Eighteen Years Later: A Transformative Year, A Lifetime of Memories
Emily Logothetis (Greece, 2007–2008) returned to Surval eighteen years after her transformative year overlooking Montreux and Lake Geneva — a place she still describes as life-changing. Today, she is the founder of MILI LO, a boutique luxury event design and planning company based in Athens, Greece, specialising in bespoke marriage proposals and intimate celebrations.
Her time at Surval, sparked her passion for event planning and shaped the professional path she follows today. In her reflections below, Emily shares treasured memories of friendship, adventure, and personal growth — and explains why being a Surval girl remains such a meaningful part of her journey.
Looking back, my year at Surval from 2007 to 2008 remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Perched atop a stunning location overlooking Montreux and Lake Geneva, the all-girls school felt like a world apart, a place where every corner inspired awe and wonder.
I shared room 408 with my wonderful roommate, Marilou Orozco from Mexico, and together we created countless memories that still make us smile and laugh today. Revisiting our room 18 years later, standing on the old balcony, and taking in that same breathtaking view reminded me just how special that time truly was.
Each morning, we immersed ourselves in French classes, a routine that challenged us while fostering a shared sense of accomplishment. Winter brought one of my favorite adventures, a month of snowboarding in Andermatt in January 2008. The thrill of carving down snowy slopes, surrounded by friends, is something I will never forget. Beyond the slopes, we travelled to various destinations throughout the year, each journey adding a new chapter to an already extraordinary experience.
Being part of the IVP Finishing School program was transformative. It sparked my passion for event planning and management, a dream that continues to shape my professional path to this day. The combination of academic learning, personal growth, and hands-on experiences made life at Surval, and in Montreux, a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Most of all, it was the friendships that defined my year. The bonds formed with my classmates, especially those from the 4th floor, have endured the test of time. Sharing a recent visit with old friends was a heartwarming reminder of how lucky we were to have these connections in such a beautiful setting.
Eighteen years later, I still feel privileged to have been a Surval girl. The memories, the lessons, and the experiences have stayed with me, and I look forward to visiting more often. For anyone considering this journey, I can say with certainty it is an experience worth every moment.