University of St. Gallen-St. Gallen, Switzerland
Though it might be one of Europe’s smaller universities, the University of St. Gallen was founded in 1898 as a business academy and currently is home to the largest faculty of economic sciences in Switzerland. It hosts the annual ISC (International Student’s Committee) Symposium and is characterized for its architectural individuality. