| Switzerland Information |
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The end result is that students emerge from an international education not only with a thorough understanding of their subject but also with analytical abilities and problem-solving skills that are much prized by employers in later life. And if you have chosen Switzerland as your study destination, then definitely you have an eye for beauty and high class education. Switzerland is a country of incredible beauty: rugged mountain peaks enhanced by delicate, wispy clouds; velvety green meadows tucked high on mountain ledges; dramatic rivers rushing through narrow gorges; tiny blue lakes sparkling like jewels in their mountain pockets; postcard-worthy villages made up of toy-like chalets. The country is almost too perfect to be real. For centuries Switzerland has inspired poets and artists who have advertised her glories on paper and canvas and her reputation has attracted visitors from all over the world. Charm and old-world ambiance are used as the basis for the selection of hotel sites. Switzerland attracts lot of visitors from all over the world and thus has biggest hospitality industry in the world. Higher Education Higher education in Switzerland is publicly funded and tuition fees are very low for both domestic and foreign students. Almost all universities have fees of about £500 to £1,000. In the few cases where there are increased fees for foreigners, these are usually a small administrative surcharge of about £150. Switzerland's global approach has led to English-language teaching which is again to the benefit of foreign students. Switzerland has one of the highest proportions of foreign students in the world. "The figures for PhD students and academic staff are even higher, so the university environment is truly international. Currently, the majority of foreign students come from neighboring countries, which means they are able to study in one of (Switzerland's) main three national languages - German, French and, less frequently, Italian. Swiss universities are making great effort to attract non-European students by offering courses that are taught in English. Though, at master’s level, and till date almost 200 post graduate courses are taught entirely or at least 50 percent in English are offered by 11 out of the 12 public universities. Majority the courses are from the area of business and management or the sciences, although options also include subject areas such as mediation, sports administration, English linguistics and children's rights. Students can choose to study anywhere from Basel and Bern to Zurich, and opt for anything from PG in actuarial science at the University of Lausanne to an MA in international tourism or intelligent systems at the University of Lugano. Similar programs are also available for Doctorate. Learning German/French/Italian Knowledge of one local language (German/French/Italian) is essential especially if the course that you have opted in Switzerland is taught fully or partially in German/French/Italian.If your course is taught in English you need not worry though it is always advisable to have some basic knowledge of the local language. You can learn German in any of the following ways: * Enroll in a language course in your higher education institution * Learn German before arriving in Germany. You can learn German by enrolling in the nearest Goethe Institute (Max Mueller Bhavan in India) (www.goethe.de). * Good language courses are also available in adult education centres (Voklshochschule – VHS) or municipal education centers which are cheaper than private centers. You can learn French in any of the following ways: * Alliance Francaise * Delhi University * Jawaherlal Nehru University You can learn Italian in any of the following ways: * The Italian Cultural Institute in New Delhi has Italian language classes. Climate The climate in Switzerland is moderate through the year though winters will seem severe to tourists from warmer climes. The weather is not excessively hot, cold or humid. The temperature ranges from 18 to 28 ?C (65? - 82? F) during the day in the summer months of July to August. The Autumn and Spring day temperature is between 8 to 15 ?C (46? - 59? F) and the winter is colder with temperatures from -2 to 7 ?C (28? - 45? F) during January and February. If you're on a walking tour of Switzerland, remember to wear comfortable shoes and weatherproof clothing. Carrying sunglasses to protect your eyes against the glare, from light reflecting off the snow and a raincoat are also advisable. Facts Capital: Bern Major Cities:Zurich(Largest), Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, Basel, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Biel Currency: Swiss Francs (CHF) Languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh Calling Code: 41 |
So you have decided to study abroad? Great! But choosing the right host country is probably the most crucial decision you'll ever make, one that will affect the course of your entire life – personal and professional. Soon you'll be leaving your country for a new culture, a new way of life, and new people.