So you've decided that you want to go and study in Switzerland. Once you've established where and what it is that you want to study, you'll soon have other questions that need answering, such as what's the exchange rate? Or what will I eat once I'm there? As follows is a list detailing all you'll need to know…
People
The Swiss people as a whole are mainly Alpine, Nordic, and Slavic or Dinaric
descent. The ethnic comparison of Switzerland is generally defined by
the major language communities: German, French, Italian, and Romansch
(Rhaeto-Romantic) less than 10 percent of the population is made up of
other ethnicities, such as Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish. The population
of Switzerland (1995 estimate) is 6, 955, 000. Approximately 64 percent
of the population is classified as urban, but most live in small towns.
Food and Drink
Switzerland has a superb cuisine and an unfailingly cosmopolitan standard
of service in the restaurants that outshine other restaurants in Europe.
It is also worth noting that Swiss cuisine is not all chocolate and cheese,
as many visitors assume. As a crossroads nation, Switzerland offers a
tremendous variety of international fare-plus culinary masterworks of
its own.
Fondue is a common family dish that is also popular in restaurants because
it's filling and economical. From Valais comes raclette, another melted
cheese dish even more delicious than fondue.
Sausage is a national speciality, and each region has its own types. The big, fat Zurich version, a bologna with a Napoleonic complex, is one of the most succulent. Even more famous is the St. Gall Bratwurst. Order any kind of sausage-any time of day-with the fluffy, hash brown potatoes called Rosti, and you are in for a treat.
Festivals and Celebrations
Festivals and other annual celebrations abound in Switzerland. The big
Swiss national holiday-the Bundesfeiertag-is on 1 August, with bonfires
and dancing all over the country. The nation has now celebrated more than
700 birthdays since it became a confederation in 9121 Annual folk festivals
include Good Friday at Mendrisio; the Roitschaggata at Lotschental (a
great folklore experience-you'll also see the grotesque carved masks of
the region); the colourful Landesgemeiden in Appenzell, Glarus, Sarnen,
and several other towns; and Escalade at Geneva. There's also plenty of
activities available on snow and ice, from horse jumping, golf to dog
sledge racing.
Fast facts
Passport/Visa Requirements
Australian and New Zealand citizens: A valid passport is required
for stays of up to three months.
Canadian citizens: A valid passport is required for stays of up
to three months.
EU citizens: A valid passport is required for stays of up to three
months. A national ID card is sufficient for citizens of Germany, France,
and certain other European countries.
Japanese citizens: A valid passport is required for stays of up
to three months.
U.S. citizens: A valid passport is required for stays of up to
three months.
Others: A valid passport is required for stays of up to three months
and a visa may be required: holders of passports of countries not listed
above should inquire at the nearest Swiss Consulate General for their
requirements.
Time Zone:
Switzerland is one hour ahead of Greenwich mean time (GMT), 6 hours ahead
of New York and Montreal , 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles, 4 hours ahead
of Sao Paulo, 2 hours behind Moscow, and 8 hours behind Tokyo. Daylight
saving time is observed from late March to late December, during which
time the clocks are advanced to one hour.
Money
Switzerland's basic monetary unit is the Swiss France (SF), which is divided
into 100 Rappen (German) or 100 centimes (French). Notes are in denominations
of SF10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of SF1,
2, 5, AND 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes.
There are no restrictions with regard to import, export, and exchange of Swiss France. Traveller's cheques and bank notes may be exchanged at banks, official exchange offices, or travel agencies. The official exchange rate may not apply if exchanged at stores or restaurants.
Major credit cards, traveller's cheques (us dollar, Sterling, Swiss Franc), and personal cheques within the Eurocheque system are widely accepted.
