth College, Spokane, WA 99251-0105, USA

o York University, 4700 Keele Street, North York, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada


How can I pay the Bible School/Upward Bound fees?

There are 2 possible ways to pay:

1) Bank Transfer: Please use the Account Number 17400007708 at Tauernhof’s bank “Die Steiermärkische”, A-8970 Schladming, Austria (International Bank Account ‘IBAN’: AT252081517400007708, Bank Identifier Code ‘BIC’: STSPAT2G).


2) Visa/MasterCard: It is possible to pay online by Visa or MasterCard. Please see the payment window in the footer of this website and ensure that you give details of the course you are attending as the reference.

How do I find train schedules to and from Tauernhof?

Just visit the website for the:


– German Railway: www.bahn.de

– Austrian Railway: www.oebb.at


How do I get to Tauernhof?

Flying: The nearest airport is Salzburg. The cheapest way to get to Schladming from the airport is by train. To get to the main train station “Hauptbahnhof” from the airport in Salzburg, take bus # 2, then follow the train directions below. Alternatively, it is possible to get a minibus transfer which although is more expensive than the train, it has the advantage of picking you up directly from the airport and is available any time of day. Please see http://www.reisen-habersatter.at/transfer-buchen-en.php?a=1 for more information and how to book.

From North America cheaper flights to London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Vienna and Munich are frequently available. From all of these cities there are train connections to Schladming (See www.bahn.de or www.oebb.at).


Train: Schladming is easily accessible by train from anywhere in Europe. From Salzburg “Hauptbahnhof” take any train going towards Graz, Austria. It will stop in Schladming but you may have to switch trains in Bischofshofen which is approx. 30 minutes after Salzburg. There are several train connections from Salzburg to Schladming available each day. See website www.oebb.at for detailed train schedule information. Travel time from Salzburg is approx. 1 1/2 hours, Munich approx. 4 hours.

Tauernhof is located by the base station of the Planai ski area gondola “Planai Bahn”, right next to the “Charly Kahr” ski and sport shop.

How much pocket money do I need?

This is a very individual consideration. While you are at Tauernhof, you really would not need any additional money, except for any extra food you eat or offered trips you may want to take part in during the weekends (these trips cost on average around 15 Euros).


Generally, you will need money for any outreaches which are not local. Of course, any skiing or other such activities require an appropriate amount of money. So…in many ways, it is up to you!

I have additional travel plans. What do you advise?

If you are making any additional travel plans prior or subsequent to the course, or between if you are attending consecutive courses at more than one European Torchbearers’ School, you may want to purchase a Eurail pass before coming, or if you are under 26, you may buy an Inter-Rail pass, available at most European train stations. For detailed information regarding train passes, please check www.oebb.at (there is an English language option). An International Student Identification Card and an International Youth Hostel Card are also valuable. If you are traveling in Europe for the first time, a valuable investment is a guidebook such as “Let’s Go” which is updated yearly (Harvard Student Agencies Inc., St. Martins Press, New York).

If I stay for only 90 days in Austria, do I need a Visa?

If you don’t stay longer than 90 days in Europe, and have no plans to return to Europe in the next 6 months after leaving Europe, you don’t need a Visa. Note that if you are a non-European national, you may only spend 90 days in Europe without a Visa in any given 6 month period.

This does not apply for people from Asia and Africa who will always need a Visa for the duration of the time in Europe.

Is it possible to obtain details of other students before Bible School/Upward Bound starts?

Unfortunately we are not able to provide details of other students due to data protection reasons.

Is it possible to send luggage to be stored at Tauernhof before I arrive and to store luggage at Tauernhof if I go traveling after Bible School/Upward Bound?

Generally speaking it is possible but we must advise you to be careful. During these past years, the austrian postal company has charged students with large amount of customs fees for their pre-send luggage. This often comes as a surprise because it is to be paid upon arrival of the luggage, not before. At Tauernhof, we encourage you to rather not send in luggage from outside the EU (incl.UK) to Tauernhof.The customs fee often exceeeds the actual value of the clothing in the bags/suitcases.


You are welcome to bring luggage in person and store it here for your course and you are also welcome to store luggage at Tauernhpf after your course for a few weeks.

Is it worth bringing my mountain bike to Spring Bible School?

Yes!

There are plenty of excellent mountain bike routes nearby and there is a secure bike shed where you can store your bike

Is it worth bringing my skis or snowboard to Fall Bible School?

Definitely! Tauernhof is located right next to the base station of a World Cup ski area (the Planai mountain) – please see the Planai website for more information.


The official opening of the season is in December but skiing is normally possible from mid-November. In the last few weeks of Fall Bible School, there will be opportunities to hit the slopes at the weekend or during sport afternoons. If you plan to take advantage of this during your stay here, it would make sense to bring your skis or snowboard.


If you need to rent ski equipment, we have a good relationship with the ski rental shop located next door to Tauernhof.

What do I need to know about using my electrical devises?

The electrical current in Austria is 220 Volts A.C. 50 Hz. Therefore if you intend to bring any electrical appliances, you may need to bring a voltage converter as well as an adaptor plug.

What does a normal week look like for a student?

