At Leysin American School, experiential learning is at the heart of our educational philosophy, and our ongoing partnership with the Leysin artisanal coffee roasting company Horizonte continues to be a standout example of how powerful these opportunities can be. Thanks to the Entrepreneurial Program for Innovators and Changemakers (EPIC) curriculum from Babson College (which teaches entrepreneurship as a mindset rooted in creativity, resilience, thoughtful risk-taking, and meaningful impact), our students are able to step beyond classroom theory and explore innovation in real-world contexts.
Our collaboration with Horizonte brings these concepts vividly to life. The roastery’s founder shared his entrepreneurial journey, explaining how passion for coffee rather than profit was his motivation, and how independence, personal fulfillment, and time in the mountains with his family shaped his business. This perspective showed students that entrepreneurship is as much about values and lifestyle as it is about business strategy.
Over two weeks this autumn, students took part in immersive workshops both at the Horizonte roastery and at the coffee van, learning everything from environmental sustainability in the coffee industry to ethical sourcing, distribution channels, roasting techniques, and barista skills. They also learned how to craft the perfect—and ever-popular—flat white! Students roasted, tasted, and packaged the school’s next coffee shipment, gaining firsthand insight into product development and the complexity behind a seemingly simple cup of coffee. The experience culminated in a community coffee pop-up at our Belle Époque campus, where students showcased their new skills for peers and teachers and reflected on what they learned about entrepreneurship, marketing, and delivering a polished final product.
This meaningful partnership with Horizonte captures exactly what we aim to achieve through experiential learning at Leysin American School: hands-on, meaningful, and impactful educational opportunities that connect academic studies to real-world practice. We are grateful for Horizonte’s continued collaboration and proud of our students’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and hard work. Experiences like these not only enrich our curriculum but also inspire students to think more entrepreneurially by embracing creativity, purpose, and the confidence to chart their own paths!
