Your exchange experience

Arrival Day and First Weeks

Most students arrive on a Friday. AFS volunteers and staff will meet you at the airport in Zurich. Many host families will come to the airport to meet their new family member. If your host family cannot be there, AFS volunteers will accompany you from the airport to your host family's home.

When you get to your host family's home, there will be some important AFS documents waiting for you. Take your time to read through everything carefully and to discuss it with your host family. Take the card in the appendix of this booklet and fill in the important numbers and addresses together.

Do not forget to give your welcome gift(s). Your gifts are the perfect icebreaker and will allow you to have a great start with your host family.

If you come from a different time zone, use the first weekend at your host family's home to get rid of the jet lag

Eat and sleep when Swiss people do in order to get into the Swiss rhythm as soon as possible. You will need your energy for all the new things that await you in the first few weeks.

Language Course for Year Students

Many year students will attend an intensive language course, depending on their level of German, French or Italian.

First School Day in Your Host School

If your classmates seem a little indifferent at first, please don't take this personally. Swiss teenagers are often quite reserved at the beginning. But once they get to know you, they will open up.

Orientation Camp

After a few weeks, you will attend the AFS orientation camp over the weekend. You will get together with around 20 other AFS students who are placed in the same region. The camps are organized by AFS volunteers. Most of them are former exchange students who know exactly how it feels to be new in a foreign country.

During the camp, you will have the opportunity to share your first impressions of Swiss life, ask all the questions on your mind, and find out what other host students have experienced so far.

AFS Rules

Rules are important to ensure that the exchange students in Switzerland have a safe stay and to help them adjust to their Swiss family and school life.

You are expected to follow the rules of your host family and of your host school. To them, their rules might seem natural and self-evident, but not to you. It is therefore important that you get to know the rules through questions and dialogue with host family members, teachers, classmates and AFS volunteers. Such discussions are not only important to avoid trouble, they are also a very good opportunity to learn a lot about the values and the beliefs in your host culture.

Furthermore, you have to respect the rules of AFS Switzerland. Students who violate any of these rules can be excluded from the program and sent home. It is therefore very important that you understand the rules and know what is expected from you.

Rules of AFS Switzerland

The rules will be discussed during the orientation camp in Switzerland, so you should seize the opportunity to ask questions if something is unclear. After the discussion, you will be asked to sign the rules to confirm that you have understood and will respect them.

• Respect the laws in Switzerland.
• Driving motor vehicles, hitchhiking and the consumption of drugs are strictly prohibited.
• You may not get drunk. Hard liquor is not allowed while on the program. Never drink more than 2 glasses of beer or wine. Read and review the information on alcohol in the Safety Handbook carefully.
• It is forbidden to organize parties where alcohol or drugs are present.
• Do not sign contracts during your stay in Switzerland (such as work contracts, mobile phone plans, rental agreements etc.). There is one exception to this rule: You are allowed to sign a contract in order to open a bank account.
• Follow the travel rules and the rules for visits from your home country as explained in the next paragraphs. Independent trips and visits from home must not interfere with your adjustment process, your obligations at school and the plans of your host family.

Travel Rules

School always comes first. You are not allowed to miss school in order to travel.

Switzerland is small, relatively safe, and public transport is very reliable. Therefore, you will certainly have the opportunity to see many places in the country. It is very common for Swiss teenagers to move independently, to visit friends in other parts of the country etc. You are also allowed to do this if your host family gives you their approval. Discuss your plans with your host parents and make sure that they do not interfere with the family plans.

As soon as you have your residence permit, you are allowed to cross the border to the neighboring countries for day trips. In fact, it is very common in Switzerland to cross the border to go shopping. There is usually no border control. Nevertheless, make sure that you always carry your residence permit and your passport with you.

For independent overnight trips outside Switzerland, you need permission from AFS Switzerland. This permission will be granted under the following conditions:

• You have been on the program for at least 4 months (for year students only).
• You do not miss any school days.
• Your host family agrees.
• Your natural parents agree.
• You either stay with relatives or friends, or you are accompanied by an adult resident of Switzerland.
• We need a written invitation from the family you will be visiting abroad or an email from the person accompagnying you with a copy of the passport or id card.
• You are not allowed to travel independently for more than 21 days during your exchange program.
• You have handed in your travel request for permission at least two weeks in advance. (How this is done will be explained to you during the orientation camp.)

If you travel with your host family or your host school, you need to inform AFS Switzerland where you are and how you can be reached in case of an emergency. If you plan to leave the Schengen area with your host family or host school, please inform AFS Switzerland 2 weeks in advance so that we can obtain a written permission from your natural parents.

Visits from Home

Visits from relatives and friends often have a disruptive effect. For this reason, AFS advises against visits from your home country during the exchange program. Visits from natural parents, relatives or friends always require prior approval from the host family and AFS Switzerland.

