Switzerland

Switzerland is a small but diverse country located in the heart of Europe. Known for its mountains, lakes, neutrality and high quality of life, Switzerland offers a unique blend of cultures, languages and natural beauty. Its central location also makes it a great hub for exploring Europe.

Geography

Switzerland is a landlocked country located in the heart of Europe. Switzerland is surrounded by five neighboring countries: Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein. Its total land area is approximately 41'000 square kilometers (~16'000 square miles), making it relatively small compared to its European neighbors, all of which are larger except for Liechtenstein.

Switzerland can be divided into three major geographical regions:

The Alps – These famous mountains cover about 58% of the country but are sparsely populated, with only a small fraction of the population living in the alpine areas. The Alps are home to 49 peaks that exceed 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
The Swiss Plateau (Mittelland) – This region covers around 31% of the country's surface and is home to two-thirds of the Swiss population. It stretches from Lake Geneva in the southwest to Lake Constance in the northeast. Most of Switzerland's cities, industries and farmland are concentrated here, making it the economic and population center of the country.
The Jura – The Jura Mountains make up about 11% of the land area. Although less prominent than the Alps, this region along the northwest border is known for its forests, watchmaking industry and lower population density.

Despite being landlocked, Switzerland has many rivers and lakes, offering numerous opportunities for swimming and water activities. Swiss citizens take pride in the fact that even in major cities, the rivers and lakes are clean enough for swimming.

With 6% of Europe’s freshwater reserves, Switzerland plays an important role in the continent's water system. The country’s rivers and lakes are also integral to daily life, providing both recreation and drinking water for the population.

Climate

Switzerland enjoys a temperate climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. However, the climate can vary significantly due to the country’s varied topography and elevations, creating a range of microclimates. From fridgid Alpine conditions on mountaintops to an almost mediterranean climate in the southern regions, Switzerland offers a unique weather experience. Located in the northern hemisphere, Switzerland experiences a great variance in day length and seasonal temperature changes. During the late autumn and winter months, the sun often rises after 07:00, with sunset occuring before 17:00. Around the summer solstice in June, the sunrise can be as early at 05:30, with sunset as late as 21:30. Alpine areas may experience longer periods of darkness during dawn and dusk as the mountainous topography can block the sun in the morning and evening. As with most European countries, Switzerland observes summer time (daylight savings time) between late March and late October.

Spring (March to May)

As winter fades away, trees begin to blossom and meadows transform into vibrant green landscapes. This is a perfect time to explore the outdoors as nature awakens.

Summer (June to August)

Days become longer and temperatures typically rise to 25-30°C (77-86°F). This is the perfect season to enjoy Switzerland's many lakes and rivers, ideal for swimming and various outdoor activities. Hot afternoons can often lead to rain and thunderstorms in the evening.

Autumn (September to November)

As the days cool down, fruits ripen and the foliage displays stunning hues of red, yellow and brown. The changing colors create picturesque landscapes, making it a lovely time for hikes and outdoor exploration.

Winter (December to February)

In winter, snow blankets the mountain landscapes, creating a winter wonderland. However, in the Swiss Plateau, it is often not cold enough for snow to linger for more than a few days. The days become shorter, which can be challenging for those unaccustomed to such seasonal changes. Exchange students may find it particularly difficult, as it can be dark when they leave for school in the morning and dark again by the time they return home in the afternoon. However, there’s no need to worry; after the winter solstice on December 21/22, the days will gradually begin to lengthen again.

Overall, Switzerland’s diverse climate makes it a fascinating place to experience all four seasons, each offering its unique beauty and activities.

Swiss culture

Switzerland is a country of contrasts and coexistence. With four national languages (German, French, Italian and Romansh) and distinct regional identities, Swiss culture is shaped by diversity, neutrality and a deep respect for tradition and precision.

