Just like that our final full day at Switzerland had begun. We met outside of our hotel at around 8:50 and took the bus as we made our way to Ecolint, the International School of Geneva, where we split into duos (our roomates) and chose a pair of current Ecolint students to shadow for the next hour.
All of the students we could follow were going to their mentor class, or their homeroom. However, like BCA, their 'homeroom' is a little bit different. They have it only once a week (Tuesday) and they discuss future events during their time in there.
While we were there, the teachers joined a google meet with EHL, and we were shown the same presentation as the day before, but this was new for the students at Ecolint. We still took the time to talk to them and learn about their school as much as possible.
From what we gathered, their schedule is much more flexible and open. Their school does not end at one set time, and that can vary for certain days of the week. Also, while they can drink already, they cannot drive until they are 18. Their school has their own form of field day where all three campuses that make up Ecolint come together at an external area to play a bunch of different sports. To them, this is called the Olympics.
We shared what we have gathered so far from our trip to Switzerland, and heard about some American stereotypes they heard. However, we could still bond over some common ground, such as the movies, shows, and music we listened to. Specifically for me, one of the students I followed was obsessed with the show "The Summer I Turned Pretty," and we talked about it for a while.
After the class ended, we met back up at our starting point where our tour of the campus began. It was short, but we got a good look around the outdoor portion of the campus. It was very spacious and big, and the students seem to have a lot of independence.
Aside from that, we had a really good time socializing with not just our mentors but everyone who was touring us. In fact, we all got together so well that some of the students even left campus during their lunch break to join us on ours.
We had around an hour to explore Geneva. Personally, I went with my group of friends to the Brandy Melville nearby, and then ate at Black Tab, both of which were on the same roundabout. Everything was pretty close to one another, and there was a lot to do. We had fun looking at the city at this point of view.
However, as the hour ended, it was time to say goodbye to the students for good. We exchanged contact information with one another, and made our separate ways.
Then it was time for our final tour and chocolate related activity. Meeting up with our guide, she took us to old Switzerland, teaching us the history behind certain places. For example, she guided us to Saint Pierre Cathedral and explained the conflict between the French and Protestants in Switzerland which tied to the reasoning behind the drastic difference in architectural style on the right and left of the building.
We also visited a Swiss trap, old bomb shelter, and more. But what ready stole the show were the four different chocolate places we visisted. We had a miniature tasting at the first two stores, but where given small bags for the last two, which was a good idea considering how much chocolate we have been eating these past few days.
At the conclusin of the tour, we headed back to the hotel, where we had to change really quickly for dinner, which was at La Ferme de Bude, a farm. We had a really interesting and unique dinner experience for our final meal together in Switzerland.
We split into two groups. One got a tour around the farm to see the vegetables and learn more about the measures and choices the farm has been making in an effort to be more sustainable and provide more organic foods. While this was happening, the other was preparing our meal for the night in the kitchen. We then got together to have a quick appetizer consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and bread.
After switching jobs and continuing the process, we finally got to sit down and eat. Our starter was a salad, entree risotto, and dessert apple pie. All of it was very fresh and we had a lot of pride knowing we worked together to create that delicious meal.
At the conclusion of it all, we said our goodbyes and went onto the bus, getting back to the hotel and reminiscing on the incredible memories we have made this past week.
While it was busy, today was one of the best ways to end off our stay in Switzerland.
Good night!