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International Office
School of Business and Economics
Spandauer Str. 1
Room 144/145
D-10178 Berlin

 

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Wirtschaftswissen­schaftliche Fakultät

Switzerland - Schweiz

A landlocked, mountainous country, Switzerland's geographical position in central Europe and studious neutrality have given it the access and political stability to become one of the world's wealthiest countries, largely through its banking industry.

Formally neutral since just after the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century and informally for about 300 years before that, Switzerland joined the United Nations only in September 2002. Surrounded by the European Union, it is gradually engaging more closely with its powerful neighbour and other international organisations. Although it lies close to the geographical centre of Europe, and most of its trade is with its European neighbours, it is not an EU member. A referendum in 2001 went against opening talks on joining.

Membership of the European Economic Area was also rejected by referendum in 1992 and Swiss-EU relations are now based on an extensive range of bilateral agreements. Ties became closer in 2005 when a referendum backed membership of the EU Schengen and Dublin agreements, bringing Switzerland into Europe's passport-free zone and increasing cooperation on crime and asylum issues. A further referendum the same year opened the job market to workers from the 10 newest EU member countries. At the same time Switzerland has been gradually acceding to international pressure to allow greater scrutiny of its famously secretive banking sector, amid growing concerns about money-laundering and the financing of terrorist groups.

The country forms a European cultural and linguistic crossroads, with about two-thirds of the population speaking German, around one-fifth French and about 7% Italian. Romansch, the fourth national language, is spoken by less than 1% of the population. The people are given a direct say in their own affairs under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, which has no parallel in any other country. They are invited to the polls several times a year to vote in national or regional referendums and people's initiatives. Constitutional proposals and major international treaties must be put to the vote, and parliamentary decisions can be subjected to a vote by collecting 50,000 signatures.

The tradition of a citizen army, seen as an essential part of Swiss neutrality, runs deep. During the Cold War the Swiss maintained one of Europe's largest land-based armies. The extremely costly militia system, under which every adult male was conscripted and remained in the reserves until middle age, has been slowly streamlined.

The government expressed its regrets over the country's behaviour in World War II following a report by an independent panel of historians on Swiss relations with the Nazis. The report found that the authorities had known what lay in store for the Jewish refugees to whom they closed their borders in 1942, and had assisted the economy of Nazi Germany, although not to a degree that prolonged the war.

(Auszug aus BBC World News Country Profiles vom 20.01.2011)
 
 

Partner Universities

The School of Business and Economics has the following Partner Universities as part of the ERASMUS Program:

1. Universität St. Gallen (NEU!)

2. Universität Bern

3. Universität Fribourg

4. Universität Genf

5. Universität Lausanne

6. Universität Zürich

 

 

Universität St Gallen

http://www.unisg.ch/
 

 

Mehr Informationen folgen bald!

Webseite für Internationale Studierende:

http://www.unisg.ch/Studium/Austauschprogramme/IncomingProgramme.aspx

 

 

 

Universität Bern

http://www.unibe.ch/
Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences
www.wiso.unibe.ch

 

The University of Bern offers top quality across the board: it enjoys special recognition in leading-edge disciplines, is reputed for the excellent quality of its teaching, offers a delightf ul setting, and a campus environment intimately linked to the social, economic and political life of the city The universitys comprehensive offering includes 8 faculties and some 160 institutes that date back to the 16th century With 14,300 students, it is of mid-range size among Swiss universities. lt retains a human dimension and a warm and friendly atmosphere.


Semester Dates
  • Fall Term: mid September until December (Christmas)
    • Exams: usually January
  • Spring Term: mid February until early June
    • Exams: usually June

International Office and Integration

Webpage: http://www.int.unibe.ch

Institutional coordinator for Incoming students: Ms Martina Thürig
martina.thuerig@int.unibe.ch or call + 41 31 631 34 71


In the week prior to the start of the semester the lnternational Office organises Introduction Days for exchange students. Participation is compulsory for Erasmus students. The different events and activities should make the start at the University of Bern easier for you. You get to know other exchange and local students, we show you the university and the city of Bern, the Erasmus student network ESN and the students union SUB introduce themselves, you get information
about sports facilities at the university, the library system and many more useful tips to living and studying in Bern. A day trip will end the lntroduction Days.
After the start of the semester a reception for exchange students is organised.