Cultural values

Swiss people tend to value:

Punctuality – Being on time is a sign of respect. Whether it’s a meeting, school or a social event, punctuality is expected.
Privacy & discretion – People are generally reserved, especially at first. Asking personal questions too early may be seen as intrusive.
Directness – Communication tends to be polite but honest and straightforward.
Cleanliness & order – Swiss streets, homes and public spaces are clean and well-organized. Everyone is expected to contribute to keeping things tidy.

Languages

Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. However, this does not imply that all Swiss people speak all four languages. The language spoken largely depends on the region where one grows up. While Swiss students are required to learn a second or even third national language in school, they often do not achieve a high level of proficiency and may lack confidence when using these languages. As a result, many Swiss people prefer to communicate in English, especially when interacting with speakers of different national languages.

There is a humorous term that highlights the cultural and linguistic divide between the German-speaking and French-speaking regions: “Röstigraben.” This term translates to "hashed potatoes border," referring to Rösti, a traditional dish from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. It symbolizes the differences between the two language groups.

Language distribution

German: The most widely spoken language, used by 64% of the population.
French: Spoken by about 20% of the population, primarily in the western part of the country.
Italian: Spoken by approximately 6.5%, mainly in the southern region of Ticino.
Romansh: A minority language, spoken by less than 0.5% of the population, primarily in the canton of Grisons.
Immigrant languages: The remaining 9% of the population consists of immigrants who speak their native languages.

Regional distribution

The German region (Deutschschweiz) covers roughly the east, northand center of the country.
The French region (Suisse romande) is located in the west.
The Italian region (Svizzera italiana) is situated in the south.
The canton of Grisons is unique as it is officially trilingual, with German, Italian and Romansh spoken.

Multilingualism

Switzerland is home to a rich linguistic landscape, with four cantons—Bern, Fribourg, Valais and Graubünden—and the city of Biel/Bienne being officially multilingual. Swiss German is the most commonly used language in the workplace, followed by standard German, French, English and Italian. Over two-thirds of the population aged 15 and above regularly speak more than one language.

Multilingualism is not only a key aspect of Swiss identity but is also enshrined in the Languages Act, which underscores the importance of preserving and promoting the country's linguistic diversity.

Swiss German vs. High German

If you are placed in the German-speaking region of Switzerland, you will likely find yourself learning two languages simultaneously, as Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) varies significantly from High German (Hochdeutsch).

Swiss German: This is the language used for daily conversation. It consists of various dialects that can differ widely from region to region. Even native speakers sometimes struggle to understand someone with a strong local dialect, making it an interesting linguistic challenge for learners.
High German: This is the standard written language and is used in formal settings, education and written communication. You will begin your language studies with High German, so don't hesitate to remind those around you to speak it. This will help you build a solid foundation in the language.

It's important to note that most AFS students will be placed in the German-speaking region, as the French-speaking region is much smaller and the Italian-speaking region is limited to just one canton.

Good to know: Students placed in the French-speaking region should already have a strong command of the French language prior to arriving in Switzerland, as schools will not accept students without sufficient language skills. Currently, placements in the Italian-speaking part are not offered.

Transportation

In Switzerland, school buses are not common and it is unusual for parents to drive their children to school. Instead, public transport is widely used and it is known for being reliable, safe and efficient.

In urban areas, many families choose not to own a car because public transport is often more convenient. Don’t worry; there are a wide variety of transportation options available, ranging from trains to bicycles. Most students commute to and from school using public transport, by bicycle or by walking.

You will soon notice that many Swiss people take pride in their public transport system, fostering an almost emotional connection with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS). The SBB has an excellent website available in German, French, Italian and English, along with a user-friendly smartphone app that allows you to check train, bus and boat connections and purchase tickets online. For more information, visit www.sbb.ch.

Important reminder: Always ensure you have a valid ticket when using public transport. If you are caught without one, you will face a fine of CHF 90 (approximately USD 110). Ticket inspectors are typically strict and will not make exceptions, even if you try to explain that you’re a confused exchange student still learning how to use the ticket machines. Students are responsible for paying any public transport fines issued against the student.

