Study Abroad in Switzerland

  Switzerland

Basel,  Bern,  Biel (Bienne),  Bulle,  Chur,  Fribourg,  Geneve [Geneva],  Interlaken,  Lausanne,  Les Sciernes,  Lugano,  Martigny,  Montreux (A Vevey-Montreux),  Neuchatel,  Nyon,  St. Gallen,  Vernier,  Winterthur,  Zurich

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: year: mid-August - July; semester: mid-August - late January

Description: Once you see the breath-taking beauty of the Alps, lakes, cities, and castles of Switzerland, you'll realize why Swiss culture is based on the outdoors. Have a YFU exchange experience in one of the most ecologically aware countries in the world.

The Swiss love nature and enjoy jogging, playing football (soccer) and volleyball, skiing, cycling, and their national obsession, hiking. But don't despair if you long for "higher" culture'Switzerland has more than its share of museums, theaters, and concerts.

While your Swiss host family will welcome you warmly, you should understand and respect the great value the Swiss attach to family privacy. The Swiss also value cleanliness, harmony, and consensus. You'll enjoy becoming part of a small, intimate group as a member of your host family. As a part of that family, expect to share time with each other at lunch, still the main meal in many parts of Switzerland. It's possible that dinner may be your main meal but it may be a light, often cold, meal, following the bigger lunch.

Adventure and language course programs as well as year and semester options are available in over 35 countries.

Highlights: Swiss schools differ because they are run by the various cantons and because of the diversity resulting from four different languages. You can count on working hard because Swiss schools are academically challenging. You'll be enrolled in one of two kinds of schools: gymnasium (for university-bound students) or handelsmittelschule (a business college).

Students in Switzerland participate in many educational activities that are included in the program tuition. There will be a one-week post-arrival orientation program and a one-week Ski Camp in the Alps with the option of choosing snow boarding or skiing. Before your return home you will have a pre-departure orientation weekend with other year students in Switzerland. Many additional events, such as family meetings, take place locally throughout the year.

Mandatory health insurance is included in the program tuition. Students must be born between 3/1/1989 and 9/1/1991 to be eligible for programs to Switzerland. YFU Switzerland believes that an exchange program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and as such, students who have previously spent a semester or year abroad on any program are not eligible for programs to Switzerland.

German Language Intensive Orientation
For students interested in the German-speaking program to Switzerland who do not meet the minimum two years language requirement, there is an intensive four-and-a-half week language training option available for an additional fee. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis. For additional information, please call 1-800-TEENAGE to speak with an Admissions Counselor.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more information

Participants Travel to Switzerland in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network

Youth For Understanding USA's Mission Statement: Youth For Understanding (YFU) prepares young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.

Year Founded: YFU in 1951