During the week, students have classes in the morning and some evenings. Afternoons and evenings after lectures are free for study, sports, outreaches, trips, socializing, duties etc. Students also meet during the week for family groups and various other activities. On Friday night we offer a social event which is organized by students and staff.


During the week, students normally have 3 classes from 9.20 – 12.20. On Monday evening, Wednesday evening and Thursday evening there is normally 1 lecture from 19.30 – 20.20.


Saturdays are free. We organize every Saturday outings for our students in which they are free to participate in (extra costs involved for transportation, admission fees etc.).


On Sundays we have a brunch and in the evening a worship service at the school.

What exactly is included in the student fee?

Included in the tuition and fees are:

– Lodging and meals

– Email/Internet access

– Laundry and detergent

– all books

– USB Stick

– use of Tauernhof sports equipment for organized activities


Not included in the tuition and fees are:

– The student visa required for students not from the European union (EUR €120,00) staying longer than 3 months in Europe (see FAQ Do I need a visa if I plan to stay longer than 3 months in Europe and what do I need to apply for a visa?)

– Health and accident insurance during Bible school

– Postage and telephone calls

– Travel expenses

– Outings on Saturdays

What happens if I am sick and need to visit a doctor?

There are always staff members available, and our RA’s sleep in the dorm building and are available 24 hours a day. This means that in an emergency we are available around the clock. There is a hospital about 5 minutes away (by car) and a family doctor who is fluent in English in our neighborhood. We have a good relationship with other specialists in the area as well.

What is the best way to access my money in Austria?

The easiest way to get money is to use your bank/debit/credit card and withdraw the money from a nearby ATM (less than 1 minute walk from Tauernhof).

What should I bring to Tauernhof?

Because of limited space, and also for traveling convenience, we suggest that you bring only what is essential. Here is information to help you know what to bring.


Clothing: Located in the Austrian Alps, Tauernhof experiences a typical temperate and mountain climate, with a fair degree of temperature variation and precipitation. Therefore you should bring some warm clothing for both indoors and outdoors. We suggest that you bring easy-care clothes that may be put in a dryer. You can label your clothes for easier identification. Our dress standards require students to maintain a general neatness in appearance. Neat clothing should be worn for lectures, meals, outreaches, and other activities.

For meetings on Sundays, students are expected to dress up appropriately. For graduation, we encourage both men and women to bring “special occasion”-clothing (such as dress or suit). Bring along some clothes suitable for practical work, both outdoors and indoors. For the fitness plan and recreation you should also bring running shoes, shorts, and a swim suit and hiking boots if wanted. A bathrobe and slippers are also advisable.


Other: You must bring a good print version English Bible (a translation such as NASB, NIV, NKJV,ESV or similar, not a paraphrase – Tauernhof has concordances, commentaries and Bible dictionaries) as well as pens for lecture notes and assignments. We encourage you to bring a laptop for taking notes during lectures. A fair amount of documents with student information will be uploaded to an internal Student Portal,  an electronical device to access it is necessary. If you do not have a laptop then we can provide certain information on paper, paper note books can be purchased in town.


Also be sure to bring towels and toiletries (bedding is provided). Please note that the electrical current in Austria is 220 Volts A.C. 50Hz. Therefore if you intend to bring any electrical appliances, you may need to bring a voltage converter as well as an adapter plug. Please note as well that radios, CD players, and MP3’s may only be used with headphones. We encourage you to bring along any portable musical instrument that you play.


What will the weather be like?

In Fall it can be sunny and mild from September to October but by mid November the snow has normally arrived and it will be very cold by the time Fall School ends.


In Spring it can be cold and snowy in April but by the time Spring School ends it can be warm and sunny.

What is the typical age of a student?

We warmly welcome students of all ages over 18. We have even had a ‘student’ aged 76!

However, please note that the typical average age of the student body in recent years has been 21 and so older applicants should bear that in mind before coming. In our experience, when older students understand that and choose to embrace it, it is a great blessing for them and the younger students.

When is the deadline for applying for Bible School/Upward Bound?

There is no deadline to apply but the sooner you do, the better your chances of getting a place! To check if there are still places available, please see the “Course Information” Pages on our website .

Where can I stay if I arrive early for Bible School/Upward Bound?

Because of cleaning activities, we don’t have beds available if you arrive early for Bible School. But there are several hotels, bed & breakfasts, as well as a youth hostel nearby Tauernhof. We recommend that you book a room in advance.


To check availability and make a reservation, please visit the Schladming Tourist Information website.

Where can visitors stay and have meals?

Visitors are welcome to stay at Tauernhof and enjoy meals if there is space available (please ask the Receptionist). Please be aware that in recent times Tauernhof has been too booked up to be able to have visitors to stay, but there are also plenty of places to stay in the area. We recommend that they book a room in advance.


To check availability and make a reservation, please visit the Schladming Tourist Information website.

Will I have internet access at Tauernhof?

At Tauernhof we provide wireless Internet all over campus. If you don´t have a Laptop, you can use our student PC´s in the Eagle’s Nest.

What about the food?

Because food intolerances are unfortunately on the increase, we cannot accommodate all food requests for reasons of space and staff. If required, it is only possible to prepare vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free meals. We would like to point out that all dishes may contain traces of gluten and lactose. Please make sure you mention it in your application.