For additional safety tips regarding different modes of transportation in Switzerland, refer to the transportation section of the safety handbook.

Education system

The Swiss education system is structured to provide pupils and students with the choice between two main pathways: one focused on academic education and the other on vocational training, leading to qualifications as skilled workers. The education system is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary.

Primary and lower secondary level

Compulsory education in Switzerland consists of nine years, starting at age 7. Children typically attend kindergarten for one to two years before entering primary school. Primary education generally lasts between four to six years, followed by lower-secondary education, which lasts between three to five years, depending on the canton.

Upper secondary level

This level includes basic vocational education and training (VET) and the academic route.

Baccalaureate schools: These schools (German: Gymnasium, Kantonsschule; French: Collège, lycée, gymnase) provide a broad general education covering economics, humanities, languages, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, visual arts, music and sports. Baccalaureate schools are academically competitive, with only about 20% of teenagers attending. A Swiss baccalaureate diploma opens doors to all Swiss universities and most exchange students are placed in these institutions.
Vocational education: The dual system combines classroom learning at a vocational school with practical training in a company, producing skilled workers with qualifications that meet market demands. Vocational training usually lasts two to four years and successful trainees receive a certificate of proficiency. After an additional year of senior classes, students can qualify for a professional baccalaureate, allowing admission to universities of applied sciences.
Upper secondary specialized schools: (German: Fachmittelschule, Wirtschaftsmittelschule, Informatikmittelschule; French: École de culture générale, École de commerce) these schools teach both general and specific subjects required for various professions in fields such as education, health, social work, music and arts. Graduates receive diplomas that provide access to specialized universities.

Tertiary level

The tertiary education system includes:

Traditional universities: Comprising ten cantonal universities and two Federal Institutes of Technology, several of which are ranked among the best in the world.
Universities of pedagogy and universities of applied sciences: These institutions offer practical, career-oriented education.
Adult professional education and training: This Swiss specialty focuses on management, specialties and leadership for professionals at various levels.

Over 44% of the Swiss population hold a tertiary-level qualification, showcasing the effectiveness of the varied and flexible education system.

Further information: For more details about the Swiss education system in English, visit Swiss Education.

Practical information

Sending mail

To write to a Swiss address, you first write the name of the recipient. On the next line you write the street name and the house number. This is followed by the postal code which is frequently preceded by CH but also can be written without, particularly if sending from within Switzerland. If your parents want to send something to you, they can just put your name first and then use the c/o address. Here is an example:

Sample address	Format guide
Marco Meier	(your first and last name)
c/o Fam. Müller	(c/o your host family's last name)
Centralplatz 2	(street name and house number)
CH-4051 Basel	(CH- followed by postal code and town)

Swiss Post is very reliable. Sending and receiving letters or packages of all sizes is no problem in Switzerland. For customs regulations and further information check out the website of the Swiss Post

Telephone

Most host families have a landline and the family members (except for small children) usually have a mobile phone. It is very common for Swiss teenagers to have a mobile phone and it might be very helpful for your integration into the life of your host family and your host community to get a Swiss mobile phone number.

If you already have a phone, you can buy a prepaid Swiss SIM card. Most phones are now globally compatible, however, some countries (e.g. USA and Canada) may use a different mobile phone standard so your phone might not work in Switzerland. If your phone does not work in Switzerland, ask around if someone can lend you a phone before purchasing an expensive new one. If you are thinking about buying a new mobile phone while in Switzerland, read this warning:

Many companies offer discounts on new phones but only if you sign a plan with them. To protect you and your host family, signing mobile phone plans is forbidden for AFS students in Switzerland. Firstly, most students are not yet 18 and are therefore not allowed to sign a contract. Secondly, the contracts contain complicated small print. Many students only realize what kind of contract they have signed when they receive the first monthly bill. Once signed, there is no way to get out of such a plan for at least 12 months

