Program Details: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Business Track)
Is this program for me?
GVSU has been partnered with ZHAW since 2012. The agreement was first established with the School of Engineering, and in 2015 expanded to include the School of Management and Law. This site offers information for students interested in the School of Management and Law. ZHAW does offer a variety of courses in English. It is strongly recommended that Business students only consider ZHAW for the Winter (ZHAW's spring) semester. Students interested in the fall would be required to stay at ZHAW until the semester ends in mid-late January.
This program offers students a full immersion into a Swiss university. Students will take the majority of their courses with both degree-seeking Swiss students and international exchange students from around the world. Participants will be required to attend an orientation at the start of the semester to get information about important administrative necessities and life in Winterthur. Also, to assist students in their transition, ZHAW will pair new international students up with a local student who will serve as a "buddy" during the first few weeks. SML has a team of advisors that work directly with all of the international students. Students will have access to a great support team that can assist with the transition to ZHAW and Winterthur.
Location
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is located in Winterthur which is located about 20 minutes by train to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. Winterthur is a very beautiful town with many small shops and restaurants. While students will be close to Zurich, there are plenty of things to do in Winterthur. Students will have easy access to reliable public transportation to get around Winterthur, Zurich, and other parts of the country. Zurich is well-known for being one of the world's largest financial centers with banks that hold a substantial amount of the world's wealth. It is also well-known for its amazing chocolatiers, many museums, clubs, restaurants, and strolls along Lake Zurich.
Visa Information
US citizens will be required to apply for a visa and a residence permit for stays longer than 90 days. The Switzerland Visa Guide provides detailed information regarding the application process and required documents. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
ZHAW does not offer on-campus housing; however, there are student residences very close to campus which are easy for students to apply for. Students will apply for housing directly to the student residence of their choosing. Additional information on accommodations at ZHAW can be found on the accommodations page of the ZHAW SML website.
SWOWI is often a popular location for international students; however previous participants have recommended the WOKO complex for those looking to be more integrated with ZHAW degree-seeking students. WOKO Burglistrasse is the closest housing unit to the School of Management and Law (SML). Students living here will have about a 10-15 minute walk to campus. The SWOWI Camp Axa and Camp Maximus are a bit further from the SML, but all are still within a 20-25 minute walking distance to campus. Trams and buses are readily available as well. Students can expect to have a shared kitchen, laundry and community area. There are some strict rules that students my obey or risk fines. Also, students are required to give 3 months' notice prior to moving out of their housing unit. Students are allowed to stay in their housing unit for the full 6 month lease if they choose. Students attending ZHAW in the Winter (ZHAW's Spring) semester are advised to look for openings in November when many units will become available. While WOKO is most convenient to the SML buildings, many exchange students live in Camp Axa. This unit may have more openings since many students in other academic areas study at ZHAW just for the Fall semester. These units will be available for the spring semester students.
Meal plans are not common in Switzerland. Students can expect to prepare meals on their own throughout the semester.
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Courses
Classes listed as "For Incomings" will typically always have space available. International Management courses may have limited space. Students will register on-site during orientation. Students are allowed to mix and match courses from any of the business programs.
Campus Information
Winterthur is a small city that is very pedestrian friendly. Students will be able to easily walk to most places such as campus buildings, library, grocery stores, shopping areas, train station, etc. ZHAW has several academic buildings that are in different areas around town. The School of Management and Law has 3 main buildings that are all in close proximity. Students will also be just a short 10 minute walk to the Library. In Winterthur, students will have an opportunity for full immersion in Swiss life and culture.
Travel Information
Students typically fly into Zurich airport and take the train to Winterthur main station. The train takes about 10 minutes. From the train station, students are a 5 minute walk from ZHAW's School of Management and Law. Get half price on travel in Switzerland with the Halbtax SwissPass. Students will find easy access to trains throughout Switzerland. https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html