Imagine the view from your classroom window is a vast, glittering lake surrounded by the snow-white Alps.
That’s reality for students at Neuchâtel Junior College, the Canadian non-profit school in Switzerland where Grade 12 students have an incredible year of experiential learning that includes residence with a French-speaking family, exposure to European art, history and traditions, travel guided by teaching faculty to Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia, and international volunteering opportunities in developing countries with NGO partners.
Since 1956, NJC has provided adventure and exploration within a safe, nurturing environment. “Our graduates leave us with a heightened sense of the world around them, confident of the role they can play within it,” says Bill Boyer, Head of NJC. “They are accepted to the finest universities and many excel in careers that have earned them international acclaim.” NJC alumni include Jennifer Stoddart, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Marc Kielburger, co-founder of Free the Children and Anthony Lacavara, Chairman and CEO of Globalive Communications Corp.
Intrigued? You can find out more about NJC at an upcoming Swiss Soirée, a series of events being hosted in the homes of alumni in cities and towns across Canada. The first was held in August at a cottage in Muskoka, where potential students and their families had a chance to chat informally with recent graduates, past parents and alumni. Robert Camastra, NJC Class Valedictorian 2010, was there. “I was getting a little jealous of these potential students– I would love to be going back!” says Robert. “But it was great to be able to share my experiences and persuade them to step out of the ordinary and try something new. Nothing else can set you up for university like NJC does. My first year at the University of Western Ontario was great – I wasn’t homesick, I was used to being independent and managing my time so I have a balance between school and fun.”
Bill Boyer, Head of Neuchâtel Junior College, will be at the Toronto event on October 17 and there are 25 events scheduled across Canada, from Vancouver to St. John’s. Please email admissions@neuchatel.org to find out more and register for the Swiss Soirée in your area, and visit www.njc.ch for details.
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