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SWITZERLAND
Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honoured by the major European powers and Switzerland has not been involved in any military conflict since 1815. Switzerland showcases three of Europe's most distinct cultures. To the northeast is the clean and correct, 8-to-5-working, Swiss-German-speaking Switzerland; to the southwest you find the wine drinking and laissez-faire style known from the French; in the southeast, south of the Alps, the sun warms cappuccino-sippers loitering in Italian-style piazzas; and in the centre: classic Swiss alphorns and mountain landscapes. Binding it all together is a distinct Swiss mentality. Switzerland will be a glorious high school exchange experience whether you've packed your hiking boots, snowboard, or a good book and a pair of sunglasses!
These regional variations also explain why there is no Swiss language. Depending on where you are in the country the locals might speak Swiss-German ("Schwiizertüütsch"), French, Italian, or, in the valleys of Graubünden, Romansh, an ancient Romance language. All four languages are considered official. Some cities such as Biel/Bienne and Fribourg/Freiburg are officially bilingual, and any part of Switzerland has multilingual residents, with German, English, and French being the most widely spoken second languages depending on the area. So if languages are up your alley, you won’t find a better place for a multi-lingual exchange than Switzerland!
Switzerland is not part of the European Union, yet surrounded by France, Italy, Austria, Lichtenstein and Germany, and the currency is not the Euro but Swiss franc (or Franken or franco, depending in which language area you are in).
There is no sugar-coating it, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy things in. This is due to a confluence of several factors, not least of which include high minimum wages, limited real estate, and the perceived superior quality of the goods being produced.
The Swiss will spoil you with fantastic transport - swift, disturbingly punctual trains, clean buses, and a half dozen different kinds of mountain transport systems, integrated into a coherent system.
Excited yet? Maybe you want to visit one of the stunning lakes and castles, the famous Matterhorn, Jungfrau or Eiger, hike along the longest glacier in Europe or take a boat to the Rhine Falls, again, the largest in Europe!
If shopping is more up your alley than the outdoors, Switzerland has got something for everybody. Famous for luxurious watches, decadent chocolates, hardy cheeses or handy Swiss Army knives.
Switzerland is the watch-making capital of the world, and "Swiss Made" on a watch face has long been a mark of quality. While the French-speaking regions of Switzerland are usually associated with Swiss watchmakers (like Rolex or Omega), some fine watches are made in the Swiss-German-speaking region, such as IWC in Schaffhausen. Every large town will have quite a few horologers and jewelers with a vast selection of fancy watches displayed in their windows!
Talking a bit more about Swiss cuisine, some dishes you should try while on your overseas exchange is fondue, made out of melted cheese and eaten by dipping small pieces of bread or potatoes in the melted cheese. Raclette, also made with melted cheese and rosti, a simple dish, similar to hash browns and traditionally regarded as a Swiss German favorite. Hungry yet?
You will soon make friends at your new High School and become very close with your Host Family who will introduce you to lots of new customs and traditions. Friends kiss each other on the cheek three times (left - right - left). This is the usual thing to do when being introduced to someone who is female (or if you are female) in the French and German speaking part.
Be excited to experience this amazing country on your exchange and bring home memories and friendships you will cherish forever.
These regional variations also explain why there is no Swiss language. Depending on where you are in the country the locals might speak Swiss-German ("Schwiizertüütsch"), French, Italian, or, in the valleys of Graubünden, Romansh, an ancient Romance language. All four languages are considered official. Some cities such as Biel/Bienne and Fribourg/Freiburg are officially bilingual, and any part of Switzerland has multilingual residents, with German, English, and French being the most widely spoken second languages depending on the area. So if languages are up your alley, you won’t find a better place for a multi-lingual exchange than Switzerland!
Switzerland is not part of the European Union, yet surrounded by France, Italy, Austria, Lichtenstein and Germany, and the currency is not the Euro but Swiss franc (or Franken or franco, depending in which language area you are in).
There is no sugar-coating it, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy things in. This is due to a confluence of several factors, not least of which include high minimum wages, limited real estate, and the perceived superior quality of the goods being produced.
The Swiss will spoil you with fantastic transport - swift, disturbingly punctual trains, clean buses, and a half dozen different kinds of mountain transport systems, integrated into a coherent system.
Excited yet? Maybe you want to visit one of the stunning lakes and castles, the famous Matterhorn, Jungfrau or Eiger, hike along the longest glacier in Europe or take a boat to the Rhine Falls, again, the largest in Europe!
If shopping is more up your alley than the outdoors, Switzerland has got something for everybody. Famous for luxurious watches, decadent chocolates, hardy cheeses or handy Swiss Army knives.
Switzerland is the watch-making capital of the world, and "Swiss Made" on a watch face has long been a mark of quality. While the French-speaking regions of Switzerland are usually associated with Swiss watchmakers (like Rolex or Omega), some fine watches are made in the Swiss-German-speaking region, such as IWC in Schaffhausen. Every large town will have quite a few horologers and jewelers with a vast selection of fancy watches displayed in their windows!
Talking a bit more about Swiss cuisine, some dishes you should try while on your overseas exchange is fondue, made out of melted cheese and eaten by dipping small pieces of bread or potatoes in the melted cheese. Raclette, also made with melted cheese and rosti, a simple dish, similar to hash browns and traditionally regarded as a Swiss German favorite. Hungry yet?
You will soon make friends at your new High School and become very close with your Host Family who will introduce you to lots of new customs and traditions. Friends kiss each other on the cheek three times (left - right - left). This is the usual thing to do when being introduced to someone who is female (or if you are female) in the French and German speaking part.
Be excited to experience this amazing country on your exchange and bring home memories and friendships you will cherish forever.
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