Middle Eastern visitors are flocking to Switzerland in unprecedented numbers this summer as parents take advantage of the excellent educational facilities on offer.
While the bulk of Middle East visitors go to Switzerland for a much-awaited opportunity to relax and recharge, an increasing number of parents are now taking advantage of the country’s excellent educational facilities which offer children exceptional opportunities to master foreign languages, prepare for next year’s school term and accomplish a variety of sports in a safe environment.
The Beau-Rivage Palace, a top hotel on the shores of lake Geneva in Lausanne, has gathered together a dossier on the first-class educational facilities available in the region to assist guests in finding the school which best suits their needs.
Known as Switzerland’s cultural capital, Lausanne is in the heart of a region where some of the country’s most renowned private schools are and many of them have announced attractive summer school options for Middle East pupils.
While children are busy with their studies, parents can relax nearby in one of the country’s top hotels – the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne which is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and boasts majestic views of the Alps.
Well-established as a discrete getaway destination, the hotel has just completed a review of the special needs and requirements of Middle East travellers and is now better equipped than ever to provide advice and guidance on private education.
“Through a great deal of work over the past few months, we have reinforced our links with many of the most distinguished private schools in the Lake Geneva region and can offer Middle East families the most comprehensive and discreet guidance,” said the hotel’s Middle East consultant, Azouz Mazrouki.
“Guests who will be staying with us during the summer can also rely on us to assist them in making summer school bookings for their children.”
Summer school options available in the area include the famous College Brilliantmont which is located just minutes away from the hotel in a large park overlooking Lake Geneva. Middle East pupils aged between 12 and 17 can sign up for full board stays for no less than two weeks in July and August and experience an intensive programme of French or English language lessons, sports activities and entertainment.
The programme starts at CHF1,425 (approx. US$1,100) per week and includes two excursions, games, evening activities and entertainment. The price covers all expenses except for pocket money.
For children aged between three and 13 years, there is the prestigious school PrÈ Fleuri which is situated in the Alpine resort of Villars only 40 minutes away from Lausanne. Surrounded by meadows and forests abundant with squirrels, dear, foxes and hares, this school is a favourite with both children and parents.
Running between 21 June and 21 August, this full-board programme offers pupils access to English, French and German language lessons. Golf, tennis, martial arts, water skiing, climbing, swimming, athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton and table tennis can be enjoyed in a safe environment. Children are also given the chance to visit old chateaux, cheese factories, farms and zoos. The minimum stay is two weeks and parents can obtain more information on prices by calling the school on +41 244 952 348.
While the children are away, parents can relax in an oasis of peace and sheer luxury. Guests can enjoy sumptuous meals at the hotel’s famed La Rotonde restaurant, explore the area with its small alleys, boutiques and lively cafes or take boat trips on the lake from the nearby quayside. Parents can visit their children as often as they like as the hotel can arrange chauffeur-driven limousines for visits to the schools and for transfers from Geneva Airport.
