Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Price | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | July | $73,800 | 16-18.5 |
Switzerland has always been recognized as an idyllic country with its pine tree covered hillsides, green valleys and trim flower-decked towns. The summit of Switzerland is the Alps which jut for nearly three miles into the sky. Mountain resorts and lesser known communities cater alike to skiers in winter, and hikers, golfers and nature lovers in summer. Contrasting the spectacular countryside are the historic towns and cities, many splendidly set alongside rivers or lakes.
Political stability, neutrality and hard work have made this decentralized democracy one of the world most prosperous countries with a reputation for superior quality.
Geographically small, Switzerland is divided into four linguistic regions, the majority speaking a form of German.
The climate of Switzerland is unpredictable, with temperatures varying within a few kilometers, a few feet of altitude and a few hours of the day. Summers can be hot and dry or rainy and cold, whilst winters can be severe or mild, depending on the region.
AFS in Switzerland
AFS in Switzerland began it programs in 1953 and currently hosts and sends over 540 students every year on short and year programs. Local AFS volunteers, often returnees, provide support to hosted students, and the offices in Zurich and Lausanne administer the AFS programs.
AFS in Switzerland holds an arrival orientation about three weeks after students arrive. Each student is issued with a half fare railway pass to be used for the duration of their stay. Swiss schools are increasingly demanding prior language knowledge, and additional tutor lessons may be offered by AFS during the first months to students with insufficient language background. AFS Students are expected to have worked on language learning prior to arrival.
Host Schools
The Swiss school year usually commences in August/September and runs to June/July the following year. Classes commence 8:00 am and finish at 5:00pm, Monday to Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 to noon. Students usually enjoy one or two afternoons free of classes during the week. Teachers generally come to the classroom of about 20 pupils. There are few extra curricular activities in Swiss schools, though larger schools may offer sports or music activities.
Public schools are generally coeducational and beyond primary school are academically highly competitive, including entrance exams to eliminate unsuccessful students.
Host Families
Most Swiss families are conservative, and are strongly family oriented, with strict family rules. Children are expected to help with house chores, lend a helping hand in the garden and do their daily homework consistently for school.
For many Swiss families meal times, especially the evening meal, are considered a time for the family to be together. This time together provides an opportunity to exchange the news of the day and talk generally.
For the official website of AFS Switzerland, please refer to the front page.
