Preparing to Study Abroad

While moving to Switzerland may seem daunting, our university's Office of International Programs and the Switzerland program will work to insure you are as prepared as possible. As an International Programs participant, you'll attend several orientation sessions, both on the Malibu campus and in Switzerland, to prepare you for life abroad.  Here is some additional information for you as you begin your preparation for life abroad.

PACKING

Packing for a two week trip across the border is one thing, but it’s an entirely different and more difficult process to know how to pack for one or two semesters. Pay attention to the points below to guide you through the process.

#1. Check the dimension and weight limits for luggage your airline before you start packing.

Because the Switzerland Program often uses multiple carriers and because luggage regulations are subject to change, we cannot give you any specific information regarding luggage limitations. It is the student’s responsibility to check with his or her airline for these luggage restrictions. Most airline carriers charge a fee for each piece of checked luggage. Fees vary by airline, and it is the student's responsibility to be prepared to pay these fees at the airport.

#2. Less is so much more.

Last semester, students left over 1,000 lbs of clothing and other items in donation boxes in our facility--most of which should have probably never been brought in the first place. I suggest you lay out all the things you plan on packing, then reduce everything by 1/3 to 1/2. It’s a difficult process, but it's worth it!

By packing less, you not only save yourself baggage overage fees, you will allow yourself the space you will need to bring back the things you will inevitably collect in Europe without having to throw away or ship items. If you do choose to ship things home, be aware that it is can be very expensive.

Please note the Switzerland Program will not transport students on the group bus who are transporting more than 2 full-sized suitcases, 1 carry-on, and 1 purse/daypack for their lap. Students traveling with more than this amount of luggage will need to transport themselves and their luggage from the Geneva airport to Château d’Hauteville via train. With such a large group, we are unable to provide enough luggage space to meet ever increasing student luggage demands. 

#3 Packability and multiple-use garments are key.

Look for jackets and coats that pack down into a very small size. Bring clothing that can be used for a variety of purposes/occasions. The goal is to maximize usability while minimizing the amount of stuff you need to bring.

Take clothing that can be layered. Start with jeans or slacks and a long-sleeved shirt. For really cold weather, add an under layer of thermal or silk underwear (one bottom and one top should be sufficient) and a top layer that is lightweight and warm (a wool or polar fleece pullover), which you can add or remove, depending on the temperature. The outer layer (coat) needs to be waterproof and warm. A winter coat, or ski-type jacket, is ideal for very cold weather and travel. But it might also be desirable to have a long, dark-colored raincoat (perhaps with a zip-out insulated lining) for city wear.  Three pairs of shoes should cover it: waterproof comfortable walking shoes are absolutely necessary, athletic shoes for daily wear and nice shoes for dressy occasions.  

Also, remember that on many weekends you will be visiting museums, historical sites, and places of worship (old cathedrals, temples, and mosques). In order to be a respectful traveler and “outsider,” it is important, sometimes even mandatory, that you wear clothes that are more conservative than you might normally wear.  Some places will not let you enter with shorts, sandals, tank tops, shirts with spaghetti straps, or even an uncovered head, so pack with this in mind (for example, bringing a light scarf is a good idea!)
 

Packing suggestions from Program Alumni: 

• Practical clothes that are dark-colored, machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and colorfast will last longer and be more comfortable. Keep in mind that storage space is limited in the bedrooms.

• Don’t take too many shoes. You’ll be much happier with a few pair of versatile, comfortable shoes than a suitcase full of shoes to match every outfit.

• You can find personal products you like in the United States such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc. – often even the same brands – in Switzerland. Don't bring it with you!

• Cathedrals and other religious sites often require modest attire, which is defined both for men and women as covered shoulders and long pants (or skirts). Women may wish to carry a large, lightweight scarf during warm weather so they can quickly cover their shoulders.

• If you are on prescription medication, bring a supply from home. U.S. prescriptions will not always be filled overseas. Generic brands of aspirin, cough syrup, etc., may be found locally, but not always the brands you prefer. When traveling with a medication, keep it in its regular prescription container and keep a copy of your doctor’s prescription with you. If you must take medication by injection (i.e., insulin) please carry your doctor’s letter describing your condition and inform the Switzerland Program's staff overseas immediately upon arrival.

• Bring a supply of basic medications (aspirin, cold and cough medication) as brands differ overseas, and labels can be difficult to decipher.

DO NOT BRING...

