Browse Topics
Tools
Editor's choice

Stuff Swiss people like, part two

Amanda of Queso Suizo blog continues her top 20 things that Swiss people like. More cowbell, anyone?

Win a bottle of whiskey!

Fill out an Expat Voices interview by 1 December and you can win a free bottle of whiskey!

Zurich’s boutique coffeehouse

Kerrin of MyKugelhopf visits Péclard, Zurich's new/old pastry shop and tea salon.

Internaxx Stock Market
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.3 0.50
DAX 5252.45 1.50
IBEX 30 10726.8 0.59
CAC 40 3377.59 1.40
FTSE 100 4564.5 0.79
AEX 276.85 0.95
DJIA 9096.72 -0.13
Nasdaq 1975.51 0.39
FTSE MIB 20341.67 1.65
TSX Composite 10570.54 -1.74
ASX 4148.9 -0.60
Hang seng 20135.5 -2.37
Straits Times 0.00
ISEQ 20 442.48 0.27
You are here: Home Education School International schools in Switzerland

28/10/2009International schools in Switzerland

graduate Expatica’s selection of international schools in Switzerland, with listings and information on exams.

Both local and international school systems in Switzerland offer excellent facilities and educational opportunities for students. Considerations for choosing between a local or international school include age of student, priority of local integration, language preference, and scheduling. Swiss school options tend to be most appropriate for younger students, who can maintain their English in the home environment, and for students who do not require an equal development of both languages on a written level. It is recommended that families choose one system for all children to maintain compatible daily and vacation schedules.

Switzerland has 38 international schools, all of which form the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS). With a reputation for high teaching standards and strict discipline, Swiss international schools are among the best in the world.

Gstaad International School Switzerland

Exams and diplomas
International schools offer students either nationally or internationally recognised qualification. The IGCSE and the IB are both internationally recognised certificates which are almost always prerequisites for entry into top universities.

  • The International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE)
The IGCSE is a UK-based qualification administered by the Cambridge Local Examining Board. It is equivalent to school years 10 and 11, or British GSCEs. IGCSE requires students to take a minimum of eight subjects. The IGCSE diploma is particularly helpful for students applying to British universities, although it is not limited to the United Kingdom.

  • The International Baccalaureate diploma (IB)
The International Baccalaureate originated at the International School of Geneva, and today over 1700 schools in over 120 countries offer this diploma. It is considered equivalent to the British system of A-levels, and caters to students ages 16-19. The diploma requires students to study six subjects within two years, as well as additional academic courses in philosophy, creativity and service, as well as writing a final essay. The IB is increasingly being favoured over the traditional A-Level system, as it focuses on the student’s personal development in addition to academic work.

0 reactions to this article

Inside Expatica
How to keep fit in Switzerland

How to keep fit in Switzerland

Switzerland offers year-round sporting opportunities, from skiing in winter to swimming, golf and camping in summer.

How to open a Swiss bank account

How to open a Swiss bank account

How to open and close a Swiss bank account, plus information on confidentiality and security deposits.

Driving in Switzerland

Driving in Switzerland

How to obtain a licence, import vehicles and follow road rules in Switzerland.

Finding the perfect family home in Zurich

Finding the perfect family home in Zurich

Tips and info to help with the house hunt.