--- title: School Blog | Brillantmont International School in Switzerland (33) description: Brillantmont International School is a fully accredited day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 13-18 in the centre of Lausanne. (33) --- [![Brillantmont-Logo](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/hubfs/CBY%20Templates/img/logo/Brillantmont-Logo.png?width=471&height=81&name=Brillantmont-Logo.png "Brillantmont-Logo")](https://www.brillantmont.ch/) - [Blog](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog) - [School](https://www.brillantmont.ch/school/our-school) - [Admissions](https://www.brillantmont.ch/admissions/why-brillantmont) - [Learning](https://www.brillantmont.ch/learning/overview) - [Boarding](https://www.brillantmont.ch/boarding/overview) ![Brillantmont-International-School-Blog-and-News](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/hubfs/Brillantmont-International-School-Blog-and-News.jpg?width=1900&name=Brillantmont-International-School-Blog-and-News.jpg "Brillantmont-International-School-Blog-and-News") # Blog ![Summer Course in Lausanne - Switzerland - Brillantmont International School](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/hubfs/CTAs/Summer%20Course%20in%20Lausanne%20-%20Switzerland%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg?width=1600&name=Summer%20Course%20in%20Lausanne%20-%20Switzerland%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Summer Course in Lausanne - Switzerland - Brillantmont International School") ## [Explore the languages of life in Switzerland, Lausanne & Brillantmont!](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/213624/explore-the-languages-of-life-in-switzerland-lausanne-brillantmont) August 30, 2012 | [1 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/213624/explore-the-languages-of-life-in-switzerland-lausanne-brillantmont#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18193983-png/images/bm_room_1.png) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/213624/explore-the-languages-of-life-in-switzerland-lausanne-brillantmont) One of the most unique aspects of life in Switzerland is diversity. The Swiss population is one of the most multicultural in all of Europe, reflected in its wealth of **linguistic contrasts** – French, German, Italian and Romansh are all official languages, with English spoken widely across the country too. [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/213624/explore-the-languages-of-life-in-switzerland-lausanne-brillantmont) ## [Lausanne: the best schooling in Switzerland](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/212384/lausanne-the-best-schooling-in-switzerland) August 24, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/212384/lausanne-the-best-schooling-in-switzerland#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18198055-jpg/images/ecole_h%C3%B4teli%C3%A8re_de_lausanne.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/212384/lausanne-the-best-schooling-in-switzerland) 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? [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/212384/lausanne-the-best-schooling-in-switzerland) ## [Life in multicultural Lausanne](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/209415/life-in-multicultural-lausanne) August 17, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/209415/life-in-multicultural-lausanne#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18199825-png/images/screen_shot_2012-08-17_at_7.22.53_pm.png) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/209415/life-in-multicultural-lausanne) 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. [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/209415/life-in-multicultural-lausanne) ## [5 Reasons to Enjoy Living in Switzerland](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/202541/5-reasons-to-enjoy-living-in-switzerland) August 9, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/202541/5-reasons-to-enjoy-living-in-switzerland#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18199251-jpg/images/life-in-switzerland.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/202541/5-reasons-to-enjoy-living-in-switzerland) The first [World Happiness Report](http://www.earth.columbia.edu/sitefiles/file/Sachs%20Writing/2012/World%20Happiness%20Report.pdf) 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? [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/202541/5-reasons-to-enjoy-living-in-switzerland) ## [Gap year possibilities: “My gap year in Costa Rica”](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/201426/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-in-costa-rica) August 3, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/201426/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-in-costa-rica#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18196013-jpg/images/brillantmont-international-school_marion_pic.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/201426/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-in-costa-rica) ## **My gap year in Costa Rica by Marion who graduated from Brillantmont in June 2011:** “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.” [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/201426/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-in-costa-rica) ## [A guide to university preparation: taking the psychological leap](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/195685/a-guide-to-university-preparation-taking-the-psychological-leap) July 26, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/195685/a-guide-to-university-preparation-taking-the-psychological-leap#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18196087-jpg/images/brillantmont-psychological-university-preparation-.