A Semester in Switzerland
Study Abroad
Swiss Semester is a coeducational program of academic, personal, and physical challenge for nearly fifty high school sophomores from independent and public schools in the United States and beyond. Swiss Semester’s campus is Zermatt, Switzerland — an outdoor paradise that epitomizes the security, stability, health & wellness, and natural beauty for which Switzerland is renowned.
A Semester in Switzerland
Personal Growth
Swiss Semester provides students with ample opportunity for personal growth and insight. Living together in a foreign country with students and teachers from across the U.S. and globe — they live, learn, and share new, exciting, and challenging experiences. Students gain perspective, practice empathy, and nurture self-reliance.
Setting aside social media and personal technology, they develop an increased awareness of their surroundings and consider more fully how their actions affect others. Former Swiss Semester students mention an increased independence, greater academic focus, and better study & time management skills as additional benefits of the program. Students leave with pride in their accomplishments and return to their communities and high schools with strengthened can-do attitudes.
A Semester in Switzerland
Academics
It is important to understand that Swiss Semester is, first and foremost, an academic program with high expectations that attracts academically excellent applicants. Swiss Semester offers adventure, challenge, and preparation for very competitive colleges. Because of the personal and intellectual growth experienced during the semester, most students seek greater academic challenge upon returning to their sending high schools. Many later attain admission at competitive colleges and universities. All the classes at Swiss Semester incorporate outdoor adventures, cultural travels, and the student’s personal development in the course material to create an integrated experiential learning experience.