How long have you been working in secondary education?
For 35 years in 9 schools - 7 boarding schools and 2 daytime. I worked with students 4-18 years old: the music director, the head of the residence and the head of the boarding school, the deputy head, the head and the director. I used to live in the UK, London and the South East of England.
What makes Swiss schools so special? Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in Switzerland so much?
The location of the country and its security, reliability are the main reason. Surval School Montreux is located among the most picturesque landscapes on the shore of the lake: it is an inspiring, beautiful place to study and live.
Our students like that they can go to Montreux even without adult accompaniment and spend a lot of time in the fresh air. Even in the midst of the pandemic, we were able to spend the ski season while the rest of the world was closed! We have a lot of space, room for development during all four seasons - cycling in the forest, boating on the lake, skiing in the fresh snow.
Switzerland's proximity to the rest of Europe is also an important advantage. The entire continent is easy and fun to explore. Surval School Montreux has easy access to Geneva, where the headquarters of CERN, UN, WHO are located, and we make the most of this neighborhood.
When it comes to the rankings of the best Swiss schools, what criteria are commonly used? How trustworthy is it?
I don't know such rankings, we don't care about them: Surval School Montreux is chosen by those who are looking for something special, and their decisions are not based on the notorious rating tables.
What are the most important questions parents ask when looking for the right Swiss school?
First of all, safety and reliability for children is assessed. They are also looking for extracurricular activities, opportunities to travel around the country and beyond, in general the lifestyle on campus. Many people choose Surval because they value family values, ethics, a calm atmosphere - this is especially important for girls - the small size of the school, the excellent quality of care and boarding life. Children leave home far and for a long time, because parents so value the opportunity to give their children a family away from the family.
When is the best time to apply to Swiss schools? What should applicants prepare for?
Subject to availability, Surval can enroll throughout the year. And one should prepare for discoveries, exploration and adventure, knowledge of cultures and languages!
What are the most popular subjects for students in recent years?
Our main specialties are expected: English and a second foreign language, natural and social sciences, mathematics. Appreciated by our students and business, ecology, international relations, our complex unique program Savoir-vivre, combining art, etiquette and cooking. We are very attentive to the organization of events, to languages ​​and culture, to global perspectives: our school has a Charity Committee, communities of Germany and Italy, the MUN club, the Society for Sustainable Development. We organize master classes in cooking, art, jewelry making, and our pride - "Inspiring Women" series of online conferences. And, of course, extracurricular activities that are available all the time: hiking and cycling, equestrian sports, downhill and flat skiing, water sports.
How has COVID-19 affected student admission? How does the school help its students during difficult times?
We have never been so busy! In March 2020, the whole world stopped and closed, but Surval School Montreux remained open to students - many chose to stay with us, not return home. For those who did leave, we opened the possibilities of distance learning Surval Education. Our experience and reputation as a great school make Surval School Montreux a first choice school for many - even if education is online. Distance education was very popular among those who chose a year of university preparation at the last moment. We have a record enrollment for the fall semester of 2021.
Is it difficult for a talented child to get a scholarship? What are the average discounts?
Of course, it varies from school to school. We have 10-20% discounts.
At what age do foreign students enter Swiss schools?
You can enroll in Surval School Montreux at any time and throughout the school year, if there is a place on the desired course!
Does every school offer ESL language support to foreign students? Is it important?
We always offer support in English - up to 3 regular lessons are already included in the tuition fee. All our teachers are trained to work with English speakers, for whom English is not their native language, and are able to communicate with everyone.
How much do parents spend per each year? Not including tuition and boarding fees.
Most of our extracurricular activities - on weekends, in the evenings - are already included in the payment. Some trips, skiing, private lessons like music or horse riding are paid separately.
In addition to teacher qualifications, what do parents consider when choosing a school?
Quality of care and overall quality of life.
What advice do you have for potential applicants before entering a school in Switzerland and why?
Above all, make sure you are ready to make the most of all the opportunities that a Swiss education will give you!
