Special Programs

Have an interest in another subject? Our three-week Special Programs give Alpine Exploration and Alpine Challenge students the opportunity to become deeply involved in a single course of study.

Theatre International

Got a calling for the stage? In just three weeks, the theatre program's student actors and teachers actually rehearse for and present one complete play and a musical plus a talent show! Past shows have included Over the River and Through the Woods, Grease, Rags to Riches, The Odd Couple, and Bye Bye Birdie. Morning study includes classes in acting, directing, improvisation, stage combat, lighting, costuming, and set design, with evenings and weekends open for group activities with the general program participants. Students may enhance their experience by participating in the UK Theatre Highlight Tour during Recreation and Culture Week.

Daily Schedule:

Mornings
Four classes of Theatre skills chosen from courses such as acting, directing, improvisation, stage combat, lighting, costuming, and set designing
Afternoons
Rehearsing for a musical or play, and preparing set, lights, and costumes for production
Evenings
Join the General Program for Group Activities, rehearsal schedule permitting, or performing for the SIS community
Weekends
Join the General Program for All-day Excursions, rehearsal schedule permitting

Outdoor Leadership Adventure

During the SIS Outdoor Leadership Adventure program, students follow a challenging path that focuses on individual and group development—with emphasis on learning by experience. Morning classes focus on communication, environmental education, decision-making skills, and leadership styles and techniques. By mastering challenging and fun outdoor activities in the afternoons and on overnight hikes, the program's students develop a positive group dynamic, while gaining a shared sense of personal accomplishment and individual people skills. The group joins the general program during the evenings for group activities. Leadership participants have the opportunity to experience Swiss Alpine culture through a multi-day hike spending nights in traditional mountain hostels.

Daily Schedule:

Mornings
Classes based on communication, environmental education, decision-making skills, leadership styles and techniques, first aid, and outdoor living skills
Afternoons
Putting into practice lessons learned in the mornings, usually hands-on group and individual activities such as climbing, canoeing, white-water rafting, high ropes course, and hiking
Evenings
Join the General Program for Group Activities, unless on an extended overnight hike
Weekends
Join the General Program for All-Day Excursions, unless on an extended overnight hike

SAT/ACT Preparation

Get a jump on higher education by mastering both content and question types appearing in the math, reading and writing sections of each test. This program is led by a specialist from Studyworks, and includes math content review and strategies, verbal and vocabulary review, and essay writing skills and grammar fundamentals.

Daily Schedule:

SAT/ACT Prep classes are held in the morning and three afternoons per session. For the balance of their schedules, students take part in the General Program.

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. All English-as-a Second-Language (ESL) morning classes are small with curriculum designed to meet individual needs. In the afternoons, students in the Intensive ESL program join the rest of the community, interacting closely with native English speakers. English is the common language for all students and staff at SIS for all activities in the afternoons and evenings.

Daily Schedule:

Mornings
Small classes, special ESL curriculum
Afternoons
Join the General Program for activities led in English
Evenings
Join the General Program for Group Activities led in English
Weekends
Join the General Program for All-Day Excursions

Program Assistants

This highly selective opportunity offers a limited number of positions to 18-19 year old students who have shown leadership and a desire to become a staff member at SIS or other camp-like programs.

Daily Schedule:

Mornings
Seminars in supervision techniques, conflict resolution, diversity awareness, and camp counseling strategies
Afternoons
Hands-on experience with SIS staff in preparing and leading activities
Evenings
Hands-on experience with SIS staff in preparing and leading activities