There are a variety of good prepaid offers on the market. Compare the prices before you decide what is best for you. Some prepaid offers also contain a data package. The rates for mobile phone calls in Switzerland are much higher than in many other countries. This is why Whatsapp and other communication tools that do not use the telephone network but connect to the Internet have become very popular. In many places, you can use Wi-Fi for free. Here is a good piece of advice from former exchange students: Do not use your mobile phone to call your parents back home unless it is an emergency. International calls are very expensive. There are many options to save money on international calls, e.g. by using Internet services (WhatsApp, Skype, Signal, etc.), using a cheap access number from the landline or international calling cards. Talk to your host family and AFS volunteers to find out the best options.

Internet

Most host families have a fast Wi-Fi connection with unlimited data uploads and downloads. Ask your family if there are any restrictions regarding computer and Internet use in their home. Many families have such rules, mainly for social reasons. Computer and Internet time are limited in order to have more family time together. You will also find Wi-Fi in many schools, cafés, shops, museums, libraries etc. They are often password protected so ask the staff if you want to use it. Internet cafés are not widespread anymore because mobile devices have become so popular.

Electricity

The electric current used throughout Switzerland is 230 Volts AC, 50hz (continental European standard). Wall outlets are unique to Switzerland, however. They are compatible with the three-pole Type J plug and with the Europlug (CEE 7/16). For all other plugs, you need an adapter. If you come from a country with different plugs, it might be a good idea to get an adapter already in your home country. Be careful with equipment designed for 100/110/120 Volts AC (as used in the USA and some parts of Asia). While some notebooks and mobile phones are explicitly designed to work with a wide range of input voltages (100 to 240 Volts), many electronic devices are completely incompatible and might be damaged if used with doubled voltage. Never try to connect a device designed for 110 Volts to a 230 Volt power outlet unless you have a voltage transformer.

Environment

In Switzerland, people are careful about the environment and try to protect it wherever possible. Water is a limited resource and it is expected to conserve its usage and shower for a maximum of 10 minutes. Tap water in Switzerland is high quality and drinkable without filtration. There is a sophisticated waste and recycling collection system. Household waste is often only collected in special designated trash bags which must be purchased separately at supermarkets, however recycling is always free. Old and unwanted electronics can often be returned to the store where the item was originally purchased, at no expense. It is expected to separate paper and cardboard as they are collected separately. PET plastic drink bottles, metal and glass are expected to be recycled. Supermarkets and large train stations often have recycling bins for Paper, Aluminum and PET bottles but often lack glass disposal. Glass bottles can be disposed of at designated recycling points. A great web resource for finding recycling points is: https://recycling-map.ch/en/map

Currency and exchange rates

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF or Fr. Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro but many merchants will accept the Euro (although at unfavorable exchange rates). Change will most likely be given back in Swiss francs.

The Swiss Franc comes in the following denominations:

Coins

5, 10, 20, 50 Cents and 1, 2, 5 Francs

Bank Notes

10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1'000 Francs

Most places still accept cash payments. However, paying cashless has become very frequent. Here is a good site to look up the exchange rate between the Swiss franc and the currency used in your country: https://www.oanda.com/currency-converter/en

Units of measurement

The metric system is used to measure weight, distance, height, velocity and volume. Temperature is measured in Celsius. If you are not used to the metric system or the Celsius temperature scale, a good web resource is: http://www.metric-conversions.org

Authorities and laws

AFS students are subject to the law of their host country. We recommend reading the foreign travel advice about Switzerland published by your foreign ministry to find out if there are important differences between the laws in your country and those in Switzerland.

In Switzerland it is expected that citizens and visitors carry I.D. and/or a passport. Should the police stop you and you are without I.D, you may be taken in for questioning. For more information, read the chapter Authorities and emergency contacts in the Safety Handbook.