Travelling outside Switzerland with visitors from your home country is not permitted during the program.

IMPORTANT: Your Swiss residence permit allows travelling within the Schengen Area. (For more information on Schengen, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area.) For other countries, you may need a visa.

Make sure you have your passport AND your residence permit with you whenever you leave the country.

Uninsured Activities

Some activites are excluded from AFS's insurance; such as but not limited to: hang gliding, paragliding, parachuting, piloting and acting as the crew in an aircraft. You are not allowed to do those activites unless you have the explicit consent of AFS Switzerland.

Your Host Family and You

AFS host families are like families everywhere, each one is different. The difference between two families in Switzerland might be as big as the difference between your home country and Switzerland itself.

Although there is no such thing as the typical AFS host family, the following is true for all of them:

• Your host family wants you to live with them. They want to get to know you and learn about your country. They want to teach you about their way of life, and they hope you will like living with them.
• Your host family expects you to show interest in them and their lives and they are more than happy to answer your questions regarding Swiss culture and politics.
• Your host family wants you to be a true family member. This means that you will share the work and responsibilities within the family, follow family rules, and consider the family when you make plans. Always remember that an exchange is not an ego project.
• Your host family wants to help you while you are in Switzerland. So don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask for their advice.
• Your host family is not perfect, just as you are not perfect. You both have to learn many things from and about each other. Assume good intentions and be patient with yourself and with them.

And please always remember: Your host family is not paid. They receive no money for having you in their home, they do it because they like the idea of intercultural exchange and therefore expect you to participate actively in their family life

Family Values and Unspoken Rules

Because every family is unique, everyone has its own customs and family rules. For you, it might be difficult to understand these rules at first, especially the unspoken ones. For the host family members, the family rules seem so natural that they might not even perceive them as rules. Dialogue is very important for you and your host family to learn from and get used to each other. So please ask if you don't understand a behavior or a rule and let them know how you do things at home.

Your Host School

Please keep in mind that the AFS program is an academic program. It may be challenging for you to follow the classes at first, and you will need to take responsibility and proactively reach out for help if you need it. Non-attendance at school and/or misbehavior can lead to the expulsion from the school and the AFS program.

Many host students find school academically very challenging, and they find it hard to make friends at school. Being an exchange student does not automatically make you an attraction. Many Swiss schools have several exchange students every year. Additionally, Swiss students have the reputation that they are quite reserved.

Do not take this personally. It does not mean that your classmates are not interested in getting to know you; they are just used to getting to know someone slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss Schools

What type of school will I be enrolled in?

The majority of exchange students will be placed in Baccalaureate Schools or in Specialized Middle Schools. Sometimes, AFS students may also be placed in the Lower Secondary Level, depending on the age of the student and the school situation in the area of his/her host community.

Baccalaureate schools are academically competitive high schools that prepare students for university studies. They offer a broad general education and are divided into several sections (ancient languages, modern languages, scientific, commercial etc.).

How does the grading system work?

Most Swiss schools use the following grading system:

Grading System

6	Excellent
5	Good
4	Satisfactory
3	Failing (unsatisfactory)
2	Failing (poor)
1	Failling (very poor)

In what school year will I be enrolled?

Usually, exchange students are placed in the 10th or 11th school year. AFS Switzerland can neither guarantee a particular level nor a particular school.

Will I be able to choose my classes? What classes are available?

Exchange students cannot choose their classes; they are obliged to take a given subject combination. Exceptions are made for foreign language classes. Exchange students are often exempted from foreign language classes if they have no or very little previous knowledge. They can use the time to do homework instead. In some schools, there might be the opportunity to attend foreign language classes with pupils from a lower grade.

The following core subjects are compulsory in the majority of schools:

• First national language (German, French or Italian, depending on the region)
• Second national language
• Third national language, English or an ancient language (Latin or Greek)
• Mathematics
• Natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Humanities and social sciences (History, Geography, Economy and Law)
• Visual arts and/or music
• Sports

What do the teachers expect from me?

Generally, exchange students are expected to participate actively in class, do the assigned homework and write exams. Nobody expects you to excel. The teachers know that Swiss schools are academically challenging and that it takes time before you know enough German, French or Italian to follow the classes.

Nonetheless, teachers want to see you give your best. If you do not, they will soon conclude that you are not interested at all and might start to ignore you. Also, Swiss teachers expect a high level of independence from their students. Even though it usually is not explicitly said, you are supposed to catch up on anything you did not quite get in class.

The first few months in school can be very frustrating because you cannot follow the lessons and might have the impression that you are not making any progress. If this is the case, talk about your feelings with a teacher, your host family or AFS volunteers. Often, it helps if you concentrate on two or three subjects instead of ten. Try it and you will soon realize that you are making progress. This will strengthen your self-confidence and your motivation.

