Global Etiquette at Surval Montreux
Global etiquette encompasses the unwritten rules and customs that guide social behaviour and interactions across various cultures. While it might conjure up old-fashioned images of women preparing for marriage or balancing books on their heads, at Surval, we refer to it as Modern Etiquette. In the evolving world, etiquette remains a crucial element in empowering the young women at Surval Montreux. This is now offered as an evening activity at Summer Camp, which is optional for the girls.
The Importance of Etiquette at Our All-Girls Boarding School
For young girls, learning etiquette at school fosters cultural awareness, respect, and empathy, enabling them to communicate effectively with classmates from diverse backgrounds. It helps build inclusive friendships, enhances communication skills, and prepares them for future academic and professional endeavours in a globalised world. Understanding different customs and behaviors promotes personal growth, self-confidence, flexible thinking, and challenges stereotypes.
Surval’s Etiquette Commitment
At Surval, our approach to etiquette celebrates tradition while embracing the future, fully preparing our girls for their current lives and future endeavours. From proper cutlery placement and table settings to delivering presentations and hosting executive-level receptions, Modern Etiquette provides a distinct edge and personal style.
Understanding and practicing global etiquette helps establish positive relationships and effective communication in a diverse world. We find that our girls, who respect and understand etiquette, are better equipped to take on leadership roles and create inclusive, respectful environments.
Surval's core curriculum emphasises leadership, global perspectives, languages, culture, social enterprise, and adventure to build the confidence and cultural sensitivity necessary to thrive in diverse, multilingual settings. Our goal is to ensure women feel comfortable in cross-cultural work environments and are encouraged to be ambitious.
We teach etiquette in its broadest sense, covering business and communication etiquette, both in real time and virtually, as well as dining and dress etiquette.
How We Enrich the Girls
The 3 C’s—courtesy, care, and consideration—are at the heart of Surval’s philosophy. Our aim is to foster awareness of others and encourage actions that align with the culture we inhabit. Rather than providing exhaustive details for every possible situation, we encourage curiosity and openness, allowing the girls to observe and adapt to their surroundings, taking cues from others.
We recommend that our girls read "The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer to enhance their skills in navigating different cultures and collaborating with diverse groups.
By promoting cultural sensitivity and global etiquette, we help girls comfortably fit into various environments, making them competitive in the global market, assertive in controlling situations, and confident in expressing their voices. This commitment is deeply rooted in Surval's heritage as a finishing school, keeping etiquette firmly embedded in our curriculum and community.
Exposure to different customs and traditions enriches social experiences, broadens perspectives, and prepares our students for a bright future.
More Benefits of Education at Surval Montreux
At Surval, we offer more than just etiquette lessons. Students can explore new languages like French and Italian, pursue an American High School Diploma, and experience semesters abroad, all while immersing themselves in European culture. Located beside Lake Geneva, Surval provides a picturesque setting for learning.
Our High School program caters to Grades 8-12 and includes French Language and Culture programs for 15-18-year-olds, Winter Camps, and Summer Camps in June and August. Students come to Surval to graduate from high school or for a semester abroad, as well as to participate in French language, arts, and adventure summer camps.
Get in Touch
If you would like to join our International Boarding School for Girls In Switzerland this Summer or September, get in touch with our wonderful Admissions team.
Did you know we have recently re-appointed Mrs. Patrica Woodhouse as Surval Montreux’s Principal? Read more here
Mrs. Woodhouse will be in Mexico this June, please get in touch if you would like to have a one to one meeting or to arrange an online call.