Language Programs in Switzerland

If you’re interested in a new adventure, consider language learning abroad in Switzerland! This country has four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh (a derivative of the language spoken in ancient Rome), so there’s plenty to keep you busy. Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, offers more than 37 other languages you can hear, study, and speak as well. Add to this the benefits of clean and crisp air, convenient travel options, organizational efficiency, and gorgeous vistas, and you can see why language courses in Switzerland are a great choice!

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ELFI - Ecole de Langue Francaise et d'Informatique

Intensive French classes in Geneva (Switzerland)

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Latest Program Reviews

A Top-Tier Learning Experience

February 06, 2025by: Polina Solodova - RussiaProgram: Intensive French classes in Geneva (Switzerland)

From level A2, I successfully prepared and passed the DELF B2 exam in 10 months. Compared to other language schools in Geneva, ELFI offers the best combination of quality and affordability. Highly recommended for anyone serious about learning French! Here are the reasons that made this experience the best for me. • You can join classes anytime during the year • Online and in-person options available • Diverse teaching materials and interactive approach • Highly professional teachers • Exceptional support and individual attention • Management is student-oriented

I really liked this school

December 13, 2023by: Munkhmandakh Jugdernamjil - MongoliaProgram: Intensive French classes in Geneva (Switzerland)

I studied at the Elfi school between December 2013 and June 2014. I really appreciated the teachers, they really listen and are very competent in working with each student. We had a good atmosphere in the class with the foreign students, I really liked it. At the end of my studies, I obtained my Delf B2 diploma. The school is not far from the train station so very practical. You will be happy there.

A Top-Tier Learning Experience

February 06, 2025by: Polina Solodova - RussiaProgram: Intensive French classes in Geneva (Switzerland)

I really liked this school

December 13, 2023by: Munkhmandakh Jugdernamjil - MongoliaProgram: Intensive French classes in Geneva (Switzerland)

A Guide to Language Study Abroad in Switzerland

Best Cities

When it comes to exploring language schools in Switzerland, you’ll find there are beautiful places to study throughout the country, including the following three locations:

Lugano. This southern city, situated on a lake with a mountain view, is the largest with an Italian speaking majority outside of Italy. When you’re studying the Italian language abroad in Lugano, you can visit museums, attend festivals, and participate in any number of outdoor activities from boating, to hiking, to sports like soccer and tennis.

Zurich. If you want to study German in Switzerland, you’ll find exciting opportunities to pursue language study in Zurich, a progressive urban center with world-renowned museums, parks, and world heritage sites. You can also go clubbing one night and to an opera the next, or sports in the afternoon followed by a traditional Swiss dinner and drinks.

Geneva. Known for its exceptional quality of life, you can take in all of the best things Switzerland has to offer while studying French in this global city. The United Nations has their headquarters here, which means access to all kinds of other languages and culture as well.

Popular Languages

In addition to the four official languages of Switzerland (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), Switzerland language schools provide access to other languages ranging from Korean to Chinese, and from Persian to Portuguese. A few of the best languages for intensive language programs in Switzerland include those listed below:

Japanese. If you’re looking to experience an Asian language program, while enjoying international camaraderie in a beautiful European city, Switzerland could be the place for you! There are highly-regarded Japanese language schools in Switzerland, including a cultural immersion program and concentrations with the University of Zurich.

Russian. With its many dialects and regional differences, some describe learning Russian to be a bit like working on a large puzzle, so it’s a great undertaking if you’re up for a challenge. Studying Russian language courses in Switzerland also gives you access to the network of graduate degree program resources available here.

English. Non-English speakers will tell you how tough it can be to learn a language with so many borrowed structures and inconsistent rules, but if you pursue your English language study in Switzerland, you’re going to have a great time interacting with colleagues and peers from around the world!

Ways to Study Languages in Switzerland

There are different types of intensive language programs in Switzerland to get the job done! If you want to study Serbo-Croatian, you could attend a traditional language school, or you could learn the language with a tutor and explore the numerous restaurants, clubs, and social organizations to practice your language skills. It all depends on how you learn best, what your timeline is, and what level of knowledge you have going in to the program.

If you’re looking for the traditional classroom experience, you’ll find options within a college or university setting (both credit or non-credit), dedicated language schools, and full-residency immersion programs. If you’re looking for a customized experience, then one-on-one study might be a better option for you. These programs offer everything from homestay and work-stay, to individualized study with a dedicated instructor. They can be tailored to your individual schedule, and they vary just as widely in opportunity and price.

If you already have a basic level of knowledge in the language, you might want to consider a part-time language tutor to help you enhance a more self-study approach to studying language abroad.

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Language study programs abroad offer exceptional experiences to see the world and communicate within it! If you pursue intensive language programs in Switzerland, you’ll gain all the things you can’t get from being inside a classroom or staying put in your home country. You’ll travel to a new place, live in a new community, meet other international learners, eat great food, create meaningful travel adventures, and have big fun! Language study abroad also means expanding your network, and there’s no telling where that might lead you.

Pursuing all of these great opportunities in Switzerland only adds to the benefits. Switzerland provides a welcoming environment to international populations. It’s clean, efficient, and safe. And with four national languages, Switzerland celebrates multiculturalism and multilingualism. So what should you focus on when settling in? All that great efficiency relies on a well-enforced system of regulatory practices. Make sure you’re prepared and ready to play nicely! You’ll need visas, forms to declare what you’re bringing into the country, and information about everything from banking to health regulations. So do your research, and get ready to learn languages in Switzerland!