From Foundation Year to Swiss Gap - Meet Elizaveta

✨ Meet our Survalienne – Elizaveta (2021, Russia) ✨

Elizaveta’s Surval journey began in 2015, when she joined the Foundation Year with curiosity, courage, and a bright spirit. From those first steps, she embraced every challenge and opportunity, growing through her studies and graduating during Covid in 2020. Her story didn’t end there — drawn back by the friendships, the learning, and the spirit of adventure, she returned in 2021 for the Swiss Gap programme, continuing to shape her unique Surval path.

Today, Elizaveta shines as an actress in Moscow, carrying with her the lessons, memories, and values she discovered here in Montreux. She is a true testament to the Surval spirit.

We are delighted to share her story with you in her own words:

Tell us about your journey at Surval
My journey was not easy. I was the youngest, and I struggled a lot with Maths and Science. However, at graduation I said: “I now know that hard work always pays off, all the time.” It’s true. That was the moment when I finally understood that I can do anything. My journey was not only about studying — it was about life, family, friendship and dreams.

What is your favourite Surval memory?
I have many memories from Surval and I would really like to keep all of them in my heart forever. Now I would say French classes. These were my favourite — my love, my freedom, and my best experience. I had the best French teachers ever! I am forever grateful. Mrs Spigarelli and Mrs Hily, I love you lots!

Where are you now?
Now I am an actress in Moscow. I graduated this year from Mihail Schepkin Higher Theatre School. I act in theatre and films, and I believe that the main secret is to work and to believe — that’s what I do.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Life is so amazing, and the best things are often the smallest. The unique path of each of us is what we should truly value, rather than focusing only on the results. The results will come — but appreciating the journey is the best thing.

Elizaveta’s story beautifully reflects why our Foundation Year is such a valuable pathway for many of our students. As a small and nurturing school, we are able to surround each girl with the individual care and attention she needs to thrive. When Elizaveta joined Surval in 2015 without any English, she was supported every step of the way by both teachers and girls from all grades, quickly growing in confidence and mastering a new language. This nurturing environment helps every girl feel seen, supported, and empowered to achieve more than she imagined. After graduating Surval, Elizaveta's decision to continue for the Swiss Gap Programme in 2021 highlights another strength of Surval: offering a meaningful bridge between school and university. For many girls, this unique year provides the space to explore interests, build independence, and reflect on their next steps, ensuring they step into higher education with clarity, confidence, and purpose.