Summer Programs

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Middle School Program (MSP)

Ages 11-13

Features

Choose one primary academic course and one "discovery class" for the duration of the session (approx. 3-4 hours per day)
Select two sports or activities in the afternoons (approx. 2 hours per day)
Participate in weekend day-trips (included in tuition) or overnight excursions (additional cost) throughout Switzerland and Italy

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Courses

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

MSP offers students the chance to improve their confidence and skills in English. The program language is English, so TASIS offers an immersive language experience for children. Our teachers make learning fun by providing interactive, challenging activities, and the MSP environment compels students to practice their English during sports, activities, meals, and excursions. Courses cater to all levels.

Academic Writing

Designed for native speakers and students who attend a school where the primary language is English, this course encourages young writers to express themselves in English. Students improve their writing through learning how to structure and write essays, short stories, and persuasive texts. They discuss what makes good creative writing and strengthen their comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Italian

Ticino, the only Italian-speaking Swiss canton, is the perfect environment for learning conversational Italian. Students build their vocabulary and learn to write about topics in the areas of fashion, food, art, and culture. They reinforce their classroom learning with excursions to locations throughout Ticino and Italy. Courses include beginner and intermediate levels.

Intensive French

Students learn from native speakers who are dedicated to helping them gain confidence in their skills. Optional trips to the French-speaking part of Switzerland provide a chance to use the language with locals. Courses include beginner and intermediate levels.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)

The STEAM course draws upon elements of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to inspire and challenge students to think creatively. Hands-on activities and design challenges encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This course solidifies the math and science skills needed for high school, extending to projects using technology and engineering skills through robotics and 3D printing. It is taught using the STEAM approach and is designed for near-fluent and native English speakers.

Musical Theater

In this one-of-a-kind course, students engage in high-quality acting, singing, and dancing classes, working alongside professional teaching artists. Students who are more interested in the production side of theater may choose to focus on costume design, lighting, sound design, and production design. All students are encouraged to be involved in the final performance at the Summer Arts Festival.

Digital Photography

An experienced photographer works with students who are looking to make every photograph a better one. The curriculum focuses on camera features, composition, lighting techniques, and image processing, and the class takes various trips to scenic locations around Ticino. Students must bring their own DSLR camera.

Sports

Milan Academy Scuola Calcio

Students have the exceptional opportunity to work under coaches from the renowned Milan Academy Scuola Calcio as they improve their ball control and skills. Players are issued an exclusive Milan Academy soccer kit.
(Additional cost)

Golf Club

Golf Club is designed for young golfers who are looking to improve their game. Students play two times per week and practice their skills on the driving range, pitch-and-putt, and main course at Panorama Golf in nearby Varese, Italy. Equipment can be provided if necessary. Limited to eight students.
(Additional cost)

Tennis Club

Tennis Club is for students who wish to enhance and improve their existing skills. Students are issued a kit and are expected to bring their own racquet. Coach-to-student ratio is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 students.
(Additional cost)

Indoor and Outdoor Fitness Activities

Students have a variety of choices for indoor and outdoor activities including archery, volleyball, recreational tennis, basketball, hiking, rock climbing, dance, and recreational soccer. (included in tuition)

Watersports

During the session, students may choose a watersport for their afternoon activity twice a week. Watersports take place on beautiful Lake Lugano and are monitored by lifeguards and trained staff. These may include waterskiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, swimming, and sailing. (included in tuition)

Trips

Overnight Optional Trips

Overnight trips let students explore destinations further afield. Cultural trips may include Nice and Monaco, Venice, or Rome. Adventure trips explore the natural terrain around Zermatt, Interlaken, or Andermatt. Students stay for one or two nights. (additional cost)

Session 1 Trips

Session 1: Andermatt Adventure

Weekend 1: June 29–30

Students go on a beautiful hike in the mountains near Andermatt that includes an overnight stay in an Alpine hut. The renowned International School of Mountaineering works with students on basic climbing skills and students gain confidence by participating in supervised mountaineering activities. All participants need a water bottle, sunglasses, heavy socks, cold weather clothing, a windbreaker, a jacket, and a waterproof nylon travel backpack. Children without proper equipment will not be allowed to go. Hiking boots and helmets are provided. A physical fitness assessment is required for each participant.

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 750

Session 1: Italian Riviera

Weekend 1: June 28–June 30

Students travel to the seaside towns in the Cinque Terre valley, where students will explore the town of Santa Margherita de Liguria, take a boat to San Fruttuoso, and visit Portofino and Camogli. They also participate in a special cooking class and swim in the beautiful Mediterranean.

