August 8, 2022

A group of students from Switzerland, selected by the Swiss Study Foundation, participated in the Storytelling Camp in early June of this year. The goal of the 10-day program was to expand the mindsets and skillsets of the students in regards to storytelling and also the culture of Silicon Valley and the US West Coast. Training them to use their storytelling skills to create networks that will drive their projects or ideas forward was another important focus of the program.

The program included skill-building sessions such as workshops on public speaking or podcasting, dedicated slots for reflection and time for the students to work on their own story project, as well as the chance to meet inspirational storytellers from the Bay Area.

Each of the students worked on their own project during the duration of the program and presented their story in front of the group at the end of Storytelling Camp. Their personal stories ranged from a variety of topics: One student created a story around the importance to combat climate change on the individual level and how personal relationships and collaborations are an essential part of identifying solutions. Another student’s story revolved around their personal journey and how it led them to their passion for teaching, not only in a classroom, but also in the context of leadership.

The Storytelling Camp 2022 is a project of the Swiss Study Foundation enriched with the expertise of Swissnex in San Francisco and its first edition took place in Lugano in 2021.