TASIS High School Summer Camp: Programme for Older Teenagers in Montagnola

Students choose one academic course (e.g., English as an Additional Language, Academic Writing, Lean Startup, Architecture, Filmmaking, STEAM) for about 4 hours per day. The teaching approach is intensive and often hands-on, involving labs, studio work, project development, and field trips. Courses focus on practical skills, portfolio creation, and applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The base package includes the primary academic course, two daily afternoon sports/activities, all weekend day trips, on-campus meals for boarders, and evening social activities. Optional extras at additional cost include premium sports clubs (e.g., Wakeboarding, Sailing, Crossfit) and overnight trips to major European cities like Rome, Venice, Nice, or Interlaken. Some courses (e.g., Architecture) have mandatory trip fees.

Boarding students are accommodated in on-campus dormitories. The schedule allows for more independent free time in the evenings while maintaining structured check-ins and a lights-out policy. The living arrangement fosters a sense of community among international peers.

The camp provides full board: students receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner on campus, with an additional evening snack.

Afternoon activities include a broad selection of watersports on Lake Lugano, fitness training (yoga, spinning, weight training), and recreational sports. Evenings are reserved for social events like dances, cinema nights, and group activities. Travel is a major component, with included day trips and extensive optional overnight excursions.

The program utilizes the full resources of the TASIS campus, including the state-of-the-art Campo Science Center, professional kitchens for culinary arts, arts studios, and sports facilities. It heavily leverages its European location, using external sites for course-related trips (e.g., Vitra Design Museum) and adventure activities.

Courses are taught by experienced teachers and professionals (chefs, artists, startup mentors). The program is designed to mirror a university-like experience, emphasizing both academic rigor and personal growth. The opportunity to travel extensively throughout Switzerland, Italy, and France adds a significant dimension of cultural immersion to the educational experience.