Description

Switzerland is a small, polished gem of a country, with mountains, forests, lakes, and modern cities like Zurich and Geneva. While there are three common languages- German (70 percent), French (20 percent), and Italian (10 percent)- you will probably live with a German-speaking host family. Switzerland is said to have one of the worlds best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation (bus or train). Family life is important to the Swiss and you'll spend a good amount of time with your host family, taking trips to nearby natural resorts, as well as having healthy meals together, since personal health is imperative to the Swiss. You'll discover a love for the outdoors in this country; the Swiss love to go hiking, skiing, and bicycling. AFS host family placements are located throughout Switzerland.

Highlights

Year, GAP Year, and Trimester Programs:

The school year runs from August through June. The Swiss school system is extremely competitive, and you are expected to be motivated, and participate fully in all areas. The public Maturitaetsschule (high school) runs from morning until late afternoon. The main courses will include German, French, math, history, geography, biology, and physical education. Swiss schools require foreign students to have some knowledge of German or French; but for AFS Exchange Students with little or no language background, AFS offers four weeks of language training before the start of school for students. Note: French placements must have at least 3 years of French language study. Your school classes will be with about 20 other students and you'll stay together for all your lessons, so you can begin to make new friends immediately. Sports or leisure time activities will not happen at school, but in your home region. There are also plenty of village festivals and sporting events to go to with your friends. AFS host family placements are located throughout Switzerland.

Type of Programs

• High School Study Abroad
• Cultural Exploration
• Language Immersion

Languages

• German
• French

Cost in US$:

Please refer to the AFS-USA Website

Program Fees Include:

- Professional guidance and support throughout the entire application and program
- Placement with a carefully selected volunteer host family
- Placement with a host school
- Round-trip international travel
- Orientations prior to departure and after your arrival
- Comprehensive secondary medical insurance
- Visa information
- Access to a support network that includes AFS Professional Staff in the U.S. and your host country, plus thousands of trained volunteers worldwide.
- 24-hour emergency assistance

This Program is open to

American Participants.

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

varies

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded

1947