Induction Week is in full swing and excitement fills the halls of Surval Montreux, our teachers and staff are busy preparing to welcome both returning and new students tomorrow. Today, we take a moment to shine a light on Montse (Class of 2021, Mexico), a proud Survalienne who joined us as a Swiss Gap student for her pre-university year.
Montse’s story is a wonderful example of the lifelong impact of Surval. After completing her Swiss Gap year, she has returned every summer since to be part of the Surval Summer Camp Team, supporting and inspiring younger girls as they embark on their own Surval adventure.
Here is Montse’s reflection on her Surval journey:
"My Swiss Gap experience at Surval Montreux was nothing short of extraordinary. Right out of high school, my year in Switzerland helped shape me into the woman I am today. I had incredible teachers and got to find new passions and explore different interests, from hiking to etiquette. Among my best memories are the countless trips I got to go on with my friends, discovering new cultures and creating lifelong friendships.
Inspired by my experience learning French at Surval, I went on to study a dual degree in communications and in translation and interpreting at Comillas University in Madrid.
Being a Survalienne to me means being confident, kind to everyone, and adventurous. I come back because in Surval I have found a family, a home away from home! Every year brings a new group of curious, bright young girls— watching them enjoy the summer while trying new things and making new friends is what I enjoy the most, because it reminds me of what makes Surval so special."
Montse’s words perfectly capture the essence of our Swiss Gap Programme—a distinctive pre-university adventure for young women aged 17–19. Combining language learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth, it is designed to empower young women equipping them with confidence, independence, and practical life skills they need to thrive at university and beyond.
Highlights include:
✨ Intensive French instruction (16 lessons per week, with DELF preparation)
✨ Optional additional languages such as Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, and Japanese
✨ University guidance and counseling
✨ Hands-on life skills courses including culinary arts, modern-day etiquette, communications, art and wellbeing
✨ Cultural trips and excursions across Switzerland and the world as well as Independent Travel
✨ Limitless Sports including skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, horse riding, yoga & many more
Flexible in length (six months to two years, with one academic year recommended), the programme equips girls to discover their passions, build resilience, and step into their futures with confidence.
As we prepare to welcome tomorrow’s Survaliennes, we are reminded through stories like Montse’s of what makes Surval Montreux truly unique: a place where every girl is empowered to discover her passions, shape her future, and remain part of a lifelong global sisterhood.