Switzerland - the Heart of Western Europe

People within Europe sometimes consider Switzerland, the fiercely independent country located deep in the mountainous heart of Western Europe, as a mystery. A federation of 26 Cantons, it has remained neutral for centuries. Now, as a centre as well as a tourist destination-the country draws 3% of its GDP from tourism-Switzerland has developed a respected position in world terms.

Switzerland is often associated with alpine ski resorts, fine clocks, chocolate and penknives, and for the world's "secretive" banks. Some stereotypes are accurate- as London is known for it's black cabs, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. But looking deeper at Switzerland it's clear that this is a fascinating and challenging place to study.

A political Enigma
An important question is that of European Integration. Currently, Switzerland is not an EU member but is under pressure. Inside and outside the country, to join or be left behind by sweeping EU changes. The population is undecided and debate continues daily. Some Swiss believe that their resistance to the EU makes them appear a "cold" nation to outsiders, however anyone who has spent time there will know that the Swiss can be very warm and welcoming people. As one of the wealthiest countries in the world and with low crime, pollution and unemployment rates, it's understandable that the Swiss government is thinking hard before changing their ways too rapidly.

Strengths
Switzerland has a trained workforce following high standards, and the Education system is no different. As a European business hub, several courses have links with locally based businesses that cannot be beaten. Special strengths are in banking, machine tool and precision engineering (see the Swatch watch and car, not to mention the cuckoo clock and Swiss Army Knife). Other strengths include chemical and pharmaceutical engineering, not to mention great hotel education and tourist education departments. The country has been very successful in attracting the investment of foreign multi-nationals and businesses-also one of the reasons for its huge banking sector. The knock-on effect of the wealth results in attracting some of the most respected academics in European universities, attracted by the high wages and the comfortable lifestyle here. The opposite effect is a country where everything from travel to rent is relatively expensive.

Education System
Through the Federal Commission for International Students the Government provides a (small) number of scholarships to foreign postgraduates only. These help students undertake research in fields that the Swiss universities are particularly active in. A special programme also exists providing scholarships to postgraduates from Central and Eastern European countries. Fine Arts and Music courses are more likely to receive financial aid than others, but this should not stop you applying for scholarships in other fields of study.

Overall, Switzerland is a complex and interesting country to study in. Studying Abroad suggests looking very closely at the finances required to study here but also recommends it as a excellent study destination with a difference. It's excellent location in Europe, it marked cultural, political and linguistic differences from Europe make it quite unique. The winter sports scene and opportunities to travel during holidays can't be beaten with access to virtually anywhere in Western Europe.

Switzerland: Basic Information
Official Languages: German and French speakers will get around easily here-the dialects are quite different however. English is widely known too, especially amongst younger Swiss. Italian is known in the southern cantons. A small handful (about 1% of the population) in the east speaks Romansch.

Population: 7.2. Million

Capitol: Berne

Major cities: Geneva, Zurich, and Basel

Cost of Living: Very high. Estimate SFr 16,000-24,000 per year

Near to: Almost everywhere in Europe (boarders France, Italy, Austria and Germany) Accommodation: Expensive. Universities casn help

Education: Two Federal Universities and 12 non-federal. Several Institutes of Technology and a large number of Private Colleges, such as Swiss Institute of Banking.

Climate: varies on area but generally very cold winters and warm summers.

Transports: Perhaps the best in Europe, but expensive Tourist Attractions: Toom nay to list!

Crime: Low, though an interesting drugs policy has caused crime in certain areas.

Sports: The Swiss have had numerous world champions at winter sports and Tennis.