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Zurich University of Applied Sciences
| Area: | International Business Exchange |
| Location: | Zurich (Winterthur) |
| Country: | Switzerland |
| Term: | Spring |
The UofSC exchange program at ZHAW School of Management and Law is designed to expose students to life and culture in Switzerland and Swiss international business practices. Since its founding in 1968, ZHAW has become one of Europe's top management schools, while remaining true to its unique calling of promoting ethics and openness to the world.
The program is located at the Winterthur campus of ZHAW and is about 20 minutes from central Zurich. The Winterthur campus offers all the facilities students need for their education and career development. Winterthur is the second largest city and is newly transformed from an industrial city to cultural center thriving with shops, cafés, and clubs.
Category: 1, no foreign language proficiency requirement, all courses taught in English
Cost: UofSC resident tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: junior standing; International Business major
Students on exchange pay in-state tuition directly to USC and do not pay tuition to ZHAW. All housing, food, and personal expenses are paid by the student in Zurich. Switzerland requires non-EU students to provide proof of financial self-sufficiency. ZHAW suggests that students budget approximately 1,380CHF to 1,850CHF per month for housing and living expenses. The actual cost can differ depending on the student’s lifestyle. To get an idea of life on site, you will find on the numbeo website indications on the cost of living in Switzerland compared to other countries in the world.
Students typically earn 21-24 ECTS credit hours per semester, which are roughly equivalent to 15 credits at USC. Certain classes are taught in German, the official language, while many courses are offered in both English & German. Students are also encouraged to learn the local dialect, Züritüütsch, which the locals prefer to speak.
To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
Students at ZHAW have the opportunity for independent travel in Switzerland and Europe.
Students from outside of the EU have to buy Swiss health insurance. The ZHAW School of Management and Law cooperates with Swiss health insurance providers. The International Office will assist incoming students in obtaining Swiss health insurance. The approximate costs are about CHF 80.- per month, in addition to USC's insurance requirement. Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.
There is no on-campus housing at ZHAW although the university staff will help students find housing in Winterthur. Students can work with SWOWI, a non-profit association that helps students find low-priced accommodation in Winterthur and that holds a limited number of rooms and flats for ZHAW students. Students can also find housing independently, with help of the ZHAW staff.
In the spring, students arrive in February and take their exams mid-June. IB students will attend ZHAW during the spring semester.
ZHAW requires students to arrive one week before the start of classes to attend Orientation Week. At this event, you will be welcomed by the International Team, taken on a tour of the campus, and be provided with everything you need to know about your upcoming exchnage semester. During this time you will have the opportunity to meet other exchange students.
Students studying more than 90 days in Switzerland are required to obtain both a visa and residence permit. Students may mail their visa application materials to the Swiss consulate in Atlanta. The International Office at ZHAW assists student in the process.