Education in Swiss Boarding Schools: Everything You Need to Know

Swiss education has long-standing traditions and is considered one of the best in the world. One of the most popular types of educational institutions is boarding schools in Switzerland (over 20 establishments with exclusive educational programmes). They are designed for pupils aged 13-18, as independent living on campus (in the educational establishment's dormitory) requires a significant degree of independence from children. They offer quality educational programmes of world-class standard and comprehensive development for each child.

Characteristics of Learning in Swiss Boarding SchoolsIn most cases, private schools in Switzerland have many features in common with other educational establishments. However, they have unique characteristics that demonstrate their specificity.
Language EnvironmentTypically, schools in Switzerland teach educational materials in English. However, teachers are accommodating towards foreign students, creating an international educational environment for children from all over the world. Learning and staying in such a culturally diverse environment is an excellent experience both academically and linguistically.
SpecialisationEducation in Switzerland for Ukrainians is worthwhile because boarding schools pay particular attention to developing specific values or skills in each pupil. For example, there are religious (Catholic, Islamic), arts, sports and even military schools. Shared living amongst pupils and constant access to school facilities are especially important during sports or music lessons.
Support SystemBoarding schools provide comprehensive support to pupils in their development and life path choices. This is not only academic support through tutoring and mentoring. Each school in Switzerland for Ukrainian children has special counselling programmes that help pupils overcome academic and social barriers.
Special NeedsSome boarding schools offer education for pupils with special educational needs, such as Asperger's syndrome, autism or ADHD. There are full-time and part-time integrated classes for children with special educational needs. Teaching for such pupils is conducted by teachers with specialist education.
Tuition feesUnlike most state establishments, each boarding school in Switzerland, the cost of education in which is higher than in comprehensive schools, allocates significant funds for equipment and extracurricular activities. This concerns not only the quantity and quality of IT equipment (computers, interactive whiteboards, etc.) and modern teaching aids, but also the equipment of art studios and sports facilities, organisation of interest clubs and educational programmes outside school.
Small ClassesBoarding schools are distinguished by a low pupil-to-teacher ratio. Learning takes place in small classes accommodating up to 10 pupils. This allows teachers to devote much more time to each student, promoting their effective learning. In a small and interactive environment, pupils are more engaged in the learning process.
Learning ProcessSince dormitories are located on school campuses or in immediate proximity to school buildings, pupils don't waste time and money on journeys. They can devote much more time to learning and school life, as well as take advantage of extracurricular activities and school facilities outside lessons. This also gives them more time for shared leisure and entertainment.Independence and DisciplineBesides lessons, boarding school pupils learn independence and discipline:● daily hygiene● care of clothing and appearance● tidying their room● conscientious fulfilment of school dutiesHowever, the most important skill is adhering to the school timetable. All this allows a child to quickly become independent and will lead to greater self-reliance in a rapidly changing future.
Social ValuesIn Swiss boarding schools, children learn such social values as mutual respect, patience, ability to integrate (teamwork), sensitivity towards others. A child learns to show initiative, be responsible, independent and adapt to new circumstances. Swiss people also highly value punctuality and efficiency.
Friendships for LifeBoarding school pupils note that living together in dormitories during their studies is an excellent way to develop skills and good relationships with peers and teachers, as well as make friends who often transcend not only social, but also linguistic and cultural barriers. Most graduates recount that it was there they found their best friends. These contacts and friendships last a lifetime. After all, traditionally Swiss people have few friends, but their friendships are close and long-lasting.
