Tracee Ellis Ross Opens Up About ‘Emotional’ Return to Swiss Boarding School After 40 Years: ‘I Couldn’t Stop Crying’

**Tracee Ellis Ross Reflects on Emotional Return to Swiss Boarding School in New Travel Series**

Actress and celebrated globetrotter Tracee Ellis Ross has recently taken a trip down memory lane, revisiting the Institut Le Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland. This return forms part of the second season of her travel series, “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross,” which launched on 20 July on the Roku Channel.

At 53, Ross has maintained an adventurous spirit that has seen her explore the far corners of the globe. In a candid interview with Travel + Leisure, she shared insights about her experiences during this season. The actress attended the prestigious boarding school over 40 years ago, and her return to the campus proved to be a profoundly nostalgic experience.

Ross described the visit as “emotional and hilarious,” particularly as she navigated familiar surroundings from her teenage years. The Institut Le Rosey, known for its historical significance and as one of the most costly boarding schools worldwide, provided Ross with a mix of bittersweet memories. “The years I was there were so impactful to me,” she stated.

One standout memory was the dormitory that she once called home. Although it has since been repurposed, Ross noted that many of its original features, such as the floor and door handles, have remained unchanged. “It felt like being in a time machine. I couldn’t stop crying,” she revealed, expressing how revisiting her past stirred up an emotional rush.

Ross also recalled her mother, the legendary Diana Ross, visiting her at the school. She pointed out the gate through which her mother would arrive for her visits, highlighting the deep connections to both her family and her formative experiences. “The whole show could be me crying in front of a dorm room,” she added with a note of humour.

The visit to Rolle was just one part of Ross’s Swiss adventure. She spent significant time in Gstaad, an idyllic community nestled in the Swiss Alps. Staying at the opulent Gstaad Palace, which boasts a stunning exterior reminiscent of a castle, Ross took the opportunity to engage fully with the local culture, including taking ski lessons.

“My ski instructor was fantastic,” she enthused. “He also has a cheese farm. He brought me cheese. Hot cheese boy.” This light-hearted moment reflects Ross’s ability to find joy and humour in her travel experiences, even amid poignant reflections on her past.

In addition to her sojourn in Switzerland, this season of “Solo Traveling” includes exciting destinations like Northern Thailand and Melbourne, Australia. Expressing enthusiasm for the new episodes, Ross remarked, “I didn’t think it could get better than season 1. I had a blast in Australia, Thailand and Switzerland! There was shopping, skiing, surfing, sheet masks, elephants, first dips, delicious food, wine, cheese, chocolate, and thirteen-year-old Tracee… all while enjoying my own company.”

The first season of the series, launched in July 2025, featured Ross travelling through Morocco, Mexico, and Spain. It became a phenomenal success, setting records as the number one unscripted show in Roku’s history. This remarkable achievement reflects Ross’s relatable and entertaining approach to exploring new cultures and landscapes.

Overall, Ross’s reconnection with her past at the Institut Le Rosey, along with her continuous embrace of adventure and travel, showcases a life filled with rich experiences and heartfelt moments. As viewers tune in to the new season, they will undoubtedly appreciate her blend of nostalgia and discovery on the open road.