SWITZERLAND
YFU
Switzerland website
Once
you see the breath-taking beauty of the Alps, lakes,
cities, and castles of Switzerland, you’ll realize why
Swiss culture is based on the outdoors. Have a YFU exchange
experience in one of the most ecologically aware countries
in the world.
The Swiss love nature and enjoy jogging,
playing football (soccer) and volleyball, skiing, cycling,
and their national obsession, hiking. But don’t despair
if you long for "higher" culture—Switzerland
has more than its share of museums, theaters, and concerts.
While your Swiss host family will
welcome you warmly, you should understand and respect
the great value the Swiss attach to family privacy.
The Swiss also value cleanliness, harmony, and consensus.
You’ll enjoy becoming part of a small, intimate group
as a member of your host family. As a part of that family,
expect to share time with each other at lunch, still
the main meal in many parts of Switzerland. It’s possible
that dinner may be your main meal but it may be a light,
often cold, meal, following the bigger lunch.
Academic Programs
Swiss schools differ because they
are run by the various cantons and because of the diversity
resulting from four different languages. You can count
on working hard because Swiss schools are academically
challenging. You’ll be enrolled in one of two kinds
of schools: gymnasium (for university-bound students)
or handelsmittelschule (a business college).
Students in Switzerland participate
in several educational activities that are included
in the program tuition. There will be a one-week post-arrival
orientation program and a four-day Ski Camp in the Alps
with the option of choosing snow boarding or skiing.
Costs for the camp (including room, board, ski ticket,
and travel from your host family to the ski resort)
are included in the program tuition, except the cost
of renting skiing or snowboarding equipment. Before
your return home you will have a pre-departure orientation
with other year students in Switzerland. Many additional
events, such as family meetings, take place locally
throughout the year.
SOURCE:
YFU USA.