For each field of study there is an Erasmus subject coordinator who will help you with academic questions. The contact details can be found at www.int.unibe.ch -> lncoming -> Erasmus -> Partner Universities

During the semester the Erasmus Student Network ESN organises a programme with various social activities and events for exchange students. The programme includes excursions to other Swiss cities, international dinners, ski trips, pub crawls or the visit of a chocolate factory. ESN also offers a buddy system for exchange students For more information please see www.esnbern.ch.


Language Courses (German and English)
  • German: Intensive German language course offered prior to the semester (2 weeks prior to autumn semester, 1 week prior to spring semester). Further language classes offered during the semester. There are no courses for beginners!
    Contact: www.zsk.unibe.ch, Phone: +41 31 631 39 03, barbara.etterich@zsk.unibe.ch
  • English: For information, list of courses, registration and contact, go to Center for Language Competence (ZSK) - English: www.zsk.unibe.ch or contact  info-en@zsk.unibe.ch

Courses

Most courses for Bachelor students are taught in German. A far larger range of courses are available in English at Master’s level.

The course catalogue for the winter semester is usually available around June.

  • A list of lectures in English:

http://www.int.unibe.ch/ -> EN -> Incoming -> Erasmus (document is on the right hand side)

 

Housing

There are several student halls of residence in Bern. You can apply for a room online. More information is available at www.vbsl.ch The rooms are very popular, so apply as soon as possible!

  • Contact: Verwaltung Studentenlogierhaus info@vbsl.ch Tel. +41 31 991 11 67,


Should you prefer to stay elsewhere have a look at the website of the students' union of the University of Bern (5UB). They list offers of short-term private accommodation and flat shares. The availability of affordable accommodation is limited.

 

Cost of Living

You must allow for approx. 1,500 CHF per month (approx. 1,000 Euro) to cover your living expenses in Switzerland.


Estimated monthly expenses in CHF:
Accommodation  400 to 600
Medical expenses 200
Food, housekeeping 440
Public transport 60
Study materials 100
Miscellanea 300
Total 1,500 to 1,700 CHF

A relevant proof must be enclosed to your application for a residence permit (e.g. bank statement, grant confirmation, confirmation letter from your parents). As a foreign student you are allowed to work a maximum of 15 hours per week. As a Non-EU student you’re not allowed to work for the first 6 months.


Further Information

 

 

Université de Fribourg

www.unifr.ch

Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät

http://www.unifr.ch/ses

 

Located at the edge of the Pre-Alps, Fribourg moves to the beat of the student life and offers a quality of life and setting that will make your studies fruitful. Its old town, narrow streets, old wooden bridges, museums, restaurants and picturesque places make it one of the most enjoyable medieval cities in Europe. Not too big, not too small, come and experience the Swiss lifestyle and joy of living found here in Fribourg.

Located in the heart of the city of Fribourg and equipped with modern facilities, the University of Fribourg offers an optimal setting to your studies. Besides classes and research areas, you will enjoy a wireless university, well filled library, a self learning language center, reading rooms, a free gym and over 30 sports clubs available to choose from. Numerous student associations and cultural and athletic activities will allow you to meet people sharing similar interests.

Over 10,000 students and more than 200 professors ranging from close to 100 different countries come together at the University of Fribourg.  A unique mixture of cultures that thrives in the bilingual atmosphere of Fribourg characterizes the University. At the crossroads of Swiss-German and Swiss-French cultures, the University of Fribourg is the sole in Europe to offer a full selection of courses offered either in French or  German. 

