Alumni Testimonials: Shaping the World After Swiss Boarding Schools

Swiss boarding schools, renowned for their high standards of education and holistic development, have long been the breeding ground for future leaders, innovators, and visionaries. These schools offer a comprehensive academic program and a supportive environment that encourages students to pursue their interests, develop key life skills, and establish a strong base for future success.

The unique blend of rigorous academics, diverse extracurricular activities, and a multicultural environment in Swiss boarding schools serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Alumni often cite the unparalleled support from mentors, the opportunity to build lasting international friendships, and the exposure to a wide array of cultures and perspectives as pivotal elements that have contributed to their achievements.

Swiss boarding school graduates have made significant impacts across various sectors. From technology entrepreneurs revolutionizing the way we live and work, to environmental scientists dedicated to combating climate change, the scope of their influence is vast. In the arts, alumni have emerged as critically acclaimed filmmakers, musicians, and writers, while in the realm of public service, many serve as diplomats, advocates, and leaders in non-profit organizations.

From Swiss Classrooms To Global Impact : Maria Eitel’s Journey

“My time at Brillantmont was the happiest of my life. I was exploring the world and people at the age when that kind of exposure marks you for life - in this case in such a positive way. ”

Maria Eitel - Brillantmont Alumnus

Maria Eitel’s journey from the halls of Brillantmont International School to the forefront of global change highlights the expansive reach of a Swiss boarding school education. Maria fondly looks back at her time in a boarding school, sharing, “After Brillantmont, I returned to my high school in Seattle, Washington and wished I was still at Brillantmont!” This sentiment underlines the deep impact her Swiss education had on her, laying the groundwork for an illustrious career.

From a Master’s in Foreign Affairs at Georgetown to pivotal roles in media and the White House, Maria’s path led her to spearhead corporate responsibility at Microsoft in Europe. Her trajectory reached new heights at Nike, where for over 20 years she has been instrumental in creating meaningful change. Maria explains, “I shifted direction and got a job at Microsoft… and then from there was recruited to Nike where I have been for the last 20 years, first as founding head of corporate responsibility and then founder of the Nike Foundation and the Girl Effect.”

The Enduring Legacy of Swiss Boarding School Education

For alumni of Swiss boarding schools, the journey doesn’t end at graduation; the values, lessons, and relationships cultivated in the Alpine classrooms and dormitories reverberate through their lives. Mariella, a graduate who went on to complete her International Business Administration degree at The American University of Paris and is now delving into a Master’s thesis in sustainability, reflects on the indelible impact of her time at Institut auf dem Rosenberg.

Mariella fondly recalls the difficulty in pinpointing a single highlight from her Swiss boarding school experience. She cherishes the diverse and deep-rooted friendships, which endure despite the passage of time and distance—a testament to the strong bonds formed in the unique milieu of Swiss education. “Each reunion feels as if nothing has changed; we shared growth, challenges, and triumphs, which forever unite us,” she explains.

mariella rosenberg

Beyond the bonds of friendship, Mariella emphasizes the rich diversity at Institut auf dem Rosenberg, an environment where the world converges in a single campus. The exposure to various cultures and perspectives has instilled in her lessons that extend far beyond the academic syllabus—a real-world education in cultural intelligence that “you can’t learn from books.”

Leaders in Business and finance

“BM taught me to be strong, independent and plural. It taught me how to be resilient, how to confront challenge, how to be persuasive and how to work as a team. It helped build on my natural competitive skills, key to excelling in my industry.”

Antonio Dadalto - Brillantmont Alumnus

Swiss boarding schools, celebrated for their exceptional education, have long been the cradle of professional triumphs, as evidenced by the journey of Antonio Dadalto. Flourishing as a Financial Analyst at Deutsche Bank, Antonio exemplifies the potential of Swiss boarding school alumni to ascend to prominent roles in fields as demanding as investment banking. With the analytical prowess, leadership skills, and broad perspective honed during his time at Brillantmont, he navigates the complex financial landscapes of London’s bustling district. Antonio’s ascent from the Swiss Alps to the pinnacles of finance reflects the profound influence of his alma mater. Reflecting on his education, Antonio shares, “I studied at Brillantmont for three years… It taught me how to be resilient, how to confront challenge, how to be persuasive and how to work as a team.” This comprehensive education not only shaped his professional skills but also fostered a diverse and resilient character, instrumental for his current achievements in the competitive banking industry.

