Meet the Ecole Students: Georges Kim

Georges Kim (age 17)
(he/him, CH System, Matura 11)

Hi Georges, please Tell us about yourself. Where are you from, and what brought you to the Ecole d’Humanité?

Hey, I am currently 17 and come from a small town in Switzerland. I was looking for a boarding school, and the Ecole was recommended to me.

What was your first week like? What challenges did you face, and how did your teachers and peers help you?

When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect from boarding life, as this was my first time at a boarding school. However, I had a lovely helping student who showed me around and helped me settle in. I was initially scared that I wouldn’t make friends easily, but everyone was very open and eager to connect with new students. My family head also helped me understand everything I needed to know, and they continue to support me whenever I have a problem. Additionally, my advisor helps me choose my courses at the start of every term.

What makes your chosen program at the Ecole d’Humanité unique compared to other schools?

In the Matura program, I have all my academic classes with the same group of students, and over the past year, we’ve built a close-knit friendship as a class. To me, it doesn’t feel like school in the traditional sense anymore. If I struggle with focus or motivation, my classmates help push me through, and we support each other both academically and beyond.

How do the small class sizes and individualized teaching approach affect your learning experience?

The small class sizes really allow me to get the support I need from teachers because they actually have time to help me when I have questions. Before coming to the Ecole, I thought I disliked certain subjects no matter how good the teacher was. But I was proven wrong! Now, I actually enjoy subjects I never liked before, and I’ve realized that the biggest difference is the teacher. You can really feel when a teacher is passionate about their work.

Can you share an example of a course or project that particularly inspired you?

In my first term at the Ecole, we made a film in my French class. The combination of something I was already interested in (filmmaking) and something I wasn’t particularly fond of (French) really opened my eyes. It changed my perspective and helped me see school not as something rigid but as something dynamic that adapts to the class.

Georges working on a film project, holding a boom pole with a directional microphone to capture clear audio.

What do you think about the narrative feedback system? How has it helped you understand and improve your academic performance?

I think the narrative feedback system has been very helpful. It doesn’t just give me a grade, but it helps me understand my level and what I specifically need to work on. Through this system, I don’t feel judged. Instead, I feel like my teachers genuinely want to help me improve.

Which extracurricular activities have you participated in, and how have they influenced your interests and skills?

I used to hike before, but never with a full pack. The six-day hike at the Ecole inspired me to challenge myself more and try things that seemed difficult at first. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone.

How do your teachers help you balance academics with extracurricular activities?

At the Ecole, extracurricular activities are strongly encouraged, and there are so many options available that it’s easy to take on too much. However, teachers keep an eye on us and make sure we don’t overload ourselves. They regularly remind me that academics should be my priority and help me find a healthy balance.

Have you been involved in any student-led initiatives or groups? If so, what has that experience been like?

Yes! I’m involved in a new initiative called the Ecole Cup. We are a group of about 12 students organizing events for the entire community. I love that we can do this without teacher involvement because we want it to be fully student-led. It’s amazing to see what we’re capable of and how we all grow through the process. Of course, it can be a struggle since it’s our first time doing something like this, but I really enjoy working with such passionate teammates.

If you had to describe the sense of community at the Ecole d’Humanité in one word, what would it be and why?

Powerful. I think our community is truly unique. It has so many facets that are difficult to describe. You have to experience it to really understand. No matter how the community feels or behaves at any moment, it is always a powerful experience. I would recommend everyone to visit the Ecole and experience it firsthand; it’s worth it.

Georges in class with other students.