Cost of Education in SwitzerlandThe price of education in Swiss boarding schools is typically higher than in state day schools, as it also includes the cost of meals and accommodation for the pupil. The Swiss diet is very diverse. It combines German and French cuisines with various sausages, succulent cheeses, pork and fish dishes. For successful learning, many schools provide delicious Swiss chocolate.Additional expenses may arise in the case of: participation in optional activities (studying another language or a particular academic discipline), school trips, excursions, purchase of textbooks, school or sports uniform.The cost of education in Swiss schools also depends on the region. The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons. Almost each of them has its own boarding school. Depending on the region where the establishment is located, education costs on average from 60,000 to 90,000 Swiss francs per year.The oldest and one of the best schools in the world since 1880 is Institut Le Rosey, situated in the Swiss mountains. On average, education there costs $200,000 per year (that's 8,500,000 hryvnia!). It's not called the "School of Kings" for nothing, as among its graduates are:● King of Spain Juan Carlos● King of Egypt Fuad II● King of Belgium Albert II● Shah of Iran● Prince Rainier● Duke of Kent● Prince Karim Aga Khan
Also, Winston Churchill's grandson, actress Elizabeth Taylor, singer John Lennon, and the children of the Rothschilds and Rockefellers studied there. This school is renowned for pupils simultaneously studying several foreign languages. For each pupil, a special educational and extracurricular sports, cultural, technological or arts programme is developed. 60% of pupils play musical instruments or sing. On the establishment's grounds there are football and rugby pitches, an athletics track, basketball courts, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, two fitness halls and a shooting range. For studying plants and conducting gardening lessons, there is a greenhouse with rare specimens that children can analyse and grow independently.No less popular is Aiglon College Switzerland boarding school, founded in 1949. It is located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland – in the village of Chesières, not far from the Villars ski resort. This school operates according to the national educational programmes of Great Britain and the USA. For sitting official examinations, the results of which are recognised in all countries of the world, pupils master Arabic, German, Portuguese, Greek, Danish, Japanese and Russian languages. The average cost of education is $116,394 per year.
Entry RequirementsEach private boarding school in Switzerland has its own requirements for applicants. Before entering a school in Switzerland, each pupil goes through a standard admission procedure. It includes such stages as:attending a presentationinterview with parents and childpreliminary assessment of academic performance based on provided certificates, certificates and examination papers. In some establishments, besides English, knowledge of German, French or Italian is requiredpassing entrance examinationsOne must strictly observe clearly defined deadlines when documents must be submitted for entry to a school in Switzerland.
Why Should You Seek Help from an Educational Agency Consultant at Falcon Education?Approaching an educational consultant means not only substantial support, but also increased confidence in decision-making. After all, failures and disappointments in a chosen field of study are usually connected with insufficient knowledge of one's own inclinations or labour market realities. Professional educational consulting consists of providing up-to-date information about available educational programmes, labour market requirements and career paths in various fields. This allows clients to make decisions based on reliable data, rather than only on peers' opinions or stereotypes. Thus, educational consultations can reduce the risk of making wrong decisions that lead to disappointment or the need for rapid retraining.
Qualified and experienced consultant Olena Naida will help you:find the right educational establishment in Switzerland, Great Britain, the USA, Spain and other EU countries. The best option for your family is chosen based on analysis of your priorities, academic excellence and safetysuccessfully enter a school or university. Full accompaniment and support will be provided at every stage – from submitting a motivation letter and documents to enrolment in the chosen establishmentunlock your child's potential, ensure them a successful future. They will study with pleasure, find new friends and interesting hobbies
You are guaranteed the following advantages:
● individual approach – the consultant will help you select solutions that correspond to your specific preferences and current life situation● objective assessment of opportunities – real analysis of the educational field, labour market, as well as the child's inclinations allows the best selection of educational options that match individual abilities. This assessment includes psychological testing, interviews, as well as analysis of achievements and experience● access to current information – trends in modern education, demand for certain specialists, available educational offerings in the world● emotional support – help in overcoming stress connected with making decisions about education● personal development plan – creation of an individual education strategy. This allows a child to better understand themselves and determine which of their competencies will be crucial in the future
The cost of education in Swiss boarding schools is high, but it corresponds to the quality, exclusivity of the educational programme and comfortable living conditions. If your child studies in such an establishment, they will have high chances of befriending members of royal families, future scientists, show business stars, political figures and other people who will have connections in society.