FAQ Swiss Language Club
1. ACCOMMODATION
1.1. What is the difference between a Double Standard Room and a Double Deluxe Room?
The main differences are made in the view that the room offers and in the furniture that is placed inside. Deluxe rooms have newer and more modern and design equipment. Most Deluxe rooms have a balcony with view on the lake (in Montreux) or on the Alpes (in Leysin).
1.2. Is there a bathroom in the room?
All rooms, Standard and Deluxe, offered by SLC have a bathroom with toilet and shower.
1.3. With whom do I share the Double Room?
We have the tendency of putting students of same nationality and similar age together if there is no other special request before course start. Usually for groups we will accommodate the students in double rooms together. Pairs will be made according to age and gender.
1.4. Do I have to clean my room on my own when I leave?
The rooms will be cleaned every week by the housekeeping department. Towels and bed linen will be changed. You have to keep your room clean throughout your stay and also when you leave. Yourself and our staff will be checking.
1.5. Can I lock the door to my room?
The rooms are normally unlocked and you do not automatically receive room keys during your stay. However you have the possibility of paying a refundable deposit of CHF 150.- or EUR 100.- for a room key. In case of loss of the room key there will be no refund of the deposit. Deposit will be refunded once keys are returned at the end of the stay.
1.6. Is there a safe in my room where can I keep my pocket money and my valuables?
No there are no safes in the rooms. Pocket money, ID’s and valuables may be handed over against receipt to SLC Centre Manager on arrival day. These items will be accessible on given times/days during the week.
1.7. Can I use the Internet? Do I have Internet access in my room?
In both course centres, in Leysin and in Montreux, we have free internet areas available. Should you take your own laptop with you, you will be able to access to internet in most parts of the building.
1.8. Do I have to bring my own towel and blankets?
In all rooms are towels and bed linen available. However, you should bring your own towel for the Swimming pool / lake.
1.9. Is there a swimming pool available in the course centre?
No, none of our course centres has a swimming pool. However, there is a swimming pool in Leysin, about 10 minutes from the course centre. In Montreux, it is possible to go to the lake, which is 5 minutes from the course centre. Excursions to the Swimming pool will be organized every week and an excursion to the Aquaparc is planned at least every second week for all our students in both course centres.
2. MEALS
2.1. I have special diet requests. Is it a problem?
All the meals are served in buffet-style. Participants have the possibility to select what they want to eat among a large selection of dishes. Salads, desserts and drinks are also available. Should you have a food allergy, we ask you to inform us in advance.
2.2. What meals are included in the course price?
SLC offers full board. This means that a stay at SLC summer camps includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Weekends: Brunch and dinner.
3. ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE
3.1. I arrive by plane. Which information must I send to SLC in advance and how will my pick-up be done?
Please let us know your full flight details in written not later than 2 weeks before course start, as follows:
Arrival:
- Airport of Departure
- Company and Flight number
- Arrival Date and Time in Geneva
Departure
- Airport of Destination
- Company and Flight Number
- Departure Date and Time from Geneva
If you have booked a UM (Unaccompanied Minor) service with the airline, this should be announced to the SLC office or to our local representative you have booked your course through.
Should you have booked an individual transfer to and from the SLC course centre, a SLC representative will greet you at the arrival area, once you have passed the Customs. Our staff will be wearing BLUE or RED SLC polo shirts. Watch out for our SLC, Swiss Language Club logo!
The Geneva Airport is about 1 hour drive from Montreux and 1 hour 45 minutes from Leysin.
3.2. I am waiting at the airport and cannot find a SLC staff member. What shall I do?
In general, our staff will be waiting at the airport before your plane lands. If you cannot find or SLC staff, you can call our SLC emergency number, sent to you before camp.
3.3. Which days should I book my travel for? Can you book my trip for me?
Arrival days are on Sundays and Departure days are on Saturdays. Unfortunately we do not book your trip from your home country to Switzerland for you. You can do that in your home country with a travel agent or our local representative.
3.4. I live in Switzerland and I am travelling by bus from the Swiss German part to the course centre. When and where exactly is the meeting point?
You can find the arrival and departure details for the bus trip for Swiss students below.Our staff will be travelling with the bus.
| Departure from | Time |
| Zürich Sihlquai Bus parking | 12h30 |
| Egerkingen COOP Parking, Gäupark next to Highway exit | 13h30 |
| Bern Bus Parking Schützenmatte near Main Railway station | 14h20 |
Arrival in Montreux: 15h30
Arrival in Leysin: 16h30
| Arrival in | Time |
| Bern Bus Parking Schützenmatte near Main Railway station | 10h30 |
| Egerkingen COOP Parking, Gäupark next to Highway exit | 11h30 |
| Zürich Sihlquai Bus parking | 12h30 |
3.5. I will travel with my parents by car. Where can we park the car?
Montreux: We recommend to park your car next to the train station.
Leysin: There are parking spots available at the SLC course centre.
