Leysin American School

Age: 10-17 years old.

Dates, 2024: June 24–July 12, July 15–August 3.

The American Leysin School (LAS) is an elite boarding school founded in 1961 in the French-speaking part of the Swiss Alps, not far from Lake Geneva in the resort of the same name - Leysin.

The summer program has been held since 1949, even before the boarding school was opened!

Leysin is one of the most beautiful alpine resorts in Switzerland, it is a 90-minute drive from Geneva Airport and only 18 kilometres from the famous Montreux. It is an ideal place for a private school, quiet and calm. At the same time, cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel are very close.

In summer, LAS offers vacation programs with the study of foreign languages ​​and an exciting program.

KEY FACTORS

• The school is located within walking distance from the centre of the town, where there are shops, restaurants, cafes, sports centres and a cinema, where you can always watch a movie in English.
• Every year, students from different countries come to the program, which guarantees a unique multinational composition and new friends around the world.
• This is a very eventful, dynamic and innovative summer program! Students will be able to get the maximum for their development.

EQUIPMENT

The school has excellent equipment: a computer room, a huge library, art and music studios, a cafe, a gym with exercise machines, a sports hall and a cinema where English-speaking films are shown, shops.

PROGRAM

Language program

Language program: classes are held in English or French. Classes are available for students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. This is an intensive course that immerses children in their chosen language to build skills and confidence. Within each group, students are divided by age and ability. This program will also require students to participate in a day club dedicated to developing language skills.

Leadership Courses

Alpine Leadership: The Alpine Leadership Program challenges students to push beyond their comfort zone in a safe and fun environment. Through activities such as rock climbing, camping, hiking, orienteering, first aid, and survival skills, students obtain knowledge and experience of outdoor leadership practices and competencies. These skills are then put to the test while outdoor rock climbing, overnight camping, and cooking on a glacier. Students will spend time researching and reflecting on environmental issues facing our mountains today. This program equips students to be future leaders in the outdoors and beyond. (additional 500 CHF fee)

Innovation, Creativity, & Entrepreneurship (ICE): In the LAS Summer Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Program, students explore what it takes to be a successful social innovator, how to define problems, devise solutions for impact, envision the future, and turn ideas into action. Through collaboration with peers and industry leaders, the students explore big questions and work together to think critically and creatively about problem-solving. Combined with this group work, the students attend workshops and excursions geared towards team building and the discovery of innovative industries and organizations in Switzerland. (additional 500 CHF fee)

Creative Writing: In this course, students will engage in a variety of projects that allow them to develop their intellectual curiosity while looking at how humankind has transformed and explored the world (and universe) around them through creative writing. Throughout the course, they will examine various writing styles and examples of the successes and strategies of other writers. In addition, they will learn to read and discuss texts as writers and practice writing in different genres. Finally, they will improve writing skills that transfer to the school year, such as touch typing, note taking, and citation, and they will have ample opportunities to hone their public speaking skills. 

Da Vinci Lab: Students who like to build things, take things apart, use their hands, and use technology will enjoy having time to pursue their interests through individual and collaborative projects in an environment dedicated to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Students will learn to do 3D modeling using Tinkercad for 3D printing and how to upcycle materials to create unique art pieces or practical items. Past projects have included a trebuchet, a world map, earrings, and a pet carrier, to name a few! 

Environmental Science & Sustainability: Gain scientific knowledge of the natural world, the living organisms that inhabit it, and social sciences at the core of sustainability. The 21st century will be defined by changes to the planet and the resulting issues for society and the economy. In this course, you will learn how to apply sustainable principles to make meaningful differences that will help serve humanity.

Film & Literature: Students will analyze the literary, dramatic, and cinematic devices of film through small group and whole class discussion, in formal and informational writing, and through collaborative projects with classmates. Through questioning and critical analysis, students will become more perceptive viewers of film.

Applied Statistics: The science of statistics deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data.  We see and use data in our everyday lives.  In this course, students will gain an understanding of data analysis tools that will help them better understand the world and help them make better decisions.  Students will learn how statistics are used to make inferences in a variety of real-world situations. 

Critical Thinking and Logic: A great benefit of learning logic is that it trains students to think clearly in all subjects by helping them organize, make connections, and draw conclusions about all types of information. Using logic, a person evaluates arguments and strives to distinguish between good and bad reasoning, or between truth and falsehood. Using logic, students will learn to evaluate ideas or claims people make, make good decisions, and form sound beliefs about the world.

Geometry: Geometry exists everywhere in the world around us. We use it to build bridges, to construct maps, to design symmetry in sports and dance, and to create perspective in paintings. Throughout this course, students will use problem solving and real-world applications to gain the knowledge of geometric concepts and their practical uses. 

Model United Nations: This course is designed to provide an orientation to the activities of the United Nations, as well as providing an understanding of the modalities of international diplomacy. This course will include current events, pressing international issues, the basics of international law and some of the protocol and procedures of diplomacy. Students will participate in group and individual research as well as debate current global issues.

ACCOMMODATION

Pupils live in comfortable residences, in rooms for 2-4 people with all amenities. Boys and girls live in detached buildings.

SPORT

Swimming, basketball, beach volleyball, soccer, mini-golf, ice skating, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

In the afternoon, children take part in interest clubs. Classes are held in small groups, students work communicating to achieve a common goal.

• Team Sports
• Cooking & Baking
• Hiking and Climbing
• Robotics and Programming
• Visual Arts
• Performing Arts

ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES

In the evenings, the school conducts an entertainment program, the goal of which is to rally and engage all students in interaction. The program is called "Family Optional." Each student belongs to his family, and conduct classes "optional parents". Evening classes include:

• Team building exercises
• Talent show
• Casino
• International evening
• Disco
• Competition
• Game "Quiz"
• Game "Treasure Search"
• Bowling

EXCURSIONS

Guided tours are held on weekends. Among the possible excursions visiting cities of Switzerland: Lausanne, Geneva, Montreux, the capital of the country Bern.

COST, 2024

3 weeks - CHF 8,800
6 weeks - CHF 15,800

Included in cost

• Teaching
• Accommodation and meals
• The whole excursion and entertainment program

Extra paid

• Flight
• Visa
• Insurance
• Transfers from and to the airport
• Services of our company

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We operate since 1996
• Choose camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers
• We place children only in camps which provides good accommodation
• Conducted a personal inspection of almost all the schools that we offer
• We do not work with the mass segment, only camps for discerning customers
• You can call us 24/7
• We inform you about the particularities of each course
• What customers appreciate us for