Switzerland Study Abroad

Primarily known for its mouth-watering chocolates and well-crafted watches, Switzerland is a small gem nestled between mountain ranges and lakes that, with its diverse language and cultural regions, provides a variety of study abroad opportunities. Founded as the Swiss Confederation in 1848, Switzerland was established as a neutral state, a classification that it still holds today. While it lies in the center of Western Europe, surrounded by France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy, it is not a member of the European Union, and uses the Swiss Franc as its currency. Switzerland has four official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansch) and is divided into 26 cantons, which are grouped into three general language regions.  Because of this linguistic diversity, you can find language programs for German, French, and Italian.

Getting There

Switzerland is easily accessible by plane, as each of its largest cities has its own airport. Once within Swiss borders, the primary mode of transportation is train, as Switzerland has an intricate and well-maintained rail system that even climbs high into the mountains. Bus lines also cross the country, and buses are the main form of public transportation in cities. To experience the transportation system off the tracks, you can visit the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne!

Where to Study

The German Section – Zurich

Home to the country’s capital (Bern), the German-speaking area is the largest of Switzerland’s linguistic regions. The country’s largest city, Zurich, is located here, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. Home to the Swiss Stock Exchange and both the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich is a commercial and intellectual center that provides a vibrant environment for students. The city has also been dubbed Switzerland’s “culture capital” for the large number of museums and theaters (including the famous Zurich Opera House) that line its streets. A walk through the old town will undoubtedly bring you to one of many historical churches that date back to the Protestant Reformation.

Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps (14,688 ft), and the rooftops of Zermatt.

The French Section – Geneva

In the French-speaking region, close to the border with France at the point where Lac Leman flows into the Rhône River, lies Geneva, another study abroad hot-spot. Quieter than Zurich’s bustling streets, Geneva sits peacefully on the lake, yielding picturesque views of both the Jura and the Alps. After class you can walk along the city’s riverside park, take a boat ride around the lake, shop in the old town, or simply sit and marvel at the Jet d’Eau fountain, which sprays water over 400 ft into the sky. Home to over 40 international organizations, including the United Nations and Red Cross headquarters, Geneva is an international diplomatic and political center. Programs that include internships in business, law, political science, and international relations take advantage of these global, yet local, resources.

The Italian Section – Lugano

Switzerland’s Italian-speaking section is located at its southern tip, bordered on two sides by Italy. The region’s largest city, Lugano, hosts many Italian language programs, and is quickly becoming the country’s number one tourist destination. Situated close to the Alps about five miles from the Italian border on Lake Lugano, the city is alive with people enjoying the surrounding scenery. From hiking in the nearby Monte Bré and Monte San Salvadore to boating on Lake Lugano’s warm waters or stepping inside one of many art museums, there is plenty to do in this Italian-influenced town. And from April to August, the city sings with music festivals featuring jazz and blues to pop songs.

Hospitality Management

Rather than study with a program sponsored by an American institution, you may choose to attend one of Switzerland’s own hospitality management schools. Known worldwide for its charming, dependable hospitality, Switzerland serves as a prime location for students to finesse the skills necessary for running an upscale hotel. Institutions such as  the Swiss Hotel Management School and IHTTI School of Hotel Management offer Swiss Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs to those interested in the hotel business.

What to See

While studying in Switzerland, you will have plenty of time to take a break from schoolwork and explore the country’s natural and historical sites. Here are just a few options for some great day or weekend trips:

Zurich

Mountains

Home to two mountains ranges, the Jura and the Alps, Switzerland is a hiker’s paradise. A quick train ride will carry you to one of many mountain villages, at which point the land is yours to explore. Walk past the breath-taking summit of the Matterhorn near Zermatt, or the Jungfrau in Murren. These towns, among others, are filled with hostels, hotels, and restaurants offering alpine comfort. In the summer, you may come across a traditional mountain town festival or walk alongside grazing cows, and in the winter, blooming edelweiss flowers are replaced by snow covered peaks for skiing and sledding adventures.

Castles

As a country that has been inhabited for centuries, Switzerland is a treasure trove for castles and medieval ruins. The most visited, Chillon Castle, is located in the French-speaking region in Lac Leman, which serves as a natural moat. On public tours, visitors can explore the castle’s large ballrooms and narrow hallways to imagine life in the 14th century. Guests can even journey to the dungeon to see the name of Lord Byron, who wrote about the castle in his poem “The Prisoner of Chillon,” carved into a pillar.

Bridges

Travel to Lucerne to walk across Europe’s oldest covered bridge. The city’s Kapellbrüke (Chapel Bridge) was built across the Reuss River in the 14th century and still stands today after a restoration in 1993. While walking through the bridge, be sure to look up at the series of 17th century paintings that run the length of the bridge, recounting the city’s history.

The Olympics

In the east, you can visit the winter sports haven St. Moritz, host of the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympic Games. After a day of skiing at this famous resort, be sure to check out the area’s glaciers and ice caves. And if Olympic History spikes your interest, you can also travel to Lausanne in the west to visit the Olympic Museum and walk past the International Olympic Committee Headquarters.

Posted by Katie Williams.