Starting life at a new school is always an adventure, with many wonderful experiences awaiting the eager student. So much depends on how you embrace fresh challenges and strive to make the most of every life lesson. However, here at Brillantmont we do a great deal to help newcomers to settle in and achieve a true sense of belonging in a new boarding school or day school.

Brillantmont’s school nurse and PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education) teacher, Mrs Brown has some advice:

“Moving to a new school is scary! Add to this a change in country, culture and language and you have a mix that would make anyone tremble! If you are thinking about going to an international school you will find people who might have moved school several times. It’s not easy, whether it’s your first or fifth time.”

“What can you do to prepare yourself and make that important adjustment easier for you? Find out information before you make the move, not just about the country or the location, although this is important, but the things that will matter to you. What’s the school really like? Will you get any help when you arrive? How does the school look after new students? Some schools, like Brillantmont International School in Lausanne have a special welcoming programme.”

“When you register with the school, a current student will contact you by email, before you start. This gives you the chance to ask all those burning questions. The Student Advisor will welcome you on your first day, show you round the school and be there for you if you need any advice or information.”