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School Program in Switzerland

Experience top education, discover Swiss nature and political institutions, and share culture with a host family that encourages your independence

Study Abroad in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty, which the Swiss work very hard to protect. In most communities, you won’t be far from snow-capped mountains or crytal-clear lakes. If the environment is important to you, you’ll appreciate all the effort the country puts into recycling and conservation. The Swiss also value punctuality and efficiency; a common saying claims that if you’re late, it’s probably because you weren’t wearing a Swiss watch or riding a Swiss train.

 

Highlights: 

  • Possibility to become a sports club member
  • Even in cities nature is never far away.
  • Possibility to explore Switzerland using public transport.
  • Students will be encouraged to be independent
  • Tour of the Parliament Building in Bern
  • New: Mid-Stay Camp in Geneva, combined with UN visit (TBC)
Host students attend Baccalaureate Schools (Gymnasium), specialized schools (Fachmittelschulen), or Vocational Baccalaureate Schools. Only the top 30% of local students attend these schools, meaning academic standards are very high by international comparisons. Device Requirement BYOD: Students must have their own laptops for school. Switzerland has an excellent and very reliable transport system. Host students will likely commute to school by train, bus, or bicycle.
The Swiss are known for their highly active lifestyles. It is common to be a member of a local club, where they spend their evenings actively pursuing their hobbies. Despite the hobby or skill level, host students will have the opportunity to join and practice a wide variety of sports. Host students will have the amazing opportunity to easily explore breathtaking mountains, lakes, and towns across the entire country using the exceptional and highly reliable public transport system.
Switzerland has four official languages: Swiss German, French, Italian, and Rumantsch. Because the AFS communities in the Italian and Rumantsch-speaking regions are currently very small, we do not offer placements for these languages in our AFS program at this time.
Students placed in the German-speaking region will have the unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local dialect called Swiss German. It is important to note that this dialect differs noticeably from Standard German. Teachers use Standard German in the classroom, but friends and classmates mostly speak to each other in the local Swiss German dialect.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Domestic Transport
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Re-entry Orientation

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • School Transport
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • School Materials
  • Project Materials
  • Stipend
my sweet friends and family

Living with Swiss Family

Swiss families often evolve around the core family (parents, children). Usually, every family member chips in when it comes to housework and it is common for both parents to work.
Many Swiss people are members of a club, where they pursue their hobbies in the evening. Swiss teenagers also often have weekend jobs.

Swiss

Daily Life

Teenage Life in Switzerland

The Swiss may have fewer friends than what you’re used to, but their friendships tend to be very close and long-lasting. Teenagers are usually very active and participate in sports and clubs organized by the school or community. Since the Alps cover more than half of the country, you can definitely plan on lots of opportunities to go skiing and mountain climbing. Other popular sports include ice hockey, biking, and soccer. Your Swiss friends will probably also like to get together in cafés or hang out during after-school activities.

New experience unlocked! done 7 times volunteering within 2 months

Your High School in Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the top education systems in the world, and you can expect your classmates to be highly motivated and engaged students. You’ll most likely attend a baccalaureat school, an academically competitive high school that prepares students for university studies. A typical day might start around 8 am and end around 6 pm. Most schools have classes until noon on Wednesday, leaving the rest of the day free for skiing, hiking, or spending time with your host family and friends.

If you’re in the German-speaking region, you’ll be given an online Rosetta Stone course, and you’ll be able to take an intensive language course during the first five weeks of your stay. If you’re in the French-speaking region, you should come with some existing knowledge of French, and will get some French lessons at a local level. No matter where you’re staying, previous experience with the language is beneficial, as it will help you make friends and get involved in the community.