Hey guys,

I am Brazilian and I've been thinking about doing my undergrad abroad for a while and have considered (still considering, actually) Portugal, Belgium and France. Now Switzerland has come to my attention and the fact that the country is quite developed (and beautiful), its universities are top notch and tuitions are low (although the cost of living makes up for that part) pleases me.

I am thinking about studying Economics at Université de Lausanne or Université de Genevé. I have already informed myself about admissions requirements.

So, I've got some questions:

*what are the career prospects for an Economics undergrad?

*which is nicer: Geneva or Lausanne?

*are people rude to foreigners?

*how's the cost of living in Lausanne/Geneva?

Any tips/advice are welcomed. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum.

I would say Lausanne is nicer than Geneva.

Yes, sometimes people are rude. Would say that's the case anywhere though.

You'll need between CHF20,000 and CHF25,000 a year as a student for living expenses in a bank account to be able to get a student permit.

Lausanne is a more beautiful city that Geneva, but Geneva is more international and cosmopolitan. So take you pick.

When you say career prospects, you mean jobs you can do as a student to get you some extra living money, or your big career once you're done?

For the former, you would have to check the small print on your permit. The situation is continuously developing and it depends on what country you're from. For the latter, well, I guess economists can find a job anywhere they want, but it really depends on what it is that you want to do. The same as in any other country I suppose.

Thanks!

Yeah. I am bit more inclined to choose Lausanne because of HEC Lausanne.

I mean my big career once I am done.

Thanks!

Oh sure. I was just wondering people would be outright rude just because I'm a foreigner, but I had a lightening conversation with a Swiss guy on this topic.

I expected that I'd need some value close to this. I hope I will be able to work after a while to help with the expenses, though.

Not for the first 6 months though and that amount you need to have and be able to show before getting a permit.

Yes, I'm well aware of that.

You forgot availability/price of accomodation, that alone may have you chose Lausanne.

How is your French?

Tom

- People can be rude everywhere, but you will find the xenophobia is more prevalent in the German speaking part of Switzerland than the French.

- Switzerland has one of the highest costs of living out of anywhere in the world. Geneva is at the top - it is notorious for being an impossible place to find housing, affordable or expensive. I would go for Lausanne...

As a student, it is much easier and cheaper to find accommodation in Geneva.

Not in my experience really.

I only know two people who regularly post stuff with clearly racist content on Facebook. And both of them arre from the Valais.

From the French part, the German part, or the Italian part?

Tom

French

I guess everyone's experiences are different - in day to day real life, (not the great big troll bridge that is cyber space) I think the French part is much better. Keep in mind the Valais is also Swiss-German.

https://www.vs.ch/web/integration/le-valais-en-bref

Salgesch is here:
https://map.geo.admin.ch/?lang=en&to...0675.10&zoom=2

https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home...ns/valais.html

Not only is the Valais mostly French, but also is Swiss-German the language which is spoken by the Grüezinis living in the Üsserschwiz (Outer Switzerland). The Upper Valais speak proudly the Highest Alemannic dialect Walliser German.

Hi Mate,

I know my response is not quite addressing the questions you raised but I can give you another place to consider and perspective being an Australian studying in Switzerland.

I chose Bern, Switzerland. Main language is Swiss-German (not the same as German). Very metropolitan and accommodating to internationals. Everyone speaks English so they default to that as soon as they become aware your not a Swiss-German speaker or French. It does make it a little more difficult to learn the language though.

The city its self is beautiful. Summer and winter and accommodation is priced well compared to Geneva.

I am Australian, studying Under Grad at a applied sciences Uni or equivalent. (Business Administration) at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). Many people in my class are Swiss although it is taught in English and I would say at least 5 or 6 (out of 30 or so students in my classes) of them come from very successful families who have big businesses here and are working towards taking them over at some point I guess. They tell me they chose this school because it is a very well know and reputable. But It is not quite a university, more of a collage.

You can also specialize in Banking and Finance (Economics). I would say it is challenging, Full-time requires usually 8-10 subjects a semester when you first commence.

Overall I am very happy with my choice.

Any questions feel free to contact me.

Cheers,

Simon.

I would say it's good, but I'm still polishing it. I've got a year before college, plenty of time to polish it.

Yes, Lausanne sounds better at this regard. Considering that and that HEC Lausanne is a bit better than UniGE, I am choosing Lausanne over Geneva.

Really? I thought it was the contrary. I have been searching for accomodation in both cities, just out of curiosity, I've found out that accomodation in Lausanne is both cheaper and easier to find.


I am fond of both regions, but as my German is almost nonexistentant, I'm going to the French part.


Thanks for the answer!

I'm happy that you are having a good time. Bern seems nice.

When I was searching about studying in Switzerland, I considered Bern, but the University of Bern didn't offer undergrad programs in English (or French). Now I had a look at your university's website. It seems rather nice, but it's not my cup of tea. I'm more research-oriented and more theoretical.