In what language will the classes be taught?

The classes are usually taught in the native language, which is German, French or Italian. Special cases are “immersion classes”, where some subjects are taught in English.

Will I need to buy a uniform? Books? Other school supplies? Expenses for excursions, school projects etc.?

There is no need for uniforms in Switzerland. Exchange students have to buy or borrow the books used in school. AFS Switzerland will reimburse books (excluding dictionaries, reading and exercise books) at the end of the year as long as the students can present the receipts and the books are in good condition so that they can be used again.

Other school material such as pencils, writing pads, copies etc. must be paid for by the students themselves. Expenses for excursions, special visits at theaters, museums etc and project weeks are also to be paid by students. (see: Expenses Paid by the Participant)

Are extra-curricular activities available? Sports? Music? Art?

Since lessons cover most of the day, there are not many extra-curricular activities offered by schools. A few extra-curricular activities might be offered, such as sports and school band, but they vary from school to school and cannot be guaranteed. Most Swiss students get involved in sports and extra-curricular activities through clubs and associations outside of school. Do not hesitate to ask your host family and/or AFS volunteers about the possibilities in your region.

When does the school year begin and end?

The exact beginning and ending of the school year differs regionally. Generally, the school year runs from mid-August / beginning of September until the end of June / mid July. In addition to long summer vacations of five to six weeks in July/ August, pupils have one to two weeks in Autumn, two weeks at Christmas/ New Year, one to two weeks in winter and one to two weeks in spring. Check out the website of your host school to find out the exact dates of the vacations.

What Is a typical school day? How many classes per day?

The school week lasts from Monday to Friday. Classes usually start at 8 a.m. and may last till 6 p.m., although one afternoon is normally off. On the whole, pupils have to attend approx. 35 lessons per week, each lesson lasting 45 minutes.

The breaks between classes last from 5 to 15 minutes. Lunch break is 1 - 2 hours.

Students are regularly given homework in each subject and are frequently tested on the material that has been covered in class. If you are not sure about what homework is expected please ask the teachers.

Can I get an official transcript? A certificate of attendance?

Most schools give a certificate of attendance to exchange students, but not an official transcript of grades. The reason for this is the difficulty to grade exchange students due to their reduced language knowledge. The decision, however, lies with the school and often depends on the commitment of the student. There is no guarantee given by AFS Switzerland.

Can I get academic credit for my study abroad?

Obtaining academic credit cannot be guaranteed. The amount and type of credit you receive is determined by your local high school. It is important that you talk with your teachers and guidance counsellor before you depart from Switzerland to see what you need in order to be granted credit. Be sure to keep a copy of any formal grades or transcripts you receive from your host school. It is your responsibility to obtain the documents from your host school regarding your attendance and grades before you return home. AFS Switzerland cannot and will not organize this for you after you have completed the program.

Making Friends

Where and how you make friends will probably be different from what you are used to. Young people in Switzerland tend to have fewer, but closer friends. One of the best places to make friends is your class or join a local club or association. Avoid staying only with other exchange students and persons that speak your native language. Having local friends will help you understand the Swiss way of living. It will also helps you with your language skills.

Classmates

The class, which is usually approx. 25 students, stays together for all lessons. You will therefore soon know everybody.

Forget all you know about foreign exchange students in your home country, because in Switzerland there is no glamour attached to this position, and the best you can strive for is to be accepted as “one of the others“. If you find the reception from your classmates to be cold, it is because they are reluctant by nature and do not spontaneously accept a stranger into the group. But you will invariably get a warm response if you take the initiative of being friendly, and many are only waiting to be asked to help you!

Leisure Activities

Although education is considered very important, Swiss parents want their children to also spend time with friends and participate in extra-curricular activities, such as scouts, music or sport. There are a lot of clubs for all kinds of activities or hobbies. To become a true Swiss, you should join a club or a team. This is an excellent way to meet people with similar interests, to build friendships and to improve your language skills.

It is common for teenagers to visit friends, go to the movies, concerts etc. during their free time. Don't expect your host parents to be your chauffeur though. You will be expected to organize yourself and use public transport to get around.

Many families do something together on weekends. Plans are usually discussed at the family table, and you are welcome to make suggestions. Don‘t expect your host parents to cover all the costs for an outing or for family vacations, however; it is very common to share the costs. Discuss the topic of activities and expenditures with your host family.