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/195685/a-guide-to-university-preparation-taking-the-psychological-leap) 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)](http://www.ucas.com/students/startinguni/faqs/startinguni/faq1) 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. [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/195685/a-guide-to-university-preparation-taking-the-psychological-leap) ## [Gap year possibilities: “My gap year on a Mercy Ship”](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/191662/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-on-a-mercy-ship) July 19, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/191662/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-on-a-mercy-ship#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18195595-jpg/images/brillantmont-gap-year_elise.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/191662/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-on-a-mercy-ship) ## **My gap year on a Mercy Ship, by Elise who graduated from Brillantmont in June 2011:**  “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.” [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/191662/gap-year-possibilities-my-gap-year-on-a-mercy-ship) ## [Reasons for taking a gap year: possibilities & cultural travel](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/182677/reasons-for-taking-a-gap-year-possibilities-cultural-travel) July 12, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/182677/reasons-for-taking-a-gap-year-possibilities-cultural-travel#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18195544-jpg/images/brillantmont-gap-year-opportunities.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/182677/reasons-for-taking-a-gap-year-possibilities-cultural-travel) 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. [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/182677/reasons-for-taking-a-gap-year-possibilities-cultural-travel) ## [After British A Levels & where they take you](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181616/After-British-A-Levels-where-they-take-you) July 6, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181616/After-British-A-Levels-where-they-take-you#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18195972-jpg/images/brillantmont-international-school-studying-for-a-levels.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181616/After-British-A-Levels-where-they-take-you) 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. [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181616/After-British-A-Levels-where-they-take-you) ## [Introduction to A Levels, gateway to the world’s universities: Part 2](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181565/Introduction-to-A-Levels-gateway-to-the-world-s-universities-Part-2) July 3, 2012 | [0 comments](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181565/Introduction-to-A-Levels-gateway-to-the-world-s-universities-Part-2#comments-listing)| by [Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![Sarah Frei](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Sarah%20Frei%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.jpg "Sarah Frei")](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/author/sarah-frei) [![](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/file-18195060-jpg/images/brillantmont-a-levels-class-with-teacher.jpg) ](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181565/Introduction-to-A-Levels-gateway-to-the-world-s-universities-Part-2) We continue on from** [Part 1 of our Introduction to A Levels](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/178838/Introduction-to-A-Levels-gateway-to-the-world-s-universities)**. 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. [Read More](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/bid/181565/Introduction-to-A-Levels-gateway-to-the-world-s-universities-Part-2) [Previous](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/page/32) [All posts](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/all) [Next](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/page/34) ### Subscribe to our blog ### Connect with us - [![BM Instagram - Brillantmont International School](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Misc%20photos/BM%20Instagram%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.png?width=31&height=31&name=BM%20Instagram%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.png)](https://www.instagram.com/brillantmont_is/) - [![BM Facebook - Brillantmont International School](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Misc%20photos/BM%20Facebook%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.png?width=31&height=31&name=BM%20Facebook%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.png)](https://www.facebook.com/Brillantmont) - [![BM YouTube - Brillantmont International School](https://info.brillantmont.ch/hs-fs/hubfs/2022%20-%202023%20School%20Year/Misc%20photos/BM%20YouTube%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.png?width=31&height=31&name=BM%20YouTube%20-%20Brillantmont%20International%20School.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMx5RjHvx5Fb0tzKtZwOmg)   ### Search the Blog Search Google [![Register to visit our School](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/162775/d634f6cf-8be3-4911-b92c-108217b2347f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/162775/d634f6cf-8be3-4911-b92c-108217b2347f) ### Tags - [Swiss Boarding School (244)](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/topic/swiss-boarding-school) - [Study in Switzerland (172)](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/topic/study-in-switzerland) - [Boarding School (112)](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/topic/boarding-school) - [international school (108)](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/topic/international-school) - [Swiss Summer School (61)](https://info.brillantmont.ch/international-boarding-school-blog/topic/swiss-summer-school) ### Newest Posts ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=537066&fmt=gif)