 

Semester Dates
  • Fall Term: Mid September - late December (Christmas)
  • Spring Term: Mid Februrary - end of May/ beginning of June
 
International Office and Integration

 

The university offers an intensive language and culture course before the start of the semester with visits to museums, businesses, and Swiss institutions.  These activities allow students to meet Swiss exchange students who have returned from their studies abroad.  They will be your best guides in your new life as a student in Fribourg.There is also an information meeting for all international students. You will receive more information via e-mail. 

The Erasmus Student Network has a section in Fribourg and its aim is to welcome and orient  guest exchange students both in university matters as well as in general life.  ESN provides a programme allowing exchange students to get to know Swiss students and to discover together the cultural life of Switzerland. For more informatin, see: http://fribourg.esn.ch/ and check out their facebook group to get information about events and parties. 

 

Language Courses

There is a 3 week intensive language course in French before the start of each semester. You can also take French and German courses during the semester, ranging from 2 to 7 hours a week at different levels. Registration to these courses is compulsory. 

For more information, see www.unifr.ch/centredelangues

 

Courses

Courses are held in German and French. You are free to establish your own study programme according to the requirements of your home university, withholding certain exceptions. You can choose to take classes among the five faculties: Humanities, Law, Social and Economic Sciences, Theology, and the Sciences. You will find information on the language of courses specified on the following websites. 

  • For courses at the Faculty of Econonomics and Social Sciences: http://www.unifr.ch/ses -> Studies and choose the program you’re interested in. 

 

These are the programs the faculty offers: 

  • Bachelor in Economics
  • Bachelor in Management
  • Bachelor in Information Systems
  • Bachelor in Mass Media and Communication Research

 

  • Master in Economics
  • Master in Management
  • Master in European Business
  • Master in Accounting and Finance
  • Master in Information Management
  • Master in Business Communication
  • Master in Mass Media and Communication Research

 

Master students: 30 – 40% of courses are offered in English. 

If you’re interested in taking courses at the University of Bern or Neuenburg, it’s possible to get credit for them as well. („BeNeFri“) For questions, contact admission@unifr.ch.

 

Housing

Students have several possibilities of getting help for housing.

Either contact international@unifr.ch or choose one of the possibilities offered here http://www.unifr.ch/acadinfo/de/accommodation. You will find information about residence halls and support services for students seeking accomodation. 

 

Faculty and Student Life

The libary is conveniently located within the faculty of economics and social sciences. There are almost 600 places for students to sit, work and study in the building. All the lecture rooms, which can hold up to 300 people, are just as modern as the rest of the faculty - equipped with state of the art installations for teaching, learning, and research.The Faculty gives a special focus on a practical and interdisciplinary education. Students often work in small groups and in close contact with teachers. Besides following the trends of the labour market, the Faculty is sensitive to its students needs regarding social skills.

20% of students come from Fribourg. There is a fair share of students who commute, which leads to some of the student life taking place in Bern also. 

For those interested in winter sports, the next skiing area is at only 20 minutes. 

 
Cost of Living

Cost of living is lower than in Zürich for example. Students can get a student discount in many stores, as well as hairdressers and some bars. Bahncard50 costs about 150 CHF.

 

Further Information

 

 

Université de Genève

www.unige.ch

Faculté des Sciences Économiques et Sociales

www.unige.ch/ses/

 

Many international rating bodies have ranked Geneva as a leader in scientific research, in particular in the fields of molecular biology, astrophysics, social sciences and economics. The University of Geneva has been listed as one of the top 12 research universities in Europe and since 2002 is a member of the League of European Research-intensive Universities.

From the time of its creation in 1559 by Jean Calvin, right up to the recent discovery by University astrophysicians of extrasolar planets, the University of Geneva has continued to grow and develop in a manner commensurate with its longstanding tradition of excellence and its international approach.

 

Semester Dates
  • Fall Term: mid September until February
  • Spring Term: mid Februrary until end of June

 

International Office and Integration

The International Office provides an Orientation Session at the beginning of each semester. The university offers many cultural activities and sports that you can take part in.

