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Gap Year Programs in Switzerland

Known for its alpine terrain and legendary chocolate, Switzerland consistently tops the Quality of LIfe indexes with several of the most liveable cities in the world. Its location in the heart of Western Europe, four official languages, and the capital of worldwide diplomacy make Switzerland an excellent choice for spending a year immersed in this truly global cultural center. If you are interested in an active lifestyle, continental culture, and, of course, the dramatic descent of the Alps, a Switzerland gap year is definitely for you!

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9 Gap Year Programs in Switzerland

EA Ski and Snowboard Training
8.673 reviews

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

Winter Gap Year - Become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor!

Love travel and adventure? This is your game-changer. Embark on...

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EF Gap Year
8.7431 reviews

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

Embark on a unique global experience in 10 weeks. An EF Gap Semes...

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World Voyage
8.5511 reviews

World Voyage

Au Pair Abroad with World Voyage

Live, learn, and grow with World Voyage's au pair program! Combin...

United Planet
00 reviews

United Planet

Volunteer Abroad in Switzerland- United Planet - 6/12 Months

Spend 6 or 12 months soaking in the stunning beauty of Switzerlan...

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Franklin University Switzerland
00 reviews

Franklin University Switzerland

Gap Year in Lugano | Franklin University Switzerland

What’s the purpose of your gap year? Do you want to go on an adve...

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Latest Program Reviews

The Key to a New Beginning

by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations
9

Being part of the first ever Voyager semester in Fall 2023 was an experience I was unprepared for, and the best decision I could’ve ever made. Little did I know that by embarking on this endeavor, I would unlock a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until then. My semester with EF Gap Year taught me self-love, self discovery, and the importance of being uniquely myself. Never did I think it was possible to be able to afford this trip of a lifetime, but I was left with so much satisfaction and so much pride that I had set this goal and I achieved it. This semester taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and no goal is too big or too impossible. I flew to the other side of the world by myself and saw glowing blue oceans in Thailand that I never thought I’d be able to witness in my lifetime. I learn pieces of languages from each country I spent time in. I connected with people I would’ve never met without this experience and found with locals who had so much passion for their homeland and wanted to share it with me. Was I prepared for this transformation and self growth? No, and only because it was more than I could ever ask for. To anyone who is scared to take such a leap of faith, do it anyway. I haven’t met one person who regretted doing this for themselves, or thought it was a waste of time or money. Dream big, and you will reach the stars.

A Guide to Gap Year in Switzerland

Popular locations

Switzerland is located in Western Europe, bordered by Italy, Austria, France, Germany, and Liechtenstein. The geography is dominated by three main regions: The Swiss Alps (the largest mountainous region to the south), the Jura mountains to the north, and in between, the Central Plateau where most of the Swiss population calls home. 

Switzerland is known for its alpine geography and climate, but the country is, in fact, quite varied. The Central Plateau experiences more moderate temperatures than the neighboring mountainous regions, and pockets that share a border with Italy even enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Due to Switzerland’s central location and impressive transportation infrastructure, getting around the country and abroad is highly efficient. 

Bern. According to the Swiss constitution, there is no official capital of Switzerland. However, Bern is considered the de facto federal city based on that most of the federal buildings are located here. Bern’s medieval town center, located on a U-shaped bend in the Aare river, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bern’s 140,000 residents have access to rafting the Aare river in the summer, alpine pursuits in the winter, and free city bike rentals, which are just a few reasons why Bern consistently ranks as a top place to live. 

Geneva. The second most populous and largest French-speaking city in Switzerland, Geneva is truly a global community. More international organizations are based here than any other city in the world, making Geneva the worldwide epicenter of diplomacy. Situated on Lake Geneva, and surrounded by the Jura Mountains, unlimited outdoor activities are available year round. 

Zurich. With a metropolitan area of 1.8 million residents, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the major transportation hub for the country. Located on Lake Zurich, this environmentally-conscious city consistently tops the list of cities offering the highest quality of living. Zurich is also a major European financial center of Europe as many international businesses have headquarters here.

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