A semester abroad is always rewarding
Given the growing internationalisation and globalisation of the world we live in, social workers must also learn to address intercultural aspects. Under the terms of the Erasmus Programme Swiss students are also entitled to international student exchanges. And a semester abroad is always rewarding! Not only does it give an insight into another education and employment system, it also provides an opportunity for in-depth reflection on ways of addressing social issues and the scope of action available to social workers.Traineeship and study semesters abroad
We recommend that students attend traineeship and study semesters at partner universities in EU member states that are credited towards the home university’s curriculum. The financing of studies in non-EU countries is at the student’s cost. Depending on the case the semester abroad is credited subject to verification. The semester abroad can be taken as a course of studies or as a traineeship – or as a combination of both. It must comprise a term of at least three months. Swiss students who wish to spend a semester abroad remain enrolled at their home university, and the fees for their course of studies at the guest university are waived.
Requirements for a semester spent abroad
- Completion of basic studies
- Secured place for the traineeship/course of studies at the guest university
- Adequate knowledge of the host country’s language
The foreign semester is generally taken after completion of the basic course of studies, i.e. from July to October (3 months) or from mid-April to mid-October (6 months). Student foreign exchanges are arranged by agreement with the persons in charge of the Traineeship Department and the International Department.
Recommended procedure and registration process
Recommended procedure and registration process
- Interested students should contact the International Department and find out about the possibilities and conditions for a foreign exchange.
- They should obtain preliminary information on the establishment and the town or city in which they are planning to spend their semester abroad, and then submit their proposal to the International Department.
- The International Department then decides together with those in charge of the graduate course whether the applicant is eligible for a semester of studies abroad, and hands over the registration form.
- The form completed by the applicant is then submitted to the International Department, which forwards it to the partner university and to the ERASMUS Office.
Although a reciprocal financial agreement is in place under the terms of the ERASMUS Programme, the applicant should make the appropriate arrangements for financing and accommodation well in advance. With the backing of the two universities the applicant then applies for a work experience or traineeship permit as well as the stay permit and immigration formalities. The applicant is responsible for his or her own accident and health insurance.
Contact
Suzanne Lischer
International Department
Phone +41 41 367 48 35
E-Mail
Contact
Suzanne Lischer
International Department
Phone +41 41 367 48 35