See http://www.unige.ch -> Etudiants -> Services Etudiant+ -> Sport  or  -> Activites Culturelles. 

 

Language Courses

Erasmus students can attend a free French course. The course starts after the beginning of the semester (more information during the orientation Session).

There is also a fee-paying course in summer, during the holidays: http://www.unige.ch/lettres/elcf/coursete/

 

Courses

The courses are taught mainly in French. Therefore, you should be capable of speaking and writing in French. If the course descriptions for the following year aren’t yet available, it makes sense to base your learning agreement on last year’s classes as they’re offered either annually or each semester.

For courses, see http://www.unige.ch -> Etudiants -> Programme des cours  or click here. 

 

Attention! Master Students: The University of Geneva takes pride in their Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. They only accept Erasmus students on exception (max 2 courses), although they do offer Master courses there as well. You have to contact the institute’s secréteriat to get permission. 

 

Housing

It is difficult to find accommodation in Geneva. In order to be on a waiting list for a room in a University residence, the accommodation application form should be returned before June to the “Bureau du logement”. Exchange students are advised to contact the accommodation office: http://www.unige.ch/dase/bulog/ in order to have access to a list of rooms to rent.

 

Cost of Living

Geneva is an expensive city. As an Erasmus student, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. University jobs pay well with 20-40 CHF per hour. Some students work as foreign language tutors or find employment elsewhere. However, you should make sure that you have sufficient means of living in Switzerland. For typical cost of living as estimated by the university in 2010, see Budget 2010. 

 

Further Information

 

 

Université de Lausanne

http://www.unil.ch

Faculté des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC)

www.hec.unil.ch

 

 

HEC Lausanne is very conveniently located on the campus of the University of Lausanne by the Lake Léman, thus enjoying a unique and safe environment surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Public transportation takes you to the city center in 10 minutes. In deciding to come to Lausanne you are choosing the Olympic capital, a town with a wealth of cultural and sporting activities. The university offers modern computer facilities and libraries at your convenience. 

 

Semester Dates
  • Fall Term: Mid September – End of December (Christmas)
  • Spring Term: Mid February – Beginning of June 
  • Exam Periods:
    • Mid January – Early February
    • June – Early July
    • Mid August – Early September

 

International Office and Integration

The International Office provides an Orientation and Welcome Lunch at the beginning of the semester. During the semester, you can take part in trips, social activities or use the sport facilites. There are advisors available to help you with any questions you might have. 

Furthermore, you can contact the Xchange International exchange erasmus student network or look at their website to take part in activities: www.unil.ch/esn

 

Language Courses

For free French language courses see www.unil.ch/fle or www.unil.ch/cvac.

 

Courses

Bachelor courses are taught in French. At the master level, courses are in English and French with some tracks being taught entirely in English.

Like at our university, you don’t have to register for courses, but for exams only. 

 

Bachelor exchange students are allowed to take courses only in the 2nd or 3rd year of the Bachelor programme (undergraduate).

 

In order to attend Masters Degree courses (graduate), exchange students must have completed a bachelor's degree or a minimum of 3 years specialized study (a minimum of 180 ECTS credits). Some courses may require specific prerequisites and the approval of the master programme's director.

 

An exchange student registered at HEC is allowed to take some courses at other faculties of the university or at the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne).

 

For a list of courses, see

  • www.hec.unil.ch/hec/bachelor/horaires (Bachelor)
  • www.hec.unil.ch/hec/masters/horaires (Master)

 

Bachelor study programs are: 

  • BSc in Management
  • BSc in Economics

Master study programs are: 

  • MSc in Actuarial Science
  • MSc in Business Information Systems
  • MSc in Economics
  • MSc in Finance
  • MSc in Management
  • Mlaw en Droit et Economie

 

Housing

The International Office recommends to find a room before arriving in Lausanne or before the start of the academic year at the latest as searching for an apartment is time consuming. If you wish to live in an off-campus residence hall, you should contact the Fondation Maisons pour Etudiants as quickly as possible, preferably in May for the following academic year. Indicate that you are an exchange student. If that's not feasible, write or call the UNIL Housing service at the beginning of July and a list of rooms and apartments will be sent to you. Make sure to register online at the following website: http://www.fmel.ch

