Well, we have just concluded our first week of the programme and all is well. Mid-semester results will be available by the end of next week. Some students are making a very strong effort to improve their French while others are slowly developing their confidence to enhance their proficiency in the target language.
We have seen and done a lot in these past six days. Monday, after classes, we toured the city of Neuchâtel to acquaint ourselves with our surroundings. Tuesday afternoon, the students spent several hours at the Olympic-size pool and diving facility basking in the 30 degree temperature. Wednesday afternoon saw our intrepid group biking over 20 kilometers along the shoreline of Lake Neuchâtel arriving at a beach in the quaint village of Cortaillod. Thursday afternoon was a study hall day in preparation for the major test on Friday. To end the school week, we took a boat cruise around Lake Neuchâtel arriving at the medieval village of Estavayer-le-Lac. Several students sunbathed and swam in the lake, while others visited the medieval château and still others explored the town.
Our first weekend in Switzerland saw us visit the capital city of Bern, a World heritage site. Students visited Einstein's house and museum, the famous bear park (after which the city is named), watched as the astrological clock struck noon, took pictures of the Bundeshaus (the parliament building) and the Münsterkirche (protestant cathedral) where several students climbed up to the rooftop to appreciate the magnificent views from this highest point in the city. Students were so enthralled with the city of Bern that they convinced their teachers to let them stay an extra hour (something partially to do with the extensive open air market that is a tradition in the downtown core!)
Sunday morning will see the group visiting the Swiss Riviera on Lake Geneva and the famous Château de Chillon where Lord Byron wrote his famous poem, and where Mary Shelley was allegedly inspired to write Frankenstein. After this visit, we will proceed to the beautiful town of Montreux, made famous by the world renown Jazz Festival. This year, the Festival welcomes Santana, B. B. King, Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon, Sting, Arcade Fire, and of course, Deep Purple (who made the town famous with their song 'Smoke on the Water') among others. Students will see the statues of luminaries who made Montreux an important part of their lives such as Freddy Mercury, Miles Davis, Igor Stravinsky, Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones.
All in all, the first week of the programme has been very full and, we believe, very rewarding.
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