Is this program for you?

The Teen Residence Program in Leysin, Switzerland is suited to the student who is looking for a well-balanced language + culture immersion program in Leysin. The program is ideal for students who have limited travel experience, are comfortable under the guidance of outgoing and knowledgeable monitors and would like to interact with international students. Please visit the supervision page for more information.

Location

Located at 1263 metres (or almost 4000 feet!) above sea level in the French-speaking Swiss Alps, the mountain resort town of Leysin enjoys an extraordinary amount of sunshine and comfortable temperatures not to mention a breathtakingly beautiful alpine setting!  It is a popular destination year-round and offers visitors a huge range of sporting and cultural activities throughout the seasons.  It is also conveniently located only 30 minutes by train from Lake Geneva providing easy access to a wide variety of places that will make your French learning experience unforgettable!

The "Classic" course centre is located in the centre of Leysin and offers 16 classrooms, two restaurants, a cinema and campus disco as well as big, bright windows offering an unrestricted view of the Swiss Alps in all their glory!  Only 100 metres away are two sports centres that include a swimming pool, climbing wall, tennis and squash courts and fitness center.  Also nearby are numerous shops and cafes where you can spend time chatting (in French of course!) with your new friends.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is provided in the school residence, in comfortable 4 star-rated* rooms with 2 or 3 beds and a private bathroom. Three meals per day are provided in the large dinning hall and vegetarian options are served at each sitting.

For general information on residence accommodation please visit our Residence Q & A page.

Course:

The aim of the Leysin Teen Residence Program is to sharpen your interest in learning French and to awaken any dormant knowledge you may already have.  To achieve this goal, the atmosphere at the course centre and in the classroom is youthful and dynamic, with subjects and teaching methods that are age-appropriate and truly motivating.  Particular emphasis is put on developing communication fluency and self-confidence.  The various areas of language study, such as reading, writing, speaking and listening are all covered and grammar is studied in such a way that you learn without feeling that you are studying in a formal manner. Please see the schedule page for a sample of weekly activities.

You may also choose to further your experience in Leysin with a choice between two optional courses, either one-on-one private lessons, or conversational lessons.

Private lessons consist of an additional five 45 minute lessons per week.  The lessons are based on your individual needs and goals.  With the aid of a detailed questionnaire completed at the start of the course, instructors will modify the lessons to address your specific needs with the French language.

Conversational courses give students the opportunity to express themselves in a more fluent and confident natural manner within everyday situations.  This course consists of two 45 minute lessons per week.

Optional Sports:

With its sunny and warm (but no too hot!) climate, Leysin is the perfect setting for outdoor sports! 

TENNIS

If tennis is your passion, you can enrol in the "Tennis Package", which includes three 2 hour lessons per week taught by professional tennis instructors.  After assessing the level's of each participant, students will be grouped according to ability and given instruction on various aspects of both singles and doubles play. See our price list for fees.

HORSEBACK RIDING

If horses are more your speed, you may want to enroll in the Horseback Riding Package. This option offers fairly intensive lessons and is intended for riders with some previous experience. Lessons take place at the Leysin Horse Riding School and students will ride three times per week for a total of 6 hours. See our price list for fees.

DANCE

If you love to move this is the option for you.  Learn and improve in various dance techniques including hip hop, salsa, modern jazz, etc. Professional instructors will guide you through exciting choreographies and give you the chance to develop some of your own. Dance sessions take place 3 afternoons per week. See our price list for fees.

ADRENALINE

If you aren't happy unless your heart is racing then the Adrenaline package might be just your speed! Decked out in all the safety equipment you'll need, you'll find yourself behind the handlebars of a mountain bike, making hair-raising descents down a staggered slope. And then test your skills on a toboggan as you zoom along a curving track from the top of a 3,000m glacier. These exciting adventures take place 3 afternoons per week. See our price list for fees.

Teachers:

The teaching staff are fully-qualified young and dynamic native speakers.  They set out to create a relaxed, amusing and motivating atmosphere with lesson themes that you can relate to.  During extra-curricular activities, teachers and experienced counsellors will continue to encourage you to use French so you can get as much practice time as possible!

The following program features are included in the price:

• 20 or 25 lessons per week (4 or 5 lessons per day)
• Each lesson is 45 minutes
• Study materials
• Language level test on first day of classes
• Certificate of attendance and achievement
• 1 full day excursion every week
• 1 half-day excursion every week
• Varied daily sports and cultural activity program (see the sample schedule for more info)
• Fully supervised evening activities
• Optional sports and "adventure" activities (horseback-riding, tennis)
• Internet access
• Double or triple room accommodation in residence
• 3 meals per day
• Pocket money service (similar to on-campus mini-bank)
• Return transfer for Geneva airport (see the Getting There page for more info)
• 24-hour emergency support
• Comprehensive Medical and Travel Insurance (Only available for US citizens/residents)