Finishing School Suggestions - Institut Villa Pierrefeu?

Parent Cafe
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<p>Hello, everyone!</p>

<p>It’s becoming obvious that I need some polishing. I’m a decent public speaker and networker, but I’d really like to learn better social graces,to have that je ne sais quoi that shows breeding and culture.</p>

<p>Anyway, I was looking for finishing schools and found the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland, which has 3, 4, 7, and 10 week programs. ([Institut</a> Villa Pierrefeu ¦ The Original Swiss Finishing School™](<a href=“http://www.ivpworld.com/en/default.asp]Institut”>http://www.ivpworld.com/en/default.asp))</p>

<p>The website says: “With 50 years of experience, Institut Villa Pierrefeu is a traditional Finishing School of the type the world expects from Switzerland. Elegant, exclusive and charming, it will prepare you for a role in the business world and society , aiming to help you become more effective in multicultural environments and dealings.”</p>

<p>They have programs for young people (16 - 20) as well as older ones.</p>

<p>My question to you: Do you know anything about this? Their website doesn’t go into a lot of detail on the “finishing” aspects of their program. Also, their programs are very, very expensive. I’ll have to work for a while to be able to afford it. :)</p>

<p>Also, do you know of other courses I could use to help myself get a bit more polished. I’ve read lots of books, so I’m looking for something in-person and high level.</p>

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<p>I thought there was quite a lot of detail on the subject matter covered –

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<p>And that’s just one aspect. There is also flower arranging, hostessing, and home management including managing the staff. As well as becoming fluent in French or English.</p>

<p>I guess I am wondering – is this <em>really</em> what you have in mind? My impression is that it looks like “how to be a trophy wife.”</p>

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<p>Wow—I didn’t know these still existed. Although over the years, having a bit more knowledge in many of the areas would have probably been helpful. Although “family” receptions in our families usually includes grilling burgers and hot dogs on the grill…I suspect this school doesn’t exactly cover which paper plates are preferred…</p>

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<p>I actually thought the post would be tongue in cheek. “Finishing Schools” used to be where the wealthy sent their debutantes to learn to catch a man. The 18th and 19th century version of “how to be a trophy wife.” The son of an Austrailian native, my father would joke about shipping me off to Saint Cuthberts school for girls in Austrailia for “finishing” when I would breach etiquette as a teen…it happened a lot. I had no idea they still existed.</p>

<p>There are classes in cities nationwide you can take for far less $$ where you can practice ettiquette with a group. If social graces are what you feel you are lacking you may want to consider a class in the south. Southern hospitality and grace are still alive and well and taught for a price. I am curious though why you think you need this. You are a kid you aren’t yet finished because of that. Heck I’m old enough to be your mother and I’m not finished either.</p>

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<p>I was shocked after we moved here, to find out that there are still Debutante Balls (albeit very limited) here in the South…</p>

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<p>Dorothea Buell Johnson (mother of Bebe Buell, grandmother of Liv Tyler) founded the Protocol School of Washington. [Dorothea</a> Johnson Productions, Inc. - Dorothea Johnson, Founder of The Protocol School of Washington, Etiquette and Protocol Expert, Author](<a href=“http://www.dorotheajohnsoninc.com/index.html]Dorothea”>Togel Singapore, Pengeluaran Togel SGP Prize, Keluaran SGP Hari Ini) </p>

<p>She also has written several books on the subject.</p>

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<p>I heard from an excellent source that the Swiss schools are well attended by Russians. I don’t think this is what you are looking for. My French teacher who is Swiss and knows what she is talking about says that the Swiss finishing school is not what we Americans think it is today. She said that the super rich don’t go to Switzerland anymore to be educated they come to America or stay where their safest residences are located. She also said that only people who cant legitimately put their money in a normal bank account bank in Switzerland. And most of these schools are primitive compared to the boarding schools in the US or in other overseas locations. Look for recent references if you choose to ignore my posting and check out the people who are giving references. I wouldn’t go by the prettiness of the website. There is a great program in the USA [The</a> Protocol School of Washington | The Leader in Etiquette and Protocol Services](<a href=“http://www.psow.com%5DThe”>http://www.psow.com)
look up diplomacy schools in Washington DC. They are the best programs and forget the Swiss schools.</p>

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<p>Would you be willing to share an event or type of situation that is giving you this feeling? Possibly that could help people think about what might be helpful to you.</p>

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<p>modeling schools often hold classes that can help you become more aware of how you present yourself, especially if you are uncomfortable with your ease in formal situations.
I don’t think a finishing type school is necessary.</p>

<p>The international customs would vary depending on country and who you would be working with- that could be learned on an as needed basis.</p>

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<p>Gosh, I wish I could go to finishing school. (Wonder if they teach yer how to fart…)</p>