Lausanne is known for its international schools, not least of all Brillantmont, but what other educational opportunities are there in and around this picturesque city? For students soon to enter higher education, there’s a wealth of options for schooling in Switzerland, with many available here in Lausanne. From leading technical universities to the world-famous hospitality schools that have produced many leading industry figures – will you be the next one?
You may have already decided upon one of Lausanne’s excellent international schools, but what of the city itself? Home of the International Olympic Committee and situated alongside the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, Switzerland’s fifth largest city has much to offer and enrich the lives of our students here at Brillantmont.
The first World Happiness Report from Columbia University in New York was published earlier this year, ranking Switzerland the seventh happiest place on Earth, well ahead of countries like the United States, France, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. What is it about living in Switzerland that’s so appealing?
“Originally, I had hoped to work with children, probably teaching, in Asia. However, choosing a gap year project was not easy. Be warned: there are many gap year operations that don’t even know the people they claim to help and make you pay a fortune to volunteer. Gap year travel is a lucrative business.”
When making university preparations there are a great many things to consider. Excellent guides such as this one from the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) outline many practicalities, from arranging one’s finances to securing decent accommodation. While this information is useful, what is less understood and explained is how our budding scholars must prepare themselves psychologically for what is often a life-changing experience, lasting anywhere between three years and the best part of a decade.
“Last year, for various reasons, it seemed like a good time to take a gap year. I wanted to travel and learn in a non-school environment before I attended university. Mercy Ships is an organisation which brings hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor in West Africa by providing free healthcare-all kinds of surgeries, eye treatment, and dental care.”
The academic year is now over and the Brillantmont International School summer course, for students aged 11-16, has started. However, for some 17 and 18-year-olds who have reached the end of their school career and opted not to go straight to university, an entire gap year of possibilities lies ahead.
The school holidays can be a useful time to get together with your child and talk about their future plans. For older children this is particularly important, as the time will soon come when they need to start planning to leave Brillantmont and embark on their further education at university.
We continue on from Part 1 of our Introduction to A Levels. This time, why is the A Level better than the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students with unique strengths, and we tell you a little about the British programme here at Brillantmont International School.
The days following end of year examinations are often a time for reflection, both for students and their parents, with thoughts of the year that was and the years that will be. For many students across the world approaching the ages of 15 and 16, it will soon be time to decide which route to take to university - a sobering thought indeed, at such a tender young age!
