The math classes are determined by the sending school. Swiss Semester teaches to the sending school curriculum and will often have classes in geometry, algebra II, pre-calculus, calculus, and integrated math. Emphasis is placed on making relevant to everyday life with examples often drawn from the surroundings. Generally, the class size for most math classes is 3-6 students.

Generally French and Spanish are taught at Swiss Semester. The levels and the material covered in those classes is determined by the sending school curriculum. All levels of French and Spanish are taught at Swiss Semester. Generally, the class size for most foreign language classes is 3-8 students. Along with covering the sending school curriculum, the emphasis is on speaking the foreign language at all times in class and to continue practicing during travels (especially for French speakers).

English classes are an intellectual journey. Students will read and become immersed in fiction and non-fiction, learn together in a positive and open classroom, self-actualize to become stronger writers and critical thinkers while helping each other along the way. Students will write in various genres to enhance perceptions, thinking, and understanding while living in Switzerland and visiting France and Italy. This occurs in the form of a journal as well as more formal papers and assignments. Sometimes, to analyze and experience the readings, students will transform themselves into artists, actors, and writers, as active engagement with the words helps inform alternate perspectives. Students will advocate for what they need, work hard while having fun, they will catch a fish, hold a metaphor, find a moment of inspiration, and then feel confident enough to move forward, and let that fish go.

As a collaborative, discussion based class, students’ engagement and enthusiasm are key to shaping the course. We rely on their contributions, thoughts, ideas, arguments, and questions. By shaping their own learning environments, growth is enhanced, and in turn, others grow and learn too. We encourage them to create space and occupy it at the same time — show true intellectual generosity. We are here to push, guide, and facilitate it.

Class size is 11-13 students. Students will read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare as they are used to help further our understanding during our travels to France and Italy. In addition, students will read and analyze short stories, poetry, and other books as selected by the teachers.

This course is a survey of Western painting, sculpture, and architecture produced from the Prehistoric period through the Baroque era. The classes will focus primarily on European Art only because it is the culture that we are embedded in during our semester. Students will become familiar with the history and key works of art from each period and culture which as a result will strengthen students’ perception and communication skills. Interpretation of art develops descriptive and analytical skills and it increases the understanding of oneself and others. In addition to tests, quizzes, and presentations, this course requires a term paper, researched in Venice and completed in the latter half of the semester. Class size is 11-14 students.

Geology classes will explore the local landscape in Zermatt to learn about Earth’s interconnected and ever-evolving systems, and students will study processes that take place in different scales of time and space. The class will focus on landscapes, glaciers and climate change, water and its signatures, the rock cycle, minerals, mountain-building processes and natural hazards. This course is an invitation for students to change the way they approach the environment and the natural processes that model it. This is an invitation to put the “geology filter” on and explore the beautiful Earth with new eyes! Geology classes include 4-5 hour outdoor labs in the mountains of Zermatt. Class size is 11-13 students.

This class meets to discuss world “headline” news. Particular emphasis is placed on European relations and U.S. foreign policy.