Today, more and more Indian students opt for an international education, especially for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. An international degree not only gives a student exposure to a wholly different culture and way of living, but it also allows them the opportunity to break geographical boundaries to access the best universities and professors on the planet, for their chosen field.
For the past decade, America and the United Kingdom have been popular choices for Indian students going abroad. However, this doesn’t mean that there is a dearth of options in other countries.
When one thinks of Switzerland, the scenic country in the heart of Europe, one thinks of the breathtaking scenery and the snowy Alps. However, there is more to the country than meets the eye.
Switzerland also boasts of many highly-ranked universities and offers lucrative benefits for international students. Read on to know more about what you can expect if you’re thinking of being an international student in Switzerland:
Geographical Advantages
One of the most attractive parts about Switzerland is its location. The country is rich in natural beauty and is heaven for any nature lover. International students here will never have a shortage of scenic spots to explore.
In fact, because of its geography, Switzerland is also known for its adventure sports, like hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and others – another big advantage for adventurous students.
Furthermore, Switzerland occupies a central location in Europe. It neighbours five other important countries – Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein and Austria. Its location at the heart of Europe makes the country extremely well connected.
This means that students living in Switzerland have the rest of Europe practically at their doorstep, ready for exploration.
High Class Education
Although it is not primarily known for its education system, Switzerland actually has an ancient, prestigious academic tradition which has continued into the present.
Over the centuries, the country has produced some of the best minds, especially in scientific fields like physics, chemistry and medicine, many of whom have won prestigious awards like the Nobel Prize.
The first university in Switzerland was established all the way back in 1460, in Basel. Since then, many other prestigious universities have been established in the country. The University of Zurich, University of Geneva, The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, University of St. Gallen, etc. are some such sought after options.
Since most universities in Switzerland are publicly funded, they are equipped with the best of facilities and are home to some of the best professors and mentors worldwide.
The flip side of the high standard of education is that these universities also expect a lot from their students. If you are planning on applying to Swiss universities, know that it is not an easy process.
Admission criteria can be strict and the courses can be demanding on students – all with a rich payoff in the end.
In fact, because of its geography, Switzerland is also known for its adventure sports, like hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and others – another big advantage for adventurous students.
Furthermore, Switzerland occupies a central location in Europe. It neighbours five other important countries – Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein and Austria. Its location at the heart of Europe makes the country extremely well connected.
This means that students living in Switzerland have the rest of Europe practically at their doorstep, ready for exploration.
Standard of Living
Not only is Switzerland extremely beautiful, its infrastructure is also among the best in the world, making it a truly delightful place to live. Most cities in the country are well connected, with efficient public transportation systems such as buses, metros and intercity trains as well.
The Swiss people are known for being well-organised and conscientious, which means that government and administrative services are also quick and efficient, making immigration, registration and other paperwork quite streamlined.
The country is also known as one of the safest places to live. Violent and serious crimes are almost non-existent in most Swiss cities, and the rates of petty theft and similar crimes are also very low compared to most other countries.
International students can rest assured and explore the country and its culture freely without any fear for their safety.
Diversity and Culture
Not many people are aware that Switzerland boasts a diverse cultural life. The country has 26 federal states and four national languages, making it one of the most diverse populations in Europe.
Each city and region has its own specific traditions and history, making it a perfect place for international students to experience diversity of culture. About 25% of the country’s student population is international.
This means that students living here will be exposed to a host of foreign cultures as well, allowing them to build their own global network.
Conclusion
If you are an Indian student considering a degree abroad, Switzerland may not be at the top of your list. However, the country offers a whole host of benefits to its international students, making it a worthy addition to the list of renowned educational hubs in the world. Although it usually flies under the radar, Switzerland’s natural beauty, high standards of living, cultural diversity as well as its long and prestigious history of academic excellence are aspects that make it a great place for an international education.