Every year at Leysin American School, our Summer in Switzerland program brings students from around the world to our Alpine campus for the summer of a lifetime, and this year is proving to be no exception. With a diverse range of classes, engaging clubs, and thrilling outdoor activities, our summer experience continues to offer the perfect blend of growth and fun. Students are immersed in a vibrant mix of learning, adventure, creativity, and friendship, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
As students arrive, they are greeted by our friendly and passionate staff and introduced to their dorms and Faculty Families, small, diverse groups of same-aged students led by dedicated staff. A signature LAS experience that mirrors our full-year program, Faculty Families help students instantly feel at home by providing smaller groups for conversations and fun activities. Alongside Faculty Families, orientation activities, campus tours, and a hike up the local mountain, the Berneuse, help everyone settle in and bond through shared experiences.
At Leysin American School, experiential learning is at the heart of everything we do, and our summer program takes students to new heights, literally and figuratively. Students engage in a wide variety of academic and enrichment classes including language acquisition, AI and robotics, visual and performing arts, music, Model United Nations, and more. Our bespoke leadership programs, the Alpine Leadership Program and Experiential Entrepreneurship, challenge students to think boldly, lead confidently, and solve real-world problems. Whether brainstorming solutions for a sustainable future or learning to adapt to diverse and challenging Alpine environments, students learn through experiencing, exploring, and pushing boundaries in a safe and supportive setting.
Afternoons are alive with hands-on clubs ranging from cooking and baking to robotics and sports. Students express themselves through paint, performance, and play, and are always encouraged to try something new. Evenings bring a perfect blend of fun and connection, with campfires, themed socials, karaoke, and games. One cherished tradition is Family Day, when summer Faculty Families choose destinations for a full day of exploration and bonding, from hiking scenic trails to laser tag and chocolate factory tours.
Every Friday afternoon, students indulge in unique and thrilling experiences during Fantastic Fridays, taking a break from routine to immerse themselves in something new. Past favorites have included canyoning, paddle boarding, escape rooms, a high ropes course, surfing, and laser tag.
Weekends bring a whirlwind of discovery across Switzerland and beyond. Our Junior Program students dive into adventures like raft-building on Alpine lakes, exploring the historic beauty of nearby Bern, and learning about engineering at the Transport Museum in Lucerne. Our Senior campers set off on breathtaking journeys, from marveling at the Matterhorn in Zermatt and walking on air at Glacier 3000 to wandering the elegant streets of Gstaad. Some even venture into France to spend a magical day in the lakeside town of Annecy, soaking up the sights, markets, and canal-lined charm. These trips offer more than sightseeing, they foster independence, curiosity, and cultural appreciation.
Our dorms offer majestic views of the surrounding mountains and sit just above the village of Leysin. With just a short walk, students can safely explore the local community in their free time, even practicing their French if they’re taking a language course. It’s wonderful to see them venturing out into our magical setting, in groups of new friends formed in our nurturing and supportive environment.
To recognize student creativity and effort throughout the sessions, we hold showcases highlighting performing arts, visual arts, and academic and leadership presentations. Our final banquet and Summer Family Soirée bring everyone together to share laughs, enjoy new friendships, and celebrate a summer that will be remembered forever.
The LAS Summer in Switzerland program is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people from around the globe come together to explore, learn, and grow. Every year, we watch students conquer homesickness, discover hidden talents, build meaningful friendships, and step far outside their comfort zones. As this summer continues to unfold, we can’t wait to see all the discovery, connection, and unforgettable adventure still to come, the summer of a lifetime, once again in the making.
