When Emilie Andersen, ISL alumna of the Class of 2023, joined the International School of Lausanne, her goal was simple: to improve her English. What she found, however, was far more transformative. ISL became the gateway to a global community, opening her horizons and shaping the foundation for her creative journey.
Emilie’s time at ISL exposed her to a rich diversity of cultures and perspectives. “I came to ISL to improve my English,” she reflects, “but I ended up gaining so much more. It opened my horizons, and I began to understand the world in a different way.” That exposure to other ways of thinking and learning would later play a central role in her development as an artist.
Adjusting to a new school, a new language, and new classmates from around the world was challenging, but it also offered Emilie opportunities to grow. The multicultural environment encouraged her to engage with ideas and people beyond her immediate experience.
She recalls, “The diversity at ISL taught me how to connect with people who think differently, who come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.” This lesson in openness and adaptability became a cornerstone of her personal and artistic growth, enabling her to navigate future opportunities with confidence.
ISL’s collaborative approach, combined with its emphasis on independent thinking, allowed Emilie to develop skills that went far beyond the classroom. The school nurtured her curiosity, encouraged exploration, and gave her the tools to pursue her passions in meaningful ways.
During her studies, Emilie explored her creative passions through ISL’s supportive environment. Art became more than a subject; it became a language through which she could express herself. The school encouraged experimentation and risk-taking, helping her to find her own artistic voice.
“Art can speak to people in ways that words cannot,” Emilie explains. “ISL encouraged me to take risks, try new things, and not be afraid of making mistakes. That is incredibly important for an artist.”
This mindset of curiosity and courage set Emilie on a path that would carry her far beyond Lausanne. The combination of academic rigor, cultural exposure, and creative freedom made her ready to pursue higher education in the arts on an international stage.
After graduating in 2023, Emilie was accepted into the University of the Arts London (UAL), one of the world’s leading institutions for creative studies. There, she joined a community of passionate, diverse students, exploring art at an advanced level and building a portfolio that reflects her evolving vision.
She credits ISL with preparing her for this step: “At UAL, you are surrounded by people who are passionate about their craft. But I felt ready because ISL had already given me a taste of a global, open-minded community. I had learned to value different perspectives and to see them as opportunities for growth.”
Her time at ISL not only improved her technical skills and language abilities but also instilled a confidence and adaptability that allowed her to thrive in London’s competitive arts environment. She has used the Foundation Year at UAL as a stepping stone to enrolling at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York, USA.
Emilie’s story offers lessons for today’s ISL students. She emphasises the importance of engaging fully with the opportunities around them, whether academic, creative, or social.
“Use every opportunity you have here,” she advises. “The projects, the discussions, the friendships — they all matter. Even if something feels small at the time, it can shape how you think and who you become.”
She also encourages students to embrace uncertainty and exploration. Life does not always follow a linear path, and the courage to explore new directions is what leads to growth and fulfilment.
By sharing her journey, Emilie demonstrates how the ISL experience equips students with both skills and mindset to navigate a complex, interconnected world.
As Emilie begins her next chapter at Pratt Institute in New York, she continues to refine her artistic voice and expand her creative portfolio in one of the world’s most vibrant artistic cities. Pratt’s renowned interdisciplinary approach offers her new perspectives, collaborations, and challenges—building on the values instilled during her years at ISL.
“I want my work to connect with people,” Emilie says. “If it makes someone stop and think, then I have achieved something.”
Her ambition reflects the values first nurtured at ISL: openness, curiosity, and a belief in the power of ideas to make an impact. Emilie’s story is a testament to the transformative potential of embracing new challenges, pursuing passions, and connecting with a global community — lessons that resonate far beyond the classroom.