Willkommä, Bienvenue, Benvenuto, Bainvegni, Welcome to Switzerland

Editorial

Are you planning to do an exchange in Switzerland or are you already here, in the country of watches, cheese and money? In the name of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), I warmly welcome you to this unique and unforgettable experience! According to my own record of half a year overseas, I am sure you will also have a good time abroad with unexpected impressions of your new home for a term, a year - or even for good! The mission of ESN is to foster student mobility in Higher Education under the principle of Students Helping Students. The organisation is based mainly on voluntary work and consists of about 12,000 members. It is divided into more than 315 local sections in 32 countries. In Switzerland itself there are 13 ESN sections with dozens of volunteers supporting you during your stay. With this booklet we inform you about our country, our customs and values, and show you that Switzerland has a lot going for itself besides the stereotypes mentioned above. I would like to thank all the Swiss ESN Sections for supporting us with the corresponding texts. I would also like to thank our partners, who are providing us with useful information. Last but not least, I wish you an unforgettable time abroad and hope you will enjoy your time overseas as much as I did in 2008!

Remo Weber, author of the 2010 edition

You are about to experience an exciting term or year abroad. This booklet, which is already in its third edition, will spare you precious time looking for information and will prepare you for some typically Swiss quirks. In here, you will find answers to all the key questions that may arise before and during your stay in Switzerland. Please feel free to contact us at booklet[at]esn.ch in case you miss some information or in case of errors.

Content of the Booklet

The first chapter is dedicated to general information about Switzerland. You will find historical facts and useful information that help you discover your host country. The second part includes survival tips, e.g. how to find a job in Switzerland, where to buy the cheapest food and many more. The third part focuses on information about the Erasmus Student Network. The Swiss sections present themselves in this part. The fourth part gives you some information about the Higher Education System in Switzerland and some useful links and hints.

How to get the Booklet?

You can download the Internet Version here. For a printed item for free please ask your local ESN Section in Switzerland or if there is no one just the International Office of your University (of Applied Sciences) here in Switzerland.
@Universities (of Applied Sciences) without an ESN section: printed booklets could be ordered until 1 June 2010 at booklet[at]esn.ch (while stocks last; at least 30 booklets per order). Price per item: CHF 2.50 + shipment costs; payment in advance.

Erasmus Student Network (ESN)

The aim of ESN Switzerland is to make your stay an unforgettable experience. ESN activities take place all year long. These events offer you the best opportunity to meet locals and other incoming students and to get to know new places as well as Swiss traditions and, of course, to have lots of fun!