Eco-Entrepreneurship: How Swiss Boarding School Alumni Are Leading Global Sustainability Efforts

The story of Anastasia Kiku, an LAS alumna celebrated in Forbes 30 Under 30, is a powerful embodiment of the global impact Swiss boarding school graduates are making in the realm of sustainability and innovation. Founding Reusables in 2020, Anastasia has pioneered efforts to reduce single-use plastic, significantly cutting down waste and CO2 emissions through her sustainable business model. “Since its launch, Reusables has prevented over five tons of waste and over 20 tons of CO2 emissions,” Anastasia shares, showcasing the real-world impact of her company’s mission.

Swiss boarding schools like LAS provide fertile ground for nurturing the environmentally conscious leaders of tomorrow. Through hands-on learning experiences, such as innovation labs and interactions with visiting scholars, students are equipped with the knowledge and creativity needed to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. Anastasia’s journey from LAS to the forefront of eco-entrepreneurship illustrates the profound ways in which these institutions inspire their students to think globally and act sustainably.

anastasia LAS

Anastasia’s success with Reusables is a narrative that resonates across the Swiss boarding school community, serving as an inspiration for current and future students to harness their education for the greater good. It stands as a testament to the capability of Swiss boarding school alumni to not only excel in their personal endeavors but to also contribute meaningfully to the global dialogue on sustainability. As Swiss boarding schools continue to emphasize innovation and global responsibility, they light the way for students like Anastasia to create a more sustainable and responsible future.

Forging Paths Beyond Borders: The Transformative Impact of Swiss Boarding Schools

“My time at Surval turned my life around, and made me realise that I wanted more than to just have a simple life. It not only challenged me but it also encouraged me to pursue a bigger life.”

Lucía Saiz Luque - Surval Alumnus

Lucia’s transformative journey from the nurturing halls of Surval to the esteemed University of Exeter exemplifies the profound impact Swiss boarding schools have on shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Her experience is a testament to the rigorous academic and personal development that is a hallmark of such institutions. “My time at Surval taught me to never settle, to give my 100% in everything I do, and to never stop challenging myself,” Lucia reflects. It was in this environment that she cultivated her ambition and realized that a simple life would not suffice.

Swiss boarding schools offer an educational experience that transcends conventional learning. They foster an ethos of boundless ambition, encouraging students to pursue their passions across the globe. Lucia’s decision to pursue a dual degree in English and French Law is a direct reflection of this ethos. The boarding school experience instilled in her a determination to utilize her gift for languages and a drive to succeed in the international legal field. “It made me realize that I did not want to settle in Spain, that I wanted to continue my studies abroad,” she shares, underscoring the school’s influence in her decision to extend her academic and professional aspirations beyond her home country.

This global outlook, coupled with a commitment to personal excellence, is what sets Swiss boarding school alumni apart. As Lucia plans to further her studies in France, her path embodies the global mobility and interdisciplinary learning encouraged by these schools. Swiss boarding schools are not just educational establishments; they are the launchpads for international careers and lifelong personal growth, where students like Lucia are inspired to envision a future without limits and to strive for a significant impact on the international stage.

Conclusion: The Global Footprint of Swiss Boarding School Alumni

brillantmont graduates

As their paths diverge across various sectors and continents, what remains constant is the indelible mark of a Swiss boarding school education—a blend of cultural fluency, academic excellence, and a vision that transcends borders. This education has been their compass, guiding them to excel in their respective fields and, more importantly, to contribute positively to the world.

The journeys of Maria, Mariella, Antonio, Anastasia and Lucia, once nurtured within the nurturing environment of Swiss boarding schools, now weave into the larger tapestry of global progress. These alumni, with their formative years behind them, carry the legacy of their institutions into the world. Their education in a boarding school has not only provided them with a springboard for academic and professional achievement but also ingrained in them a commitment to lead, innovate, and drive change.

In reflecting on the immeasurable value of their experiences, their words resonate with a common theme: Swiss boarding schools have been more than just places of learning; they have been crucibles for developing the changemakers of the new era, poised to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that 2024 and beyond will bring.

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