Christophe Clivaz, Founder and Director of Swiss Learning, in an exclusive chat with Education Times, talks about the group’s aim of providing students with a broad and diverse education to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century
Where do you see Swiss Learning in the next 10 years and what is your vision for it?
Swiss Learning has a long history of providing high-quality education to students from around the world, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the future.
In the next 10 years, Swiss Learning aims to further expand its reach and provide access to its educational programmes to an even larger number of students. The schools may also focus on incorporating new technologies and innovative teaching methods to enhance the student experience and ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
The Swiss Learning schools aim to better prepare students for success in an increasingly globalised world.
The vision for Swiss Learning is to continue providing high-quality education that prepares students for success in their future careers and lives, and to continue to be a leading provider of international education in Switzerland.
What do you think are the qualities/expertise that students from India will be able to bring to your institutions?
- Cultural diversity
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Language skills
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What makes Switzerland a preferred destination for education, especially for children of comparatively young age?
Switzerland is a preferred destination for education, especially for children of a young age, for several reasons, including:
- High-quality education: Swiss education has a strong reputation for academic rigour and quality, with a focus on hands-on learning and practical experience. Swiss schools are known for their commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their future careers and lives.
- Safe and stable environment: Switzerland is known for being a safe and stable country, with a high quality of life and a strong social safety net. This can be especially appealing for parents looking to provide their children with a secure and supportive environment in which to learn and grow.
- Multilingualism: Switzerland is a multilingual country, with four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), and a high level of language proficiency is considered an essential part of a Swiss education. This multilingualism can help students develop a broad range of language skills and a global perspective that will be valuable in their future careers.
- Outdoor and adventure opportunities: Switzerland is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and water sports. This can be especially appealing for families looking to provide their children with a well-rounded education that includes a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Experienced teachers: Swiss teachers are highly trained and experienced, and they are committed to providing students with the best possible education. This, combined with small class sizes and individual attention, can help ensure that each student receives the support and guidance they need to succeed.
What are the most common/popular courses that students come to Switzerland to study? Any noticeable trend?
Switzerland is known for its high-quality education, particularly in technical and scientific fields, and attracts students from around the world to study a variety of subjects. Here are some of the most common and popular courses that students come to Switzerland to study:
- Engineering and technology: Switzerland is a hub for innovation and technology, and attracts students to study subjects like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
- Medicine and health sciences: Switzerland has a strong reputation for medical research and innovation and attracts students from around the world to study subjects like Medicine, Dentistry, and
- Hospitality and tourism: Switzerland is known for its tourism and hospitality industry and attracts students from around the world to study subjects like Hotel Management and Culinary Arts.
Can you tell us a little more about your new initiative #GoOutandPlay and why it specifically targets Indian Students? For example, the benefits they will be able to derive from it?
Binding it all together with an aim to promote the excellence of Swiss Education, Swiss Learning, has also released a video campaign #GoOutAndPlay, to underline the ardour of this activity. Targeted at Indian students aged 12 to 17, this visual essay narrates the multicultural exposure through summer camps and holistic growth via boarding schools that Swiss Learning brings to the fore.
By the end of their education, what kind of individuals do the schools that are a part of Swiss Learning strive to produce/prepare?
Swiss Learning schools aim to produce well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in their future careers and lives. By the end of their education, the schools strive to produce students with the following qualities:
- Academic excellence: Swiss Learning schools aim to provide a rigorous and challenging education that prepares students for success in their future academic and professional careers.
- Independent thinking: These schools encourage students to think critically and independently, and to develop their own unique perspectives and ideas.
- Global perspective: They aim to provide students with a broad and diverse education that prepares them for success in a globalized world. This includes a focus on multilingualism, cultural awareness, and an understanding of different perspectives and worldviews.
- Entrepreneurial spirit: Students are encouraged by the schools to develop an entrepreneurial spirit, and to take initiative and take risks in order to achieve their goals.
- Respect for others: The schools promote a culture of respect and understanding and aim to prepare students to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Overall, Swiss Learning schools aim to produce individuals who are well-prepared for success in their future careers and lives, and who have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to make a positive impact on the world.
After completing their education, do students usually move to other countries for further education or do they stay back in Switzerland itself?
After completing their education in Switzerland, some students choose to stay in Switzerland and pursue further education or start their careers, while others choose to move to other countries for further education or work opportunities.
Swiss education is highly valued around the world and provides students with a strong foundation for success in their future careers, regardless of where they choose to pursue their studies or work.