Relationships and Sex

Different societies have very different ideas about what is considered acceptable for teenagers when it comes to friendships, relationships and sex. Here are some examples of what is considered acceptable by most Swiss people:

• It is common that children and teenagers spend time together at each other's homes in their rooms playing, talking or listening to music.
• Friendships between women and men are very common. Having a date with a man or woman does not necessarily mean that he or she is interested in sex.
• Holding hands with people of the opposite sex is quite common.
• It is acceptable to show affection to a person of the opposite sex in public.
• Sex before marriage is accepted by most Swiss people. Therefore, many couples live together without being married and many parents accept overnight visits by their teenage children's boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Sex education is a compulsory subject in Swiss schools, including information on contraception and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS.
• Homosexuality is legal and widely accepted. Same-sex couples have (almost) the same rights as heterosexual couples. In cities more than in villages, it is not unusual to see a same-sex couple holding hands in public.

Religious Practice and Attitudes

Switzerland has no official state religion, but most of the cantons recognize the Roman Catholic Church and the (Protestant) Swiss Reformed Church as official churches.

Around 70 percent of the population belong to one of these two Christian churches. Around 20 percent are not affiliated to any religious community. The remaining 10 percent belong to many different Muslim, Christian, Jewish or other religious communities.

The importance of religion depends very much on where you are placed and even more on the individual family. In some (usually rural) regions, religious events play an important role in the community. In others, churches are more important as architectural heritage than as a place of worship.

Some host families go to church regularly and actively participate in their religious community, others see themselves as religious but never go to church. Talk to your host family to find out if religious services and celebrations are an important part of their family life. Whatever your religious background is, being open with your host family can lead to interesting discussions and you can learn from each other. In the end, it is up to you to what extent you want to be involved, but if you are open to it, it is certainly a good way to show that you want to be part of the family and that you respect the things important to them.

Good Manners

Good and bad manners are not universal. What is perceived as decent and appropriate depends a great deal on the cultural context. Some behaviors that might be perfectly polite in your own country can be perceived as impolite in Switzerland and vice versa.

Meeting and Greeting People

In Switzerland pre corona, you shake hands when you say hello or good-bye. Now you greet people with the elbow or stand there and smile at each other.

In the French speaking part, and more and more in the German speaking part too, you'll also see people kissing each other on both cheeks, which for them does not have any good-bye a lot more than you are accustomed to.

Say “guten Morgen”, “bonjour” or “buon giorno” when you first see your family in the morning. No need to shake hands around the breakfast table, though – and say good-bye when you leave the house. Say good night to everyone before you go to bed. When there are guests, say hello to every single one, and likewise good-bye when they or you leave. Furthermore, if you meet friends or family members always ask them how they are doing, and what they did today, last weekend, last week etc. It is considered polite to show interest in somebody‘s life and it also helps to start a conversation.

Table Manners

For many Swiss families, meal times – especially dinner – are a time for the family to be together, exchange the news of the day or talk about plans for holidays etc. Therefore it is important that everyone is there on time.

Usually someone will say “en Guete”, “bon appétit” or “buon appetito”, which means “enjoy your meal” as the starting signal. You should try everything you are offered before stating you do not like something. And always eat what is on your plate.

One good way of showing you are not a guest, but a family member is helping to clear the table and do the dishes without being asked. Saying “s‘isch guet gsi”, “c‘était très bon” or “era delizioso” (“the meal was very good”) at the end of a meal will surely be appreciated by the cook

Don’t

It is considered bad manners to talk with your mouth full, to chew with an open mouth, and to drink or eat noisily! Also do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. If you have to leave early, ask if you are permitted to leave the table as an exception.

Typically Swiss?

Swiss people sometimes do not know what is typically Swiss. For them, this is just the way you do things and they may not think about that somewhere else in the world, people might do things differently. To find out what is „typically Swiss“ you could tell your host family and friends how things work in your home and ask how things work here and discuss why this could be. Former exchange students are far more competent to tell you about typical Swiss habits. Before you can start to make you're your own observations, here is a collection of observations from your predecessors. Have fun!

Highs and Lows

During your stay in Switzerland, you will go through different emotional stages. Being in a foreign country with a new home, new friends and a new family can be an emotional rollercoaster.

It is important to know that ups and downs are normal. Most students experience them one way or the other. However, the timing and the intensity of the ups and downs are different for every student. Do talk about it with people around you so they can help you deal with it. There is no shame in having a difficult time and even if it‘s not easy, do not be afraid to speak up.

Homesickness

An exchange experience is exciting, but also challenging. Your new life in Switzerland can sometimes be confusing or frustrating. At the beginning, you cannot express yourself in the foreign language as you would like to; habits and behaviors may seem strange; you may be tired because of the many new impressions, or you may sometimes feel like you are in the wrong place.

Feeling homesick is absolutely understandable and completely normal when leaving your safe haven for this adventure abroad. Do not let it get to you! If this happens to you, do not tell only your parents back home. If your parents know that you are homesick or feel uncomfortable in your host family whereas nobody in Switzerland knows about it, they will be worried. However, the situation itself will not change.

What you definitely should do: Share your feelings with people in Switzerland.

Talk to your host family or to your local AFS participant contact person (PCP).