• Sheets, pillowcase, blankets, pillows

• Expensive jewelry or other valuables

• Too many shoes

• Sophisticated electronic equipment

• Things on the list above that you’d rather buy overseas

• Any electrical appliances other than your laptop and cellphone

• Anything you don’t absolutely need

#4 Weather

Despite Switzerland’s snowy reputation, the weather at the Château d’Hauteville tends to be mild with very little snow compared to our other Swiss neighbors. In winter and autumn, Europe generally tends to be cold and wet. Spring and summer are warm with intermittent rain showers. See below for average temperatures. 

ELECTRICITY

We want to make sure that you are able to get the electricity you need to all your necessary devices in a way that keeps you, your items, and our electrical grid, safe. Here are some things you need to know.

1. Outlets in Switzerland are 220V, outlets in the U.S. are 120V. 

Check to make sure that the items you are bringing to Switzerland are rated for voltage at 220V. This information is usually written on the back of your device or on the electrical cord. Most “digital age” electronics, such as laptops, iPads, iPhones, electric razors, etc. are rated for voltages that range from 110-220V. For items that are rated for 220 V, you only need to purchase an adaptor, not a converter. If your items are not rated for 220V, then you will need to buy a converter. 

2. Buy the right adaptor for your items that are rated for 220V. 

Not all plugs in Europe are the same, so not every “European” plug adaptor will work for our facility. Swiss electrical plugs always have at least round 2 or 3 round prongs that fit inside the socket. Both the electrical socket and the electrical plug have a distinctive diamond shape. (see below) Although the standard European plug will NOT work in Switzerland, the two pronged Swiss plug WILL work in other European nations.

3. Leave your U.S. appliances at home. 

In the U.S., hairdryers, flat irons, curling irons, juicers, toasters, etc. are not usually rated for 220 V. Even with a converter, these appliances often blow fuses, break converters, and can even start fires when they are plugged into our sockets. Leave these items at home! Within the first 24 hours of your arrival you will be shown where to buy Swiss appliances that are rated for 220 V. Any appliance we consider to be dangerous to our electrical system will be confiscated.

4. Converters do not work well. 

Each semester we have several students whose converters break and fry their devices. Our advice would be to only use a converter on an item not rated for 220V if the item is absolutely necessary. (medical equipment, sleep apnea machines, etc.) Otherwise, buy a 220V rated item after you arrive in Switzerland. 

Our Program Recommends:

• If you are bringing a laptop, buy a universal travel kit for your laptop before you leave the U.S. Mac users can find several good options through Apple’s online store or retail shops worldwide. Here are some good recommendations for quality travel adaptors specifically for Mac:

  • Apple World Travel Adaptor Kit by Apple

  • Plugbug World Travel Adaptor Kit by Twelve South

• Don’t bring items that need converter.

• Don’t bring power strips or U.S. extension cords. Power strips can be purchased locally.

• Purchase 1 or 2 adaptors for your dual-voltage rated items. Additional adaptors can be purchased locally if you need them. Here are some inexpensive options online:

  • International Travel Grounded Adapter Plug

  • OREI Grounded 2 In 1 Plug Adapter Type J 

Housing

All students are required to live in the Château d’Hauteville, the Switzerland Program's home in Switzerland.  The Château is an 18th-century castle, and, as such, all of its rooms vary in shape and size. Rooms are furnished with beds and clothes armoires (in a few cases, desks as well).  Study niches in the library, a communal student kitchen, and many other common areas are also available for student use.   Laundry machines are located in the student laundry rooms, and payments for these are done via AppWash.

Roommate selection details:

1. During the “open enrollment” period, students may choose ONE PERSON as a roommate.  There is not the ability to request additional roommates beyond one person.

2. In order for two students to be placed in the same room, both must select the other as their preferred roommate, and they will be placed together.

3. Roommates who are paired together will be placed in a room with other students through a random process.

4. If students do not select a roommate, they will be placed in a room through a random process.

5. Once the open enrollment period is closed, the master housing list will be created and access cards will be programmed.  Therefore, room changes cannot be made.

6. There are no single rooms.

Please do not worry if you do not request a roommate - many students do not! 

Your linens will be provided by the Program for the duration of your stay.  This includes:

• Bath towel

• Hand towel

• Duvet

• Top sheet

• Pillow

• Pillow case

Some students bring a towel for weekend travel in the event they are not provided by the hotel/hostel.

Student Kitchen

A central kitchen is also provided for students to store and prepare meals.  Many students opt to purchase food at Coop or Migros, local grocery stores, and then cook their own meals in the Student Kitchen rather than dine out.

