Switzerland

Winding roads to breathtaking mountain slopes… and chocolate

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This country’s stunning landscapes—snow-covered Alps, picturesque pastures dotted with spotted Swiss cows, and around 1,500 crystal-clear lakes—inspire both locals and visitors.

During the school week, high school students usually focus on homework and extracurricular activities, such as music lessons. On weekends, teenagers take part in various clubs and local events, such as gymnastics activities or historical celebrations. Be sure to plan ahead for opportunities to go skiing, hiking, meet friends in local cafés, or go dancing.

People and community

You will most likely live in a German-speaking region, perhaps in a suburb, although many students are also placed in cities and rural areas. Swiss families vary greatly, but most are hardworking and frugal, with one or two children. Most Swiss households have pets—usually a cat or a dog. On weekends, Swiss people often visit distant relatives and friends.

School

Swiss students are highly motivated and disciplined when it comes to education, and the school system is very competitive. You will most likely attend what is called a Matura school, a type of secondary school that prepares students for university studies. A typical school day starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends around 6:00 p.m., except on Wednesdays when classes finish around midday. There are seven compulsory subjects, which include national and foreign languages, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and visual arts and/or music.

Language

With its four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), Switzerland is the ideal place for an international education.

The Swiss German dialect is spoken in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. French is spoken in the western part of the country, while Italian is spoken in the southern region. Romansh, which derives from ancient Latin, is spoken in Alpine valleys that are perhaps a bit more isolated from the surrounding areas. No matter which region you live in, you must have at least a B1 level of basic knowledge in German, French, or Italian. You will also have the opportunity to attend language courses in the first weeks of the program, and AFS Switzerland will also offer you online Rosetta Stone language courses.

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Food

Healthy eating is very important for Swiss families. Swiss cuisine is a blend of French and German Alpine cooking. One of the most popular dishes in Switzerland is “fondue,” made from melted Emmenthaler and Gruyère cheese in which cubes of bread are dipped. Rösti (crispy, fried, shredded potatoes) is the national dish of the Swiss-German region. Swiss chocolate is world-famous and loved by everyone.

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