Switzerland

Education and training possibilities
There are language schools in Switzerland offering tuition in Italian, German and French in the various regions where the languages are spoken. But Switzerland is perhaps best known for its tourism and hospitality training industry. Diplomas and degree courses are commonly offered, and courses, which are taught in French, German and/or English, involve training in all aspects of the industry. As Switzerland's hotel management colleges are private, fees are high. The Swiss Hotel Schools Association (ASEH) represents Switzerland's 12 leading hotel management schools and is committed to maintaining high professional and training standards within the hotel management training industry. Typical job possibilities after completion of a diploma or degree in hotel management are in the hospitality, leisure, health, food service or tourism industries. The majority of students are from Europe, but a high proportion also come from Asia.

Travelling around Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most efficient transport networks in the world - not surprising, given its reputation for precision. Public transport incorporates trains, buses, boats and funiculars which link the whole country. 'Postbuses' serve the more remote areas while trains are reliable and fast.

Tourists are advised to buy one of the special tickets on offer which reduces travel costs. The Swiss Saver Pass entitles the holder to unlimited travel on Swiss Federal Railways, boats, most Alpine postbuses as well as trams and buses in 36 towns. The pass also entitles the holder to reductions on funiculars and mountain railways. Passes are valid for four, eight, 15, 22 or 30 days and prices start at US$170 for four days of second-class travel.

Alternatively, the Swiss Card allows a free return train journey from an arrival point in Switzerland to any other Swiss destination, 50 per cent off rail, boat and bus travel and reductions on mountain railways. Passes are valid for one month and cost US$110 for second-class travel. There is also a Swiss Flexi Pass, which allows unlimited travel for up to eight days within a one month period and starts at US$166 for three days unlimited travel. All these passes should be bought outside Switzerland, although they are available in a few outlets in the country.

Crucial visa info and work rights
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but nationals from many countries in Europe do not require a visa to enter Switzerland. See below for a list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Switzerland. Students from all countries intending to study in Switzerland for longer than three months will need to apply for a residence permit from their local embassy or consulate. Residence permit holders must register with the police within eight days of arrival.

All North, Central and South American countries and Caribbean islands, with these exceptions: Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti and Peru – nationals of these countries will need a visa.