Swiss boarding schools are traditionally associated with an exclusive club for the elite, but behind this reputation is an educational model that works differently from most countries. Most international schools here run two tracks simultaneously: the Swiss programme preparing for the local Matura and the International Baccalaureate. A student can start in one direction and switch to the other without losing a year. The minimum age for boarding is 11, and the language of instruction is English, French, or German depending on the region and programme. Schools such as Collège Champittet in Pully or Collège Alpin Beau Soleil in Villars-sur-Ollon offer both full boarding and five-day boarding — an option for families living in Switzerland who want their child at school during the week.