Your Arrival
After an orientation in New York you will fly to Zurich, Switzerland where your host family will pick you up at the airport and take you to their home.
Your Host Family
In general, family life is important to the Swiss and you’ll spend a good amount of time with your host family. You very well may find you and family taking trips to nearby natural resorts and having healthy meals together, since personal health is imperative to the Swiss.
Be aware that 90% of Swiss families have pets—in most cases cats or dogs. Even though most placements are in small towns or suburbs, cultural activities such as theaters, museums, and music venues are always available.
While there are three common languages–German (70 percent), French (20 percent), and Italian (10 percent)–you will most likely live with a German-speaking host family. In Switzerland it is very common that students be asked to help in the house. Sometimes you may be asked to prepare a meal yourself. Your host mother will not always be home
About 2 weeks in to your stay, you will have your arrival orientation. This will be an international orientation and your opportunity to meet participants from around the world. The orientation will last for 2-3 days.
Host Schools
Switzerland is said to have one of the world’s best education systems, and most students go to public schools by public transportation (bus or train).
You will start the school year when it begins in August. The Swiss school system is extremely competitive; you are expected to be motivated and to participate fully in all areas. The public Maturitaetsschule (high school) runs from morning until late afternoon. The main courses will include German, French, math, history, geography, biology, and physical education.
Your school classes will be with about 20 other students and you’ll stay together for all your lessons so you can begin to make new friends immediately.
Sports and other extra-curricular activities are generally not offered or organized by schools. Instead, you’ll need to take the initiative to find activities outside of school.
End-of-Stay Activities
Towards the end of your time abroad there will be an evaluation camp in the weeks prior to departure. This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