4. EXCURSIONS / WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
4.1. What is the “Hot Sports Bonus” and for what can I use it?
All participants receive a “Hot Sports Bonus” of a weekly amount of CHF 40.- which can be used for sports and leisure activities or additional excursions. This bonus is already included in the course price. Bookings for all activities are done on Monday for the entire week programme.Please note that some activities and excursions may have a maximum and minimum number of participants in order to be carried out. Prices of activities are stated in the brochure.
4.2. I would like to book a tandem paragliding. Do I need a special permission?
Yes, you need a written parental authorization should you wish to book a tandem paragliding flight.
4.3. Is it possible to combine extra language classes with all the activities?
The extra language courses can be combined with all the activities. These extra classes are usually organised during the students’ free time. None of the organised activities will be missed.
5. VISA AND INSURANCE
5.1. Must I subscribe to an extra Health and Accident Insurance for the camps?
Only non EU nationals must contract the Swiss Health and Accident Insurance provided by the school. EU nationals should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during their stay in Switzerland. Generally, in case of accident or sickness, costs are to be paid directly on site by the student. The EHIC or the Swiss Health and Accident Insurance will allow the student once returned to her/his country to be reimbursed by her/his own insurance.
5.2. I need a visa for my stay in Switzerland. Do you offer Visa service?
Please note that you have to apply for your Visa in your country directly or via our local representative.
6. BOOKINGS / PAYMENTS
6.1. How far ahead should I book my course at SLC?
We advise you to book as early as possible to make sure that there are still available places. Until April we normally have availabilities for all courses.
6.2. Can I pay by credit card?
No, all payments should be done by bank transfer. Please note that all prices are in Swiss Francs (CHF). All payments must be done in this currency only.
6.3. Where can I change money?
In Switzerland you normally need Swiss Francs. But you can usually also pay in Euros. Money can be changed at the bank in Leysin and in Montreux.
6.4. How much in advance must I pay my course cost?
A deposit payment of CHF 300.- should be done upon receipt of the invoice.The balance should be paid 6 weeks before arrival. Should you receive your invoice less than 6 weeks before starting date of the program, please arrange full payment immediately. For foreign students we advise to pay all course cost in one payment so that additional bank charges can be avoided.
6.5. Can I extend my stay at SLC?
Should there be available places, it is possible to extend your stay at SLC. However, it is not guaranteed. We ask you to inform the Camp manager as soon as possible so that we can do the necessary bookings.
6.6. What exactly is included in the course fees?
The course fees include tuition, course material, accommodation in double standard room (for deluxe, superior deluxe or single room), all meals as described, standard leisure programme in the afternoon and evening, 2 half day excursions/week, Saturday excursion, Aquaparc entrance (every 2 weeks),
Hot sports bonus (CHF 40.-/week), SLC member card, use of all club facilities as described and a SLC T-Shirt.
6.7. Can I change my programme after enrolment? Are there any additional costs involved?
This depends on the change you want to make. We are ready to do the requested changes. However, additional costs may be charged. If you are uncertain about what is best for you, please contact us before enrolling and we can give you advice.
7. LANGUAGE CLASSES
7.1. What is the average number of students per class?
To allow a lot of personal attention to each student, we have classes of approx.
12-13 students.
7.2. Can I change class should the level not be adequate?
Yes, if necessary, the level of class can be changed after talking with your teacher.
7.3. Is it possible to learn more than one language during my stay at SLC?
There are following possibilities doing two language classes during the Camp:
- One language in the morning and the other language in the afternoon as additional conversation classes (4 lessons/ week)
- One language in the first week, the other language in the second week (with or without additional language classes)
8. VARIOUS
8.1. How is the weather like in Leysin and Montreux and what kind of clothes shall I bring with?
In general, Montreux enjoys a mild climate in summer. Leysin is more in the mountain and the climate can be cooler, especially in the evenings. Depending on the weather forecast it can be cool in the evenings in Leysin and Montreux. We suggest you to take long trousers and a warm jumper with you as well as a raincoat, walking and sports shoes.
8.2. What else can I pack in my baggage?
In addition to the clothes we listed in 9.1 you should take following things with you: Toiletries, leisure clothing, towel, sports items and bathing suit, writing material, indoor-shoes, dictionary, ID, personal medicine if needed, music instruments, games, tennis racket. Please pack only necessary items and clothing.
8.3. Is it possible to do the laundry at the camp?
It is possible in both course centres to use washing machines for your laundry.
Pre-paid cards can be arranged at both course centres. The SLC staff will be there to provide assistance. The cost is approx. CHF 5.- for a bag full of clothes.
8.4. How much pocket money should I take with me?
We recommend a minimum of CHF 50. - / week (EUR 35.-) as pocket money for gifts, souvenirs and snacks.
8.5. Can my parents visit me during my stay at SLC?
Visits of parents are welcome but should be communicated beforehand to the SLC head office or the SLC course centre.
|