Study Abroad in Switzerland!

Written by Sarah Stephens, BBA IP Peer Advisor

*St. Gallen offers wonderful scenery, historical monuments, and food.*
*Photo credits (from flickr): Nelso Silva (bottom right), puyol5 (top left)*
*Photo credits (from Unsplash): Nico Kargel (middle left), Heinz Hasler (top right), Louis Hansel (bottom left)*

As a McCombs student, you have the exciting opportunity to spend a semester on exchange in Switzerland at the University of St. Gallen. Nestled in the picturesque northeastern region of the country, St. Gallen offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Austin, with its population of approximately 75,000. It’s a charming town, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility. St. Gallen boasts stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, botanical gardens, captivating architecture, and delightful cuisine.

The city is renowned for the Abbey of St. Gall, a monastery showcasing various architectural styles, a twin-towered cathedral, and a collection of ancient books. Visitors can also explore museums like the Textile Museum to learn new things. St. Gallen stands among the top European business schools, ensuring your exchange experience will be highly respected worldwide. Switzerland offers an ideal destination for a study abroad adventure reminiscent of landscapes from The Sound of Music! Explore the St. Gallen exchange website here.

Why Should I Study Abroad in St. Gallen?

St. Gallen is a globally recognized top-tier university situated in the heart of Europe.

The university offers a diverse range of engaging elective courses.

Set in a secure and picturesque area, St. Gallen provides ample opportunities for socializing, enjoying nature, and discovering historical landmarks.

St. Gallen enjoys considerable esteem among employers, presenting an unmatched value proposition.

The tranquil Swiss culture offers a distinct and appealing contrast to the U.S., providing a unique cultural immersion.

Moreover, St. Gallen’s strategic location and efficient public transport facilitate easy travel within and beyond Switzerland. With Zurich just an hour away by train or car, exchange students can effortlessly explore culturally rich European cities such as Paris, Munich, Stockholm, Rome, Copenhagen, and more. Learn more about the University of St. Gallen by viewing these videos:

Is St. Gallen Safe and Affordable?

Indeed, St. Gallen shines as one of Europe’s safest, most charming, clean, and tranquil cities, offering a cozy environment for exchange students. St. Gallen is an excellent choice if you seek a destination where you can feel at home during your exchange.

While St. Gallen is among the more expensive study abroad destinations due to its relatively high cost of living, expenses can be managed with proper research and budgeting. Depending on your lifestyle in Austin, costs may be comparable, if not slightly higher. Refer to the estimated costs on the program webpage for further details.

How Will I Get the Classes That I Need?

St. Gallen offers many business courses, including O M 235 and electives. The available courses make it an excellent choice for Juniors and Seniors who have completed most of their core courses but still require elective credits. You can browse St. Gallen’s course offerings and equivalents at UT Austin through the My Credit Abroad database. If you encounter a course that isn’t listed, you can request an evaluation from McCombs.

What If I Don’t Speak German?

German proficiency is optional; classes are taught in English at St. Gallen. Many Swiss are fluent in English, so it is widely spoken across Switzerland. American students should encounter minimal language barriers during their exchange experience with St. Gallen. The university also offers a comprehensive 10-day German course at the start of the semester for students interested in learning the basics of the language.

What Does the Social Life Look Like?

At the beginning of the semester, St. Gallen hosts a mandatory orientation day to help exchange students familiarize themselves with the city of St. Gallen and the university. This event allows students to make friends outside of their regular classes. Moreover, St. Gallen boasts over 150 student clubs and extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and special interest groups, providing numerous opportunities for social engagement. St. Gallen prides itself on fostering a culture of fair treatment of diversity and supporting residents in balancing family and work life, contributing to an enjoyable social atmosphere (Stadt St. Gallen).

Where Would I Stay?

Various housing options abound in St. Gallen, including on-campus dormitories, apartments, and Airbnbs. With thorough research and proactive search efforts, securing accommodation should be relatively easy. According to the University of St. Gallen website, “If you book through the Housing Office at the University of St. Gallen, you will benefit in several ways. All the rooms are furnished, and the kitchens are equipped with basic household items.” Please visit this website for more detailed housing information.

Interested? Next steps!

St. Gallen emerges as a highly underrated study abroad destination, ripe for exploration. With its stunning nature, academic prospects, and rich history, St. Gallen beckons as an enticing destination. For inquiries or interest in the program, kindly reach out to the McCombs International Programs Office.