Why study in Switzerland?
What do you think of when you think of Switzerland? Is it the dramatic landscapes and quaint country settings? Or is it the unique French, German and Italian influences? Maybe it's the historic castles and heritage? Or the vibrant youth culture that is respected throughout Europe and is very well suited to anyone considering a period of study in this wonderfully complex country. Whatever it is, Switzerland has something special for you.
About two thirds of the area of Switzerland is covered with forests, lakes and mountains. You will find towns steeped in history, cities that are very cosmopolitan and offer the usual facilities that you would expect from any major European City, as well as traditional wooden-chalet mountain communities that have been established for centuries. Major events, such as the Zurich Street parade, Féte du Geneve, Verbier Extreme, Swiss Open Tennis Tournament among many others provide a constant flow of fun and excitement.
One of the key features of this mountainous country is its cultural diversity. The ancestors of the people who reside in this country today have their origins in different countries. The most obvious result of this, is the fact that - even if Switzerland is only a small country (41,284 km2) - there are as many as four official languages: German (74%), French (20%), Italian (4%) and Romansh (1%) - the remaining 1% speak other languages.
Switzerland is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses, chocolate, watch-making industry, for its scenery and an excellent public transport network. The capital city is Berne; other major cities include Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano and Zurich.
Since Switzerland has no raw materials, it must import, process and resell them as products. The service industries are arguably the most important part of the economy. These include banking, insurance and tourism. For what Switzerland lacks in raw materials, it makes up for in highly skilled manpower with superior technological expertise. Farming is also an important factor, but production of the Swiss farming industry does not fulfil the needs of all people, so Switzerland must rely on imported goods from other countries. There is hardly a country in Western Europe, which compares to Switzerland for its dependence on foreign trade.
You may well ask yourself as a student, 'what can Switzerland offer me?' Well, there are many advantages to studying in Switzerland. The high quality of education is relatively accessible and a large percentage of the student population are foreign students. You will meet and associate with people from all over the world, giving you a very global outlook and politically neutral understanding of life. Switzerland is a small country in the centre of Europe and exploration of surrounding regions can easily be undertaken with the minimum amount of travel. Switzerland is an ideal location if you enjoy outdoor pursuits. The Swiss Alps provide a picture-perfect backdrop and you will find a wealth of activities available throughout the four seasons, that will interest even the most lethargic of personalities.
After a gruelling day of lectures, what can students do to relax? All universities and colleges offer a variety of recreational activities for their students. There are several inter-university sports tournaments and you are likely to find tennis courts, sports centres and a café-bar where students can socialise. Away from campus, students are entitled to discounts at exhibitions, theatres, art galleries, and museums. A student would only need, between 100-150 Swiss Francs per week in order to sample everything that Switzerland has to offer. In addition, as many colleges are situated in and around the Alps, many students enjoy the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard. Although the cost of hiring the equipment can be expensive, a student can buy a ski pass for approx. SFr 450. The pass would be valid for a year and allows access to various pistes and slopes giving the novice plenty of time to perfect their technique.
As with any country, as a potential student you must meet the entry requirements of your chosen university, as well as those of the country itself. All students must be in possession of a valid passport and in addition, students from certain countries will also require Swiss entry visas. Student entry visas should be requested from the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your home country, after you have received your acceptance letters from the university. Assistance and advice for students is readily available from your chosen institution. Many universities will also require you to demonstrate your linguistic proficiency.
Most Swiss universities structure their academic year in three term periods that run from early September to December, late January to early May, and late May to July respectively. Courses are generally modular with students having to attain the required number of credits in order to pass their chosen course. Students are asked to complete a set number of courses per term and, in this, learn to adapt to a variety of teaching methods. Most classes will involve lectures followed by group seminars; designed to discuss the issues raised in the lectures. The teacher/student ratio in these discussion groups is relatively low, with an average of ten students assigned to one professor. Essays and exams are common yet there is also room for individual case studies and audio-visual projects. Library facilities are extremely good.
Tuition fees for universities and colleges in Switzerland vary from institution to institution. However, if you know which college you wish to attend, you will be able to get a prospectus (by ringing or writing to the Swiss Embassy in your country) that will list the relevant costs. On average, a student's annual budget would need to cover approximately SFr 16,000 to SFr 24,000 depending on where you study and your standard of living. Don't be put off if these costs are out of your price range, most universities offer forms of financial assistance and, in some cases, scholarships.
As a European business hub, several courses have links with locally based businesses that cannot be beaten. Special strengths are in banking, machine tool and precision engineering. Other strengths include chemical and pharmaceutical engineering, not to mention great hotel and tourist educational departments. The country has been very successful in attracting the investment of foreign multi-nationals and businesses, also one of the reasons for its huge banking sector. The knock-on effect of the wealth results in attracting some of the most respected academics in European universities attracted by the high wages and the comfortable lifestyle.
Through the Federal Commission for International Students, the Government provides a small number of scholarships to foreign postgraduates only. These help students undertake research in fields that the Swiss universities are particularly active in. A special programme also exists providing scholarships to postgraduates from central and eastern European countries.
The most popular of the educational facilities for foreign students, are the Swiss Hospitality Schools. Located in various towns and cities across Switzerland, these schools are renowned worldwide for their high standards and are almost a pre-requisite for hospitality students looking for a first class education. Famous schools such as the Caesar Ritz Colleges, the Ecole Hôteliére in Lausanne, International Hotel Management Institute in Lucerne, the Hotel Institute in Montreux and many others provide highly competitive qualifications in all aspects of international hospitality and tourism management. The entry requirements for these schools can vary according to your personal area of interest. Merit based scholarships are also available but you would need to enquire with the institution of your choice.
So what are you waiting for? If you are looking to study in a country that is renowned for its educational system, with a totally diverse culture and adventurous activities just waiting to be experienced, all in breathtaking surroundings. After all, this is the country where Albert Einstein gained his technical qualifications and found the inspiration to create his theory of relativity. Take the decision, be positive, and pave your career path with solid foundations. Study in Switzerland.
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