Carolyn Brambilla '18 Parsons School of Design, Fashion Design

The experience NJC offers its students is transformative, as I have developed into an independent adult throughout these ten months. 
Neuchâtel Junior College has been an amazing experience filled with unforgettable memories, lifelong friends, and it has been the best possible graduating year. The experience NJC offers its students is transformative as I have developed into a independent adult throughout these 10 months. By living on my own and being responsible for my travels, my budget, and my work, I have learned to gain responsibility for my own actions.

Neuchâtel Junior College has offered me an array of opportunities, both academically, and artistically. I was able to participate in an international model UN competition in Holland, as an ambassador for the Republic of Croatia. I debated and resolved issues of xenophobia and rising nationalism which consisted of creating resolutions and making amendments. I was also given the chance to be a member of the Foyer Council. My responsibilities were to create fundraisers for the charity of the year, The Maddie Project, while encouraging school spirit. As well, NJC provided me with an amazing art class here in Switzerland. This year, I was able to develop a more spontaneous style with Mme. Weibel and was encouraged to take the AP art exam in May. Due to my AP, I pushed myself to create 24 individual works in 8 months, I experimented with a variety of mediums, and I explored different styles of composition. Due to these outstanding programs offered at this school, I was able to achieve new levels, personally, intellectually, and artistically. It is due to the extracurriculars at this school to which I credit my acceptance to my top choice university: Parsons School of Design in New York City for their fashion design program.

Personally, Neuchâtel Junior College, has helped me grow as an individual by learning independence. Our parents are 6000 km away, which means that we are almost completely responsible for ourselves. We do not have anybody to wake us up in the morning, to remind us to get work done, or to organize our schedule; it is all on us. This experience of being away from my parents for 10 months is new to me and has definitely made me become more personally aware. I am more conscious of budgeting and have learned how to organize trips through the process of booking flights and Airbnbs. I am so appreciative of my parents for allowing me to have this opportunity to live abroad this year, not only because it was one of the greatest years of my life, but because I realize how many sacrifices they have made, and continue to make, for me.

Neuchâtel Junior College has developed skills within me that will have endless value. As mentioned above, the abilities to budget, plan, and work both diligently and independently, are skills that would not have been learned in a regular school setting. Additionally, as travel and excursions are such an important aspect of the full NJC experience, I have learned how to effectively multitask and time manage. These skills are indispensable as they have ensured I maintain my high standards for grades while still having a social life.

Friendships at NJC are probably the most significant takeaway I have made this year. The bonds and connections you make at your year at NJC are unlike any other and I know they are going to last a lifetime. At home, you have friends who you see at school, sometimes after school, and sometimes on the weekends. However, at NJC, you see each other at school everyday, after school everyday, and on the weekends every week. You travel together, explore different cities, and make unforgettable memories together. The connections with certain people at NJC I have made this year will continue into university and even further. Saying goodbye to the incredible people I have met this year will no doubt be the hardest part about graduating and leaving NJC.

Neuchâtel Junior College has given me opportunities to become more independent and mature. The exposure to different international cultures inspires me the most and I have developed a more open-minded and aware perspective of my future. I have had a phenomenal year, more amazing than I could have ever expected. Graduating will definitely be a bittersweet ending to the best year ever. 
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Neuchâtel Junior College offers the unique opportunity to study Canadian curriculum abroad. While living in Switzerland in a French community, students enjoy an international education through travel and experiential learning in Europe. Gap year and Grade 12  high school students gain international experience and develop independence and life skills that prepare them for university and the global workplace.

A Canadian high school in Switzerland | Grade 12 & Gap

Swiss Campus

Neuchâtel Junior College
Crêt-Taconnet 4
2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
011.41.32.722.1860 (from North America)
info@njc.ch

Canadian Office

36 Toronto Street, Suite 850
Toronto, Ontario M5C 2C5, Canada
416.368.8169 or 1.800.263.2923
admissions@neuchatel.org