JEDDAH, 21 March 2007 — Swiss Consul General Adrien Evequoz hosted a Swiss education fair at his residence on Monday. The event showcased the programs of various academic and training institutions as well as facilities for summer and winter camps.
“We are not only looking at partnerships to promote our programs here, but also considering the opening of some of our prestigious institutions in this part of the world with local support,” Christopher Norton, director of marketing and communication, Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne, told Arab News.
Ecole Hoteliere is one of the two hotel management schools that took part in the fair, the other being Cezar Ritz.
Brillantmont International School, Leysin American School and Les Elfes Verbier SA were also here to promote their primary and secondary school programs, and summer camp facilities.
Surval Mont-Fleuri was another participant that has a high school, women’s college and summer holiday course.
The consul general said that his country expected an increased number of Saudi families to send their children to “established and prestigious” Swiss institutions for academic pursuits.
“The country is being increasingly favored by Saudis for summer and winter camps to enable children enjoy skiing and other snowsport activities. Switzerland is a multicultural country where, traditionally, the population speaks several languages. Additionally, its good social climate, cultural diversity, security and enviable quality of life enable children to grow and develop in an ideal environment,” the consul general said.
Hotel management schools and business administration courses in particular have been a big draw for Saudi and other overseas students.
Julien Goetz of Les Elfes said its international camp in Verbier in the heart of the Swiss Alps has been a growing attraction for young boys and girls, especially as it combines new and exciting snowsports like ski, snowboard, sledging, ice-skating and ice-climbing.
Swisslinx’s education consultant Susan Shawwa Khalil and Tim Sloman of Las in Switzerland gave an overview of the country’s summer programs that include half-day academic classes, Alpine summer camp activities, and Swiss and European excursions.
Most of the activities are for students in the 8-18 age group in programs ranging from three to seven weeks.
