Features: A Message from Claes Nobel Advisory Board Highlight - Tyra Banks High School Highlight Partner News College-Bound Advice A Senior's Words of Wisdom for the College Application Process Internships from a Student's Perspective Learn to Earn ABCs on the SAT Spotlight on Service Tsunami Relief: How You Can Help Red Cross: Give the Gift of Life--Every Drop Counts Students Follow Their Passion -- Taking Advantage of Special Opportunities People to People: An Adventure of a Lifetime The Joy of Journalism Adventure in the Alps: Summer in Switzerland Overcoming Challenges Coping with Change: Coming to America Struggling with Scoliosis: Obstacles into Opportunities Overcoming Personal Affliction Adventure in the Alps-- Summer in Switzerland by Natasa Kovacevic Mountain Lakes High School, Class of 2006 Mountain Lakes, New Jersey Note: Natasa wrote about receiving a scholarship to this summer program in our Scholar's Journal last July. She was graciously provided a follow-up for this edition of the Journal describing her experience in Switzerland. During the month of July, I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity of experiencing first hand the culture, people, and natural beauty of Switzerland. This month-long voyage of discovery was made possible by Ambassador Ridha Bouabid and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, which provided me with an extremely generous scholarship as a reward for winning first place in Level 4 of the National French Examination. The program was conducted by the Experiment in International Living, an organization that fosters cross-cultural education and urges youth to "open their hearts and minds to the world." In four weeks, I was able to experience the extraordinary city of Geneva, become part of a Swiss family, and explore the wonders of the Swiss Alps, while forming genuine friendships with my twelve group members. As soon as I had my first glimpse of Geneva, I was captivated. What a fascinating, cosmopolitan city! Visiting the United Nations building, taking a cruise on the lake, or simply strolling through the old city, one can easily be enchanted by Geneva's many charms. During this orientation, I began to become familiar with my group leader, fellow group members, and, most importantly, with the daily use of the French language. Three days later, when it was time to meet my home stay family, I was already bursting with anticipation. And, indeed, the home stay experience could not have been more rewarding. Natasa enjoys the Alps From the moment I met the Manzis and the Yverdon train station, I immediately became a part of the family. Yverdon-les-Bains, with its rich historical legacy of over 6000 years, proved to be a delightful town; in about two weeks, I was able to explore the historic Chateau Grandson, see the marvelous Knie Circus, one of Europe's most celebrated, and become acquainted with the bustling life of my home-stay community. On a group excursion, I had the opportunity to explore the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, capital city of the Vaud canton and home to the Headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. I cannot express how profoundly affected I was by the home stay experience. The French language, never a barrier, quickly became a natural, comfortable part of daily life. Indeed, with the Manzis, I was a sister; I was a daughter; I truly felt "chez moi" (at home). Our last week in Switzerland consisted of an amazing adventure in the Alps. First in the lively Alpine village of Saas Fee, then the tranquil lakeside town of Champex, my group and I were immersed in traditional Alpine life. With a highly skilled Swiss guide, the group was able to experience Switzerland's natural beauty through hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and taking part in scenic nature trains. Gently climbing gondolas offered breathtaking views of Alpine valleys, lakes, and glaciers. Leaving Champex, I was simply astounded by the sheer diversity of the landscape, the grandeur of the sprawling Alpine peaks. << Back to Journal Home page