Frequently Asked Questions
How is AST unique from other
summer programs?
Three characteristics set the Alpine Summer
Term apart. First, your leadership and staff are unique. We designed
our program with diverse educational
experience coaching, teaching, guiding outdoors, and leading
soldiers. Second, our individual approach. Our student to staff ratio
is about
3:1, and personal discussion and mentorship with leaders is inherent in
our curriculum. Finally, an extraordinary culture. When you combine the
quality of our staff and personal attention with a chance to live
abroad and experience a cheese-making village in the Swiss Alps, you
get a program that is all its own.
How do I get to Alpine Summer Term?
You will fly from your home airport to Zurich
Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland. Be sure to check baggage allowances for
airlines before you book your tickets. Airlines
typically allow 2
checked bags on international flights.
We recommend British Airways, Swiss Air and
Delta. You may not be able to fly nonstop but often can get good deals
flying through other European cities. The AST staff will meet
you
at arrivals in Zurich and travel with you by train to Lenk - the last
stop in the
Simmental Valley!
Where will students come
from?
We will host English-speaking students from
around the world. We aim to recruit a group of students that is diverse
in intellect, background and interests.
What
is the culture like in Lenk?
Switzerland is a fascinating, developed
country that
has 4 national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansch (a
modern relative of Latin). In Lenk locals speak Swiss German and have
long ancestries tracing back to the first farmers to settle the valley.
Outdoor activity is an important part of life in all seasons and high
Alpine huts dot the lush green slopes.
Will I be safe on an adventure program in a foreign country?
All programs that involve outdoor adventure
activities have inherent risk. Taking risks, mentally and physically,
is important in gaining confidence and building teams. However, we
have systems in place to minimize unnecessary risk. We have
plans
and
resources for communication and emergency management in the case of a
problem in the outdoors. Our staff have medical training and are
experienced with young people. Our partners in Switzerland have taught
in Lenk for over 15 years and now live full time here with
their
family.
What do I have to bring with me?
We'll send you a detailed packing list with
your
welcome packet. In general, AST provides all group gear that we use on
outings and mountain bikes for use during the program. Major
individual items students bring with them include a backpack,
sleeping bag and hiking boots. On our packing list you'll find
specifics about these items.
What level of physical
fitness do I need to have?
You should be fit and healthy for AST. We do not expect you to be an
Olympian, but on Alpine overnights we hike full days with packs at
moderate
altitudes, and rock climbing, mountain biking and glacier travel
require a solid level of fitness. In your welcome packet, we will
include recommendations for activities you can do to prepare and what
level of fitness you should have.
Please feel
free to call or write to us at any time with further questions or
concerns!
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