Swiss Visa

If you are a U.S. citizen studying abroad during the academic year, you are required to obtain a Swiss Student Visa prior to your arrival in Switzerland. U.S. citizens studying during the summer months are not currently required to have a visa. Visa requirements for all other nationalities must be examined individually. The International Programs Office will share more information with you as they guide you through this process. All additional visa inquiries/questions can be sent directly to the Office of International Programs. 

Cell Service

About half of our students either purchase a Swiss cell service plan or have international service via their domestic cell service providers. Students who do not have a cell phone service plan leave their phones on "Airplane Mode" and only use free Wi-Fi when available, which allows them to use messaging services and place Voice-over-IP phone calls. Wi-Fi is available at the house as well as many coffee shops, hostels, AirBnB's, hotels and restaurants throughout Switzerland and Europe. For information on cell coverage abroad, we recommend speaking to your domestic cell service provider or a local Swiss service providers such as Sunrise, Salt or Swisscom after you arrive.

If you are interested in a Swiss cell service plan, make sure your phone is unlocked prior to your arrival in Switzerland. Unlocking fees and protocols differ across providers, so check with your provider at least one month before your arrival.

Most students who use Swiss cell services go through the mobile provider Sunrise, who provides a variety of options. Be sure to read all of the details about which countries and regions are included for each plan.

CANCELATION: 

When students want to cancel their phone upon their departure, they will need to give 60 days notice period. So if they want to end their phone plan at the end of April when they leave, they will need to call or write to Sunrise to cancel at the end of February.

Below are links to some common domestic cell phone provider's international service options

FAQs (frequently asked questions)

When will we hear about our visas?  Typically visas are not approved until 1 or 2 weeks before your arrival in Switzerland. We are legally prevented from applying for visas more than 90 days before your arrival and the visa process typically takes 10 weeks. The IP office is aware this makes for stressful days before arrival, but this is the established Swiss system. There is no such thing as an expedited visa in Switzerland and they will not rush requests for visas. Therefore, if you plan on traveling before your arrival in Switzerland for the Fall term, be prepared to come without a visa and to shoulder the financial responsibility of going to receive a visa at one of the legal authorities who can affix a Swiss visa outside of Switzerland. (Typically this takes place in Paris, France) 

Do we need to bring linens?  Absolutely not. We will provide sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, and towels to every student. 

How much luggage can we bring? Luggage allowances differ across airlines, so check with your airline. However, due to space constraints on the bus, please note that we will not transport students with more than two suitcases from the airport to Château d’Hauteville in the group bus. Students with more than the maximum allowed luggage will need to transport themselves and their luggage to Château d’Hauteville via train. 

If I am not on the group flight, when do I need to arrive? The Château opens to you at 9:00 AM but you must arrive by 1:30 PM on the day orientation begins. Please add 1.5 to 2 hours to your landing time to allow you time for luggage claim and travel to the Château d’Hauteville.

If I am not on the group flight, can I get a ride from the airport to the house? Yes, as long as you notify the staff in advance, have no more than 2 large suitcases, and you find the group at the airport when it arrives.  If the group arrives early or is delayed, you may miss the group and have to take the train to Château d’Hauteville.

Can my family have a tour of the house when I arrive for orientation?  No, sorry, but there are no tours allowed during arrival/orientation.

After traveling for the weekend, what time do I need to be back to the house? 11:59 PM on Sunday night. Failure to arrive before midnight will result in you being counted absent for the following day's classes. 

If I will be traveling in Europe after the term ends, can I leave luggage at the house to pick up at a later time?  No – apologies.

Can I bring a glider/hoverboard/skateboard to Switzerland?  No – the university has banned these from all campuses.

Can I bring a US hair dryer, hair straightener, or other items with US plugs?  No – these items operate on a different power system.  They will be immediately damaged, and effect our power grid negatively.  The only items which will work are cell phones and laptop cords – but both will need to be plugged into adaptors.

If I have a food allergies or learning disability, can the program accommodate me?  Yes, probably. However, you MUST be registered with the Office of Student Accessibility on Malibu's campus and notify us before you arrive--otherwise we cannot assist you.

*Please note: due to limited resources in the Switzerland Program, food preferences cannot be accommodated; only food restrictions which are documented to be a disability or chronic medical condition as covered with the Americans with Disabilities Act (Section 504) can be accommodated. 

Will there be student worker positions in the house?  Yes, a few!  You can learn more on our website here.