GENERAL INFORMATION
DESTINATIONS
- Austria
- Canada
- China
- England
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Malta
- Scotland
- South Africa
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United States
On the shores of Lake Maggiore and at the feet of the Alps and yet located at a relatively low altitude, Ascona enjoys a Mediterranean climate and imports an Italian flavor to Switzerland.
The town of Ascona can be considered a regional art center: its streets are brimming with galleries and craft shops.
The community of artists and intellectuals that resided in Ascona at the beginning of the 20th century embraced the naturalist movement and for a time took in Lenin during his exile. Ascona has a population of 6,000 inhabitants.
13 - 17 years old
Students can begin any Sunday between July 1 and August 5 with a minimum stay of 2 weeks.
Arrivals are on Sundays and departures are on Saturdays.
The program takes place at the prestigious "Collegio Papio", an impressive 16th-century building just minutes from the shore of Lake Maggiore, located in the Italian part of Switzerland, where English is the second language. Totally renovated, this school offers top-quality classrooms, a computer room with free Internet access, an auditorium, a game room, a pool, a basketball and volleyball court along with other athletic facilities that make the school one of area's best.
All of the students will take a level test on the first day. Courses are held in the mornings from Monday to Friday. Students can choose between 20 or 25 lessons of either English or Italian.Those students who wish to further improve their conversation skills, can do so by opting for the 'Conversation Plus' program which includes 2 lessons per week focused exclusively on conversation. Each lesson is equivalent to 45 minutes.
The students will stay in rooms for 2 or 4 people - distribution is organized by the school - with a private bathroom and a full board meal plan every day of the week. The "Casa Santa Amalia" residence is located just 200 meters from the main building where students will attend classes.
The school offers a diverse program of daily activities, as well as excursions to the most popular tourist sights, all of which is organized and supervised by a team of prepared counselors.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in badminton, basketball, swimming, climbing and ping pong, amongst other sports, as well as visit such attractions as Lugnano, the three castles of Bellinzona, Maggiore Lake or Mount Tamaro.
However, the school also offers an ample optional program where students can choose to participate in activities not included in the price. Many of these activities require written permission by participants' parents or legal guardians. Information about available activities and their corresponding prices will be made available prior to the start of the program.
Transfers are included in the program price when the arrival is on Sunday between 11am and 3.30pm and for a departure on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.