Special Programs

At SIS there are a variety of ways to meet friends, grow, practice English, and have fun.

Theater

Got a calling for the stage? In just three weeks, student actors and teachers rehearse for and present both a play and a musical! Past shows have included Over the River and Through the Woods, Grease, Rags to Riches, The Odd Couple, The Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma, and Cut! Auditions are open to all Alpine Exploration and Alpine Adventure students and everyone who auditions is guaranteed to be involved with the theater. Students may enhance their experience by participating in the UK Theatre Highlight Tour during Recreation and Culture Week.

Mountain Adventure

In addition to the regular activities offered each afternoon, students may opt to join a more rigorous alpine activity, like rock climbing or hiking longer distances. Open to all students, Mountain Adventure makes the most of the Swiss Alps, bringing students away from the town and school and out into the countryside. Twice each session there is an opportunity for all interested (and fit!) students to sign up for a two day hike with a stay in an alpine hut.

French Immersion

Where better to learn French than in a French-speaking country, surrounded by tourist attractions you can visit in French? The French Immersion Program, run in collaboration with Concordia Language Villages, the premier language and culture immersion program of North America, immerses a select group of students in French through activities and classes conducted only in French. Students must register for French immersion before arrival. Program space is limited.

ESL

Summer in Switzerland provides students a chance to learn English in an intensive and supportive environment. Upon arrival, students are assessed to determine their English language ability. Beginning ESL students can take four hours of ESL classes, specificallly tailored to the needs of beginning students. Part of class time will be in coordination other teachers who offer a course in their content area modified for beginning ESL students. Intermediate and Advanced ESL students may select one 2-hour ESL course, plus two additional morning courses. In the afternoons, students in the ESL program join the rest of the community, interacting closely with native English speakers. ESL students have a tremendous opportunity to learn and practice English, since English is the common language for all students and staff at SIS.

Daily Schedule:

Mornings
Small classes, ESL for four hours for beginners; two hours for intermediate and advanced students. Intermediate and advanced students sign up for appropriate content-based courses for further English study.
Afternoons
Join the Core Program for activities led in English
Evenings
Join the Core Program for Group Activities led in English
Weekends
Join the Core Program for All-Day Excursions