Study Abroad in Switzerland

Switzerland boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Europe, but the breathtaking Alpine landscape is only one of this country's many draws for students. Bordering France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, Switzerland regards cultural pluralism as an inseparable part of its national identity. This dynamic country is internationally recognized for its advances in science and technology, its role as a global advocate for humanitarian causes, and its countless contributions to the arts. Add to this a modern infrastructure and excellent universities, and it is easy to see why thousands of students of all levels study abroad in Switzerland each year.

Switzerland's educational system is publically funded, and great importance is placed on maintaining high academic standards at all levels, from primary to tertiary education. Tertiary institutions include universities, teacher training colleges, universities of applied sciences and higher vocational schools. Switzerland has four official languages, and French, German and Italian serve as primary languages of instruction for higher education (the fourth, Romansh, is spoken by less than one percent of the population). Although it is not one of Switzerland's official languages, English is the language of instruction for many university courses and study abroad programs.

The five German-speaking universities include the country's oldest, the University of Basel, founded in 1460, and Switzerland's only Italian-speaking university is located in Lugano. French-speaking students attend universities in Geneva, Lausanne and Neuchâtel, while the University of Fribourg is bilingual and offers a full curriculum in French and German. Established in 1925 in one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, the American College Program (ACP) at the University of Fribourg is recognized as one of the oldest study abroad programs in the country. At the University of Fribourg, students can study in French and/or German and engage with students from more than 110 different countries.

With such international institutions as the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization located within its borders, Switzerland offers many study abroad opportunities in international relations. Specialized programs in political science, economics, international law and related subjects are hugely popular and often taught in English. ACP's short-term interdisciplinary program, "Survey of International Organizations," allows students to visit many of these distinguished institutions and provides an overview of their goals, function and significance. For other English-taught study abroad opportunities in a variety of fields, visit www.IIEPassport.org.

Both the Swiss government and the private sector actively promote science and technology. Swiss and Swiss-based scientists have achieved a high level of excellence, particularly in medicine, physics and chemistry-the country counts seven Nobel prizes since 1975 in these fields alone. Switzerland's leading Federal Institutes of Technology are ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, and each boasts modern libraries and state-of-the-art facilities. Based in Geneva, CERN is the preeminent international laboratory for particle physicists, where more than one-third of the world's physicists collaborate on ground-breaking research.

Not surprisingly given its multiethnic character, Switzerland has been home to many ethnic and cultural groups throughout its history. The area's first recorded inhabitants were the Helvetii, a semi-nomadic Celtic tribe. The Romans, Burgundians, Franks and eventually the Germanic Habsburg family all called Switzerland home. In 1291, three original cantons refusing to submit to the Habsburgs took an oath, which became the founding document of the Confoederatio Helvetica. This pact is celebrated on August 1st each year as the Swiss National Day. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna guaranteed the Swiss Confederation independence and permanent neutrality. Switzerland has maintained that stance since then, and is not a member of the European Union.

In 1848, Switzerland adopted its modern constitution, and the alliance of autonomous cantons became a federal state. The federal capital is Bern, the seat of parliament and the administration. Today, Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, which vary by population, language and area. Some are made up of only a single city while others span rural areas, mountains and valleys.

From precision timepieces to exquisite chocolates, Switzerland's discoveries and creations have enhanced many lives. But for all the worldwide renown of these industries, Swiss contributions to arts and letters are no less remarkable. Counted among its sons and daughters are the artists Paul Klee and Alberto Giacometti; the Enlightenment philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau; and Le Corbusier, an icon of Modern architecture, design and urban theory.

For sports enthusiasts, the awe-inspiring mountains provide ample opportunities for skiing, mountaineering and hiking, and the country has more than 30,000 miles of designated trails. The Swiss hold many festivals and events each year, including numerous music festivals. Those wishing to explore the fine arts will find regular concerts and innovative museum exhibits.

As one of the world's leaders in science and technology, Switzerland has plenty to teach, and Swiss cultural heritage makes this an ideal place for students of any field to learn and grow!


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