 

  • Fondation Maison pour Etudiants (FMEL)

    • Tel: +41 21 617 81 54

    • Fax: +41 21 617 81 66

  • Service du logement

 

Cost of Living
  • The minimum cost of living for a student is approximately SFr. 1800.- per month (~ € 1500.-). This includes food and personal care, housing, books and school supplies.
  • Accommodation: Residence halls off-campus, rooms in private homes, shared apartments with other students. The cost is approximately SFr. 480.- (~ € 400.-).

 

Further Information

 

 

Universität Zürich

http://www.uzh.ch
Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät
http://www.oec.uzh.ch

 

The University of Zurich – the largest university and the broadest range of courses in Switzerland.
The University of Zurich was founded in 1833, though its origins stretch back as far as 1525 and the days of protestant reformer Ulrich Zwingli. Today the University enjoys international renown as a place of education and research. Two thousand lecturers in 140 special institutes provide the broadest range of subjects and courses available from any Swiss seat of higher education. With 24,000 students and 1,900 graduates every year, Zurich is also Switzerland’s largest university. The University provides academic services, works with the private sector and considers itself part of a national and global network for the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge.
Zurich’s international reputation is based on groundbreaking research, particularly in molecular biology, brain research and anthropology, and on the work of the University Hospital and Veterinary Hospital.
The University’s researchers, lecturers and students benefit from the infrastructure that Zurich provides as a center of teaching and research. Apart from its own institutions, the University offers its members access to archive collections, libraries and the facilities of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), as well as to the city’s private institutions. Nine museums and collections, covering subjects from anthropology to zoology, constitute yet another valuable academic resource.

 

Semester Dates
  • Fall: Mid-September until late December (Christmas)
  • Spring: Mid-February until early June

 

International Office and Integration


There is an Information event at the start of the semester, after which you also register for courses.There is a mentoring program by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) that you can register for on their website. After successful registration, you’ll get picked up at the airport and receive further support. On their website, you’ll also find information on events. ESN Website: http://zurich.esn.ch/


The Fachverein für Ökonomie has a buddy system set up for students of business administration, economics and related. Website: http://www.fvoec.ch/cms/index.php/exchange/english

 

Language Courses (German)

Before the beginning of the semester it is possible to participate in an Intensive German Course. The intensive course takes place three weeks before the beginning of the Fall Semester and two weeks before the beginning of the Spring Semester. 

Website: http://www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch

 

Courses

You will find all UZH degree programs and courses offered in the online course catalogue: http://www.vorlesungen.uzh.ch/FS10/lehrangebot.html

The individual courses are listed by faculty and subject. In addition to this information, the catalogue contains the addresses of all institutes/departments, administrative offices and service centers as well as those of the teaching staff. You will find information about courses at the Faculty of Business administration and Economics on their website: http://www.oec.uzh.ch

For specific search, use this search site:

http://www.vorlesungen.uzh.ch/FS12/suche.html
In case you can’t figure out how to use it, here’s how to find courses in English.

Erasmus coordinators advise and assist Erasmus students in choosing their courses. Be aware that you have to book modules in order to attend them. The International Office/your Erasmus coordinator will inform you about deadlines and the procedure according to your studies.


Housing

The University of Zurich does not own student dormitories. However, the International Relations Office might help you in finding accommodation. A room in a student house costs 400 to 600 CHF per month.
You can find useful addresses at http://www.uzh.ch/leben/wohnen/index.en.html

The following agencies also help students finding accommodation in flat share:

 

Cost of Living

Monthly costs of living, in Swiss Francs:
Rent: 400.- to 600.-
Health care/insurance: 200.-
Food: 450.-
Transport: 50.-
Study materials: 100.-
Leisure: 300.-

Total: 1’500.- to 1’700.-

 

Further Information