Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Program Cost | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Year | Late August | Early July | US$8,000 | 16 - 18.5 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure.
Switzerland Details :
Switzerland is a small, polished gem of a country, with modern cities like Zurich and Geneva, snow-capped mountains, forests, and lakes. While there are three languages commonly spoken—German (70 percent), French (20 percent), and Italian (10 percent),—you will probably be placed with a German-speaking host family. Switzerland is said to have one of the world’s best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation (bus or train). Family life is important to the Swiss so you’ll spend a good amount of time with your host family, taking trips to nearby natural resorts, as well as having healthy meals together, since personal health is imperative to the Swiss. You’ll discover a love for the outdoors in this country; the Swiss love to go hiking, skiing, and bicycling. With efficient Swiss public transportation you can reach nearly every village at exactly the time expected—the Swiss are very punctual and attentive to detail. The economy consists of three sectors_—agriculture, industry, and services, with more than _50 percent of the population employed in the services of banking, insurance, and tourism.
Year :
The school year runs from August through June. The Swiss school system is extremely competitive, and you are expected to be motivated, and participate fully and actively in all areas. You will probably be placed in a public Maturittsschule (high school) from morning until late afternoon. A broad range of academic subjects are available, but main courses will be German, French, math, history, geography, biology, and physical education. Swiss schools require foreign students to have some knowledge of German or French, but for AFS Exchange Students with little or no language background, AFS organizes four weeks of language training prior to the start of school for students placed in German-speaking schools. French placements must have at least three years of French language study. Your school classes will be with about 20 other students and you’ll stay together for all your lessons, so you can begin to meet new friends immediately. Sports or leisure time activities will happen not at school, but in your home region. There are also plenty of village festivals and sporting events to attend with your friends.
