FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrival and Departure
Will my child be met at the airport upon arrival?
Yes. LAS Summer in Switzerland provides transportation from Geneva Airport on official arrival and departure days. Flights should arrive and depart between 09:00 and 18:00. Our staff members will be at the airport all day on official arrival days and will meet your child at the LAS Summer in Switzerland welcome booth located in the Arrival Hall. If your child cannot arrive on an official arrival date, there is an additional charge of CHF 350 per student per transfer to arrange special transport to the school. Please note that LAS Summer in Switzerland cannot provide accommodation for a student arriving before the start date or departing after the end date of the program.
What time should my child arrive at/depart from LAS Summer in Switzerland?
We recommend that students traveling by plane schedule flights that arrive at/depart from Geneva Airport between 09:00 to 18:00. Students traveling directly to the school should arrive on campus between 10:00 to 17:00 on the arrival day. On departure days, students should be picked up and leave campus by 12:00 (unless they are using the LAS airport shuttle).
How will we know when our child has arrived?
When a child arrives at Geneva Airport, one of our staff members will help them call home. Children will also be asked in their dorms to phone home or send an email on the first night. If they do not have their own mobile phone, they can call from a school phone. LAS Summer in Switzerland will also email the primary contact of students arriving alone.
Accommodation and Wellbeing
Will my child be housed with other children their age?
Yes, students will live in dorms with and among students who are in the same age and gender group as them.
Are siblings/friends allowed to room together?
No. At LAS Summer in Switzerland, we have many children from around the world who are away from home for the first time. Part of the summer experience is learning to mix with children from different cultures—an important and enjoyable part of our program. The Summer Director will consider rooming requests only in exceptional circumstances.
Will you let children who speak the same language room together?
No. We always separate children who speak the same language in order to encourage them to communicate with their roommates in English.
Do you have a laundry service or does my child have to do his/her own laundry?
At LAS Summer in Switzerland, students learn independence by doing their own laundry. All students, including our youngest, are given the help and guidance they need to learn how to wash, dry, and iron their clothing.
Does my child have to bring bed linen?
No, LAS Summer in Switzerland provides fresh linens during the session.
Does the school provide towels?
Students have to bring their own bath and beach towels.
What if my child is sick?
There is a Health Center in the main school building with nurses who live on campus and are on-call 24 hours a day. If a doctor is required, there is a clinic situated in Leysin less than 5 minutes from our school. The doctor is qualified to treat patients in most emergencies. The nearest hospital is in Rennaz, 35 minutes from school.
Program Arrangements
What group will my child be in for classes, clubs, and other activities?
All classes, clubs, and activities are broken down by ability and by age. A few of our evening program events are opportunities for all children to come together. During those special events, we still make sure that everyone is provided with age-appropriate activities and supervision.
Can my child change classes or clubs?
Our pre-camp arrival sign-up helps us staff and plan the session accordingly. Nevertheless, should a student be unhappy in their program or club of choice, we will do our best to find ways to accommodate changes on a case-by-case basis.
Will my child be allowed to use a mobile phone during the program?
We will limit the presence and use of phones during programming hours so the students can make the most of their Summer in Switzerland. Students will be able to use their devices for short specified periods during the day but otherwise will enjoy a device-free experience. More details on our phone use policy will be shared with parents and students before arrival.
My child loves the program and would like to stay longer. Is this possible?
Yes, at the discretion of our Summer Director. Please contact the LAS Summer in Switzerland Office by email or phone.
Parental Involvement
If I have a question about my child during the summer, whom should I contact?
Please contact the LAS Summer in Switzerland Office during office hours (8:30-17:00) by email (summer@las.ch) or phone (+41 24 493 4721). In case of emergencies that happen outside of office hours, please contact the Administrator on Call (+41 79 386 93 05). For matters related to residential life, please contact your child’s Dorm Head (their phone number will be shared with you ahead of arrival).
Will I receive feedback on my child’s participation in LAS Summer in Switzerland?
Yes. LAS Summer in Switzerland mails Certificates of Completion out in September.
Am I allowed to visit my child while they are at LAS Summer in Switzerland?
Yes, arrangements for limited parental visits on campus are possible. Please contact the LAS Summer in Switzerland Office to register your presence on campus. We ask that visits be kept short to minimise interruption to your child’s interactions with new friends. LAS Summer in Switzerland will be happy to provide hotel suggestions. Prices range from CHF 150 to CHF 300 per night.
Other
How much spending money does my child need?
Students are encouraged to bring spending money in Swiss francs (and euros for international excursions) or credit/debit cards. We suggest allowing for CHF 100 to CHF 200 per week.
How does LAS Summer in Switzerland accommodate different religions?
LAS Summer in Switzerland is non-denominational and will make reasonable accommodations for students who wish to attend religious services. There are Protestant and Catholic churches in Leysin, and, when possible, LAS Summer in Switzerland can arrange a trip to a mosque or a synagogue out of town if there is student demand. We cannot guarantee regular attendance at religious services or institutions.
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Apply to be on Summer Staff
Our staff list for Summer 2024 is now complete. Please check back with us in October to apply to join us for Summer 2025.