French Language Summer Camp in Leysin, Switzerland

Course Description: French Language Summer Camp in Leysin, Switzerland

The French Language Programme takes place in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, offering campers a fully immersive environment in which French is used both inside and outside the classroom.

From lessons with native French-speaking teachers to everyday conversations in camp, the village, and on excursions, students are constantly exposed to real-life French. This immersion helps campers quickly gain confidence, expand vocabulary, and improve conversational fluency in a natural and supportive setting.

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Programme Structure �*

• Monday to Friday

• 09:00 – 12:00 (3 hours daily)

• Short mid-morning break (approx. 10 minutes)

• Small class sizes of 7–10 students

• Continuous assessment system

On the first morning, students are assessed and placed into groups according to both age and ability.

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Ability Levels �*

Four structured levels ensure appropriate progression:

• Beginner / Elementary

• Pre-Intermediate

• Intermediate

• Upper Intermediate / Advanced

Because the programme operates a continuous assessment system, students may move to a higher level as they improve.

At the end of camp:

• Each student receives a certificate

• Families receive a detailed progress report

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Learning Approach 🧠✨

The programme is designed to actively engage students and build real confidence in communication.

Emphasis is placed on:

• Expanding vocabulary

• Improving pronunciation

• Developing fluency in conversation

• Strengthening listening comprehension

• Building confidence in public speaking

Students practise French not only during lessons, but throughout the day with other campers and staff.

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Project-Based Learning 🎬�*

Projects make language learning creative, personal, and interactive. Students work in discussion groups and select topics that interest them, making lessons dynamic and engaging.

Each project offers different levels of vocabulary complexity to accommodate all ability levels.

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Typical Project Topics �*

*�️ Personality Poster

Students create a poster describing themselves using adjectives and personality vocabulary.

An effective introduction to speaking and building friendships.

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*�️ The Great Survival Debate

An imaginative debate about essential items for desert survival.

Students practise persuasive language and topic-based vocabulary.

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*� The Food Tasting Festival

Students learn vocabulary related to:

• Taste

• Texture

• Aroma

• Flavour

The session concludes with sampling traditional dishes, reinforcing vocabulary through experience.

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*� The Song Project

Students choose a popular French song and creatively rewrite the lyrics.

This strengthens pronunciation, rhythm, and language flexibility.

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✈️ Holiday Brochure Project

Students:

• Research destinations

• Write persuasive descriptions

• Design a brochure

• Present their travel proposal

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*� Film Project

Students:

• Develop an original idea

• Write a script in French

• Design a poster

• Film a short video

This integrates creativity, teamwork, and spoken language practice.

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Daily Classroom Atmosphere �*

Each morning begins with:

• Warm-up conversations

• French music in the background

• Tongue twisters

• Word games

• Group discussions about daily activities

The relaxed but structured atmosphere encourages students to speak confidently and naturally.

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Skills Developed �*

By the end of the programme, students typically demonstrate improvement in:

• Conversational fluency

• Vocabulary range

• Listening comprehension

• Pronunciation

• Presentation skills

• Cultural awareness

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The French Language Programme in Leysin offers a unique combination of structured academic learning and real-life immersion — helping students develop confidence, fluency, and independence in French within a stunning Alpine setting.

Leysin, Switzerland 🇨�*

Swiss Alpine International Summer Camp 

For over 50 years, this established summer camp in Leysin has delivered an exceptional international experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Set in a charming mountain village, the programme blends adventure, academics, creativity, leadership, and global friendships in one of Europe’s most inspiring natural settings.

Welcoming campers from 30+ countries each summer, it provides a truly international environment where children grow in confidence, independence, and cross-cultural understanding.

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*� Location & Setting

Located in the sunny Alpine village of Leysin, just over one hour from Geneva International Airport, the campus sits above Lake Geneva with panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and the French Alps, including Mont Blanc.

• Safe and picturesque mountain setting

• Direct access to hiking trails and alpine meadows

• Fresh mountain air and wide open spaces

The natural environment encourages resilience, exploration, and personal growth.

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*� Specialist Programmes (Ages 7–17)

Each camper selects a morning speciality programme (3 hours daily) aligned with their interests:

• 🏀 Sports & Adventure

• 🎨 Arts & Creativity

• 🔬 Science & Technology

• 🌎 Language Immersion

• 🧭 Leadership Development (Ages 15–17)

In the afternoons, campers join flexible “sign-up” activities, allowing them to explore multiple interests beyond their main focus.

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*� Accommodation

Main Campus – Swiss Alpine Centre

• Capacity of up to 180 campers

• En-suite bedrooms (up to 4 per room)

• Assigned by age and gender

• Counsellors housed nearby for close supervision

Leadership Programme (15–17)

• Hosted at a first-class hotel in central Leysin

• Comfortable rooms with private facilities

Younger campers are always accompanied by counsellors when visiting the village.

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*�️ Meals

• Three nutritious meals daily

• Fresh salad bar at every meal

• Varied breakfast options

• Second helpings available

• Most dietary needs accommodated (advance notice required)

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*� Facilities

On Campus

• Classrooms & auditorium

• Arts & crafts centre

• Music & dance studio

• Climbing wall

• Dining halls

• Common rooms & games equipment

Village Facilities

• Indoor swimming pool

• Ice rink

• Multi-sport gym

• Tennis courts

• Archery & football fields

• Squash courts & weights room

Outdoor Areas

• Hiking & mountain biking trails

• Rock climbing

• Adventure courses

• Traditional mountain hut stays

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*� Camp Organisation

• Average supervision ratio: 1:6

• International staff aged 21–35

• Pre-camp training for counsellors

• Strong pastoral care system

• Structured daily schedule

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*� Evening Activities

Evenings include a mix of fun and community-building experiences:

• 🔥 Campfire evenings

• 🎪 Carnival Night

• 🎬 Movie Night

• ⛸ Ice Skating

• 🌍 International Night

• 🏔 Mountain Hut Overnight Adventure

• 🎉 Final Gala Dinner & Disco

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*� Weekend Excursions

On all excursions we ensure free time for cultural visits, shopping and walking around in small groups. On visits to places of interest admission fees are included.

Saturday Cultural Visits (Age-Specific Groups)

Excursions may include:

• Maison Cailler Swiss Chocolate Factory

• Olympic Museum

• United Nations Headquarters in Geneva

• Local adventure parks

• Swiss heritage museums

Sunday – Aigle Outdoor Water Park

• Full-camp excursion

• Scenic train journey

• Packed lunches provided

• All entrance fees included

Excursions combine education, culture, and leisure, while always maintaining supervision standards.

✈️ Transfers – Leysin, Switzerland

*� Geneva Airport (GVA)

Arrival Window: 09:00 – 19:00

Departure Window: 11:00 – 19:00

One Way: CHF 100

Return: CHF 200

*� Lausanne Train Station

Arrival Window: 08:00 – 18:00

Departure Window: 08:00 – 18:00

One Way: CHF 55

Return: CHF 110

Transfers must fall within the stated windows. Outside times may require private arrangements.

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*� Sample Daily Schedule

Morning

07:30 Wake Up

08:00 Breakfast

09:00–12:15 Speciality Programme

Afternoon

12:15 Lunch

14:00–17:15 Activity Blocks

17:15 Free Time

Evening

18:15 Dinner

19:30 Evening Programme

Lights out according to age group

(Schedule may adjust based on activities and excursions.)

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✨ Why Parents Choose This Programme

✔ 50+ years of experience

✔ Exceptional Alpine setting

✔ Strong safety and supervision

✔ International friendships

✔ Balance of academic enrichment and adventure

✔ Leadership and life skills development

This Leysin summer programme offers far more than a holiday,  it is a structured, international Alpine experience where children build confidence, independence, and lifelong memories.