A summer course is often the least risky way to test whether boarding suits a student — if the programme is chosen carefully.
Summer programmes range from intensive language schools to activity-led camps with a light academic component.
Clarify the objective first
Language progress, academic preparation and a trial of residential life are three different goals, and few programmes serve all three equally well.
Practical points
Check the ratio of lesson hours to activity hours, the age banding of groups, and whether the programme runs on the school's own campus.
Using summer as a trial
Attending a summer programme at a school under consideration gives a family genuine information — and gives the school a sense of the student before an application is made.
Thinking about a Swiss school?
We are happy to talk through your situation before you commit to anything.