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 1250

Session 1: Zermatt

Weekend 3: July 12–14

Students spend one night in the heart of this quaint ski town at the foot of the Matterhorn. The gondola ride to Zermatt is one of the most scenic in Switzerland. Activities include a ropes course and glacier walk, and hiking clothing and good hiking shoes or boots are required. Students will also eat meals typical to this part of Switzerland.

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 1250

Session 1: Verona

Weekend 2: July 6–7

Students enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city of Verona including exploring the historic old town and the famous Arena di Verona. The group will enjoy visiting charming Sirmione on Lake Garda before returning to TASIS.

20 students maximum per trip.

CHF 750

Session 1: Great Swiss Outdoors

Weekend 2: July 5–7

This exciting trip will challenge adventurous students. Designed for students who enjoy the thrill of water sports, this trip includes two days of caving, rafting, and canyoning activities based in the dramatic waterways of Switzerland. Professional guides and all equipment is provided.

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 1250

Session 1: Zurich

Weekend 2: July 6–7

CHF 750

Cosmopolitan Zurich boasts some exciting experiences for our students, including a visit to the renowned Technorama science museum and the Lindt chocolate museum as well as a tour of the city. On the way back to TASIS the group will stop to spend some time in the glorious Zugerberg region.

20 students maximum per trip.

Session 1: Gruyère/Montreux Area

Weekend 3: July 12–14

CHF 1250

Students spend two nights above Lake Geneva exploring Switzerland’s castles and learning about Swiss culture through food and museum tours. Activities include a glacier walk and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of French-speaking Switzerland.

15 students maximum per trip.

Session 2 Trips

Session 2: Zermatt

Weekend 2: August 2–4

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 1250

Session 2: Zurich

Weekend 1: July 27–38

Cosmopolitan Zurich boasts some exciting experiences for our students, including a visit to the renowned Technorama science museum and the Lindt chocolate museum as well as a tour of the city. Students spend one night away. On the way back to TASIS the group will stop to spend some time in the glorious Zugerberg region.

20 students maximum per trip.

CHF 750

Session 2: Italian Riviera

Weekend 1: July 26–28

Students travel to the seaside towns in the Cinque Terre valley, where students will explore the town of Santa Margherita de Liguria, take a boat to San Fruttuoso, and visit Portofino and Camogli. They will enjoy walks in the area and swim in the beautiful Mediterranean, along with supervised shopping in colorful villages.

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 1250

Session 2: Great Swiss Outdoors

Weekend 2: August 2–4

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 1250

Session 2: Gruyère/Montreux Area

Weekend 2: August 2–4

15 students maximum per trip.

CHF 1250

Day Trips

Day trips focus on destinations that are a shorter drive from campus. City breaks to Milan, Zurich, or Lucerne include cultural tours and time to explore with friends. Adventurous students may choose from canyoning, canoeing, rafting, or caving. Or students can relax at a lido in Ascona, Locarno, or Tesserete. All trips are included in tuition, and students return to TASIS each night. (included in tuition)

Daily Schedule

Mornings

Academic Classes x4 hours
(English, Academic Writing, Italian, French, STEAM, Musical Theater, Digital Photography)

Discovery Class x1 hour
(natural history, graphic design, songwriting, science)

Afternoons

Exciting afternoon sports and activities include sports on land and water, from windsurfing to archery to volleyball. Most afternoons end with a dip at a nearby lido or lake.

Evenings

Cultural events, group games, a semi-formal dance, a World Cup soccer tournament—evening activities give MSP students a chance to come together and try new things.

Weekends

Riviera hiking to ice climbing, museum visits to canyoning, Alpine villages to cosmopolitan cities. Day trips include both cultural and outdoor adventures, and overnight trips explore destinations throughout France, Italy, and Switzerland.

MSP Daily Schedule (approximate)
07:45 – 08:30	Breakfast
08:45 – 11:30	Classes and Music
11:30 – 12:15	Lunch
12:30 – 13:30	Discovery Hour
13:30 – 16:45	Afternoon Activities and Sports
17:30 – 18:15	Dinner
18:15 – 20:30	Evening activities
20:30 – 22:00	Dorm Meetings, Prepare for Bed
22:00	Lights out

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Summer Programs

In This Section

Middle School Program (MSP)

Features

Courses

Sports

Indoor and Outdoor Fitness Activities

Watersports

Trips

Overnight Optional Trips

Day Trips

Daily Schedule

MSP Videos