Fifteen students from Le Rosey's Classes 1 and T recently embarked on an immersive educational journey to Berlin, exploring the profound impact of authoritarianism on the state as part of their International Baccalaureate curriculum. This carefully curated trip, organized through Edelweiss Panorama International's educational consultancy services, provided Roséens with firsthand exposure to Germany's complex political history spanning from imperial rule through the Cold War era. The students' itinerary was meticulously designed to complement their academic studies, allowing them to witness historical landmarks that have shaped modern European politics and governance structures. Throughout the weekend, participants engaged with Berlin's multifaceted historical narrative, examining how different forms of authoritarian control have manifested across various periods of German history. The educational experience extended beyond traditional classroom learning, offering students from Le Rosey the opportunity to contextualize their theoretical knowledge within real-world historical settings. This approach aligns perfectly with EPI's philosophy of creating dynamic, experiential learning opportunities that bridge academic theory with practical understanding. The Berlin trip served as a powerful demonstration of how international educational experiences can deepen students' comprehension of complex political concepts while fostering global citizenship. By examining the mechanisms of state control across different historical contexts, Roséens gained valuable insights into the enduring consequences of authoritarian governance and the importance of democratic institutions in contemporary society. The program's design emphasized critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to draw connections between historical events and current global political developments.
The educational journey through Berlin provided Le Rosey students with a comprehensive understanding of Germany's political evolution, beginning with the imperial era and progressing through the significant historical milestones that have defined the nation's modern identity. Students explored sites representing the Weimar Republic's fragile democracy, the rise of National Socialism, the division during the Cold War, and ultimately, reunification. This chronological approach allowed Roséens to trace the development and transformation of authoritarian structures across different political systems. The trip's curriculum specifically focused on how authoritarian regimes manipulate state apparatus to consolidate power, control populations, and suppress dissent. Through guided visits to historically significant locations, including remnants of the Berlin Wall, former Stasi headquarters, and memorial sites, students from Le Rosey gained profound insights into the practical implementation of authoritarian control mechanisms. These experiences were complemented by academic discussions and reflective sessions that helped students process the emotional and intellectual impact of their observations. The program also emphasized the importance of understanding historical context in contemporary political analysis, encouraging students to consider how past authoritarian practices continue to influence modern governance models worldwide. By engaging with Berlin's layered history, Roséens developed a nuanced perspective on the resilience of democratic values and the ongoing global struggle between authoritarian and democratic systems. This educational experience, facilitated by EPI's expert guidance, reinforced Le Rosey's commitment to providing students with transformative learning opportunities that prepare them for engaged citizenship in an increasingly complex global landscape.
