Language Assistants Inspire Students at Inter-School Debate Competition
Engaging in English-language debates on current affairs with students from other schools: what might sound daunting has become a reality, thanks to the initiative of dedicated language assistants from the U.S. With impressive drive and organizational skill, they have launched a new debate competition.
For the students of the Kantonsschule am Burggraben, Saturday, April 25, began in the early hours. By five o'clock, they were already on the train to Bern to participate in a debate competition for which their American language assistant had prepared them intensively. The challenge: to engage in live debates with students from other schools on current—and in some cases, previously unknown—topics.
It takes courage to formulate the right arguments and weigh the pros and cons of a topical issue in front of an audience. Consequently, some students headed to Bern wondering if their English skills would be up to the task. This adventure began several weeks ago, bringing together students from various classes who, despite attending the same school, did not necessarily know one another.
The students—who traveled to Bern from Zurich, Solothurn, Basel-Stadt, and Jura—largely attribute their speaking confidence to the relaxed atmosphere fostered in class by "their" American language assistants.
Encouraging Active Language Use
The idea for the English debate competition came from James, one of ten American language assistants currently working at host schools across Switzerland. James works at several schools in the Canton of Jura, where he feels very much at home. Despite his many commitments, he went to great lengths to coordinate this competition with his colleagues, ensuring all students were as prepared as possible for the big day.
Students were able to prepare for some topics in advance; others were revealed only upon arrival in Bern at the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy was actively involved in organizing the "Debate Network Competition" and proved to be a generous and well-organized host.
The Art of Arguing and Listening
The topics chosen were intercultural, global, and highly contemporary. In the morning sessions, student groups debated the pros and cons of gun ownership—an issue frequently discussed in both the United States and Switzerland. They also tackled the relationship between Swiss wages and the high local cost of living.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to a potential social media ban for children and teenagers, as well as the restriction of AI in primary and secondary schools. The jury, composed of three language assistants, evaluated the finalists from the Lycée de Porrentruy and the Kantonsschule am Burggraben in St. Gallen. Participants had to present comprehensive arguments, respond spontaneously to opposing objections, and provide convincing rebuttals. As such, the required level of English was high.
Once the time was up, the jury retired to deliberate. The result: three students received individual awards for their high scores, and the team from St. Gallen was declared the overall winner.
The Power of Honest Dialogue
For Ambassador Callista Gingrich, the awards ceremony was an opportunity to emphasize the importance of free speech:
«Democracy is stronger, when people are free to speak and express themselves.»
Placements via Movetia
American applicants interested in becoming language assistants apply through a U.S. partner organization and undergo a rigorous selection process. Thanks to the collaboration between the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and the U.S. Embassy, the language assistant program has expanded its reach since 2023.
Every year, Swiss host schools have the opportunity to welcome Americans from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program as classroom assistants. Experience with the American participants has been overwhelmingly positive. In the current school year, a total of 28 English-language assistants are working in Swiss schools, approximately one-third of whom are U.S. citizens.
Language Assistant at Your School
Would you also like to hire a native-speaking language assistant for your school? Discover the "Language Assistance in Switzerland" support program now.
