Every October, Leysin American School students head out across Europe, grade by grade, for a deep dive into the richly varied cultures that are so easily within reach of our beautiful campus in the Swiss Alps. Rock climbing in the Bavarian Alps, soaking up the energy of Seville’s grand plazas, admiring the storied campuses of Edinburgh, and cruising the canals of Venice were just some of the experiences our students enjoyed. Here is a recap of where they went and a slice of what they experienced during another round of Leysin American School’s signature fall cultural trips!
Grades 7,8,9: Exploring the History, Charm, and Fun of Paris, France
Our younger students spent the week in the French capital. They rode the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, met the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, strolled the Champs-Élysées, and tasted freshly baked croissants in charming patisseries, among many other highlights. A dinner cruise on the Seine showed them the city lights from the water, and a full day at Disneyland Paris brought the group together for laughter and thrilling rides.
Grade 10: Outdoor Education, Physical Challenges, and Building Teamwork at Outward Bound in Bavaria, Germany
Grade 10 traveled to the Outward Bound Center in Schwangau, in the Bavarian Alps, for a six-day program built around character and self-reliance. Students worked as a team on initiatives that tested them mentally, physically, and socially. Rock climbing, hiking long trails, and cooking meals over a campfire were just some of the formative experiences. For many, the highlight was the overnight expedition into the mountains.
Grade 11: Five Trips, Five Perspectives
Kraków, Poland: This history-focused trip included a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a sobering experience that deepened students’ understanding of modern history. They also explored the Wieliczka Salt Mines, cruised the Vistula River over dinner, and learned to make pierogi, the beloved Polish dumplings.
Seville & Córdoba, Spain: Based in Seville, students visited the Cathedral and the Santa Cruz neighborhood, explored Córdoba’s old town, including its famous mosque, and spent a day in the coastal city of Cádiz. A paella-making class and a flamenco show added to the immersion in Spanish and Moorish cultures.
London, United Kingdom: The London Arts Trip combined hands-on workshops, West End theater in the evenings, and daytime visits to world-renowned galleries. Students also met arts professionals and learned about the creative industries that thrive in this arts-rich city.
Iceland: The science and geography group toured the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant and the CarbFix facility, watched a lava show, and attended ecology talks at Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park. They learned about sustainable horticulture at the Fridheimar Tomato Farm, met Icelandic horses, and stayed in countryside cabins near Vik, close to the Skógafoss waterfall. Waking in the middle of the night to see the aurora borealis glowing in the sky was a true highlight.
Edinburgh & St Andrews, Scotland: On the University Exploration Trip, students toured the University of St Andrews, the University of Dundee, the University of Stirling, and the University of Edinburgh. They met university representatives and learned about academic programs, student life, and the application process. Some recent Leysin American School graduates also met with students to share firsthand experiences of university life and how to be prepared for the lifestyle and academic rigors ahead.
Grade 12: Venice, Italy
Our seniors explored Venice’s artistic and architectural heritage at Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, and the Arsenale. They sketched at Bacino San Marco, explored the Biennale Architettura, and visited the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of modern art. A traditional mask-making workshop and a classical concert rounded out the week, and of course, plenty of selfies were snapped along the canals.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Whether hiking in Bavaria, descending into a salt mine in Poland, or sketching on the Venetian lagoon, our students learned in ways a classroom can’t offer. These trips build independence, curiosity, and friendships, and they are a big part of what makes the Leysin American School experience special.
