Producing a documentary and organising children camps might not sound like the most logical combination, but for us both are great ways to bring cultures closer together. Experiences and impressions at a young age can strongly influence people's character and opinion. It can help improve children's intercultural communication skills and general understanding of the increasing globalized world we live in.
Since the summer of 2016, Kicking Cultures and Saarlight organize summer camps for Chinese children (6-14 years) in the Netherlands. The program includes many sports activities, language classes, teamwork assignments, and cultural expeditions to let them experience a different culture, study English, play sports, while giving them the opportunity to meet and play with children from another country. For an impression please see the pictures!
Kicking Cultures organizes winter camps in Switzerland every year. These camps are a unique opportunity to let your children experience Swiss winter. They will study many different winter sports, with a strong focus on skiing, use English to communicate with locals, and learn about Swiss culture and cuisine. For more information please find our brochure, pictures and videos.
Michiel graduated from Rotterdam University with a Masters in Finance & Investments. Working for the EU Chamber of Commerce in Chongqing, China, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Amsterdam, Michiel enjoyed abundant exposure to the Chinese-European environment. The cultural differences that he encountered between China and his own, resulted in the inspiration to start the 'Kicking Cultures' project. The Chinese language skills he obtained at the Beijing Language and Culture University and the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, have proven to be his best tool to face these cultural challenges. Crans-Montana has been Michiel’s second home all his life. He started skiing at the age of 4 and has hit the slopes several weeks a year ever since.
| 2016-2018 | Kicking Cultures |
| 2017-2018 | Swiss Ski School Crans-Montana |
| 2014-2015 | Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Amsterdam |
| 2013-2014 | Eenhoorn Real Estate Investment and Management Company LLC, U.S.A. |
| 2012 | European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Chongqing |
| 2012-2013 | MSc Finance & Investments - Rotterdam School of Management |
| 2011 | Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu |
| 2007-2011 | BSc Business Administration - Erasmus University Rotterdam |
| 2006-2007 | Beijing Language & Culture University |
Severin is in the second last semester of his Bachelor in International Affairs at the University of St. Gallen. He is currently on an exchange program in Oslo, Norway. He has been learning Chinese since 2013 when he first went to Beijing for 6 months. Since then he is improving these language skills during multiple visits to China as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the Chinese culture. He has been working for the Swiss Ski School Crans-Montana since 8 years as a licensed ski teacher. In addition he is completing the highest degree in this field. He was raised in Crans-Montana giving him a strong attachment to the region and the ski resort. He was ski racing from 6 to 16 years old competing up to national level.
| 2016-2018 | Kicking Cultures |
| 2009-2018 | Swiss Ski School Crans-Montana |
| 2013-2017 | University of St. Gallen Switzerland |
| 2016 | BI Norwegian Business School Oslo |
| 2013 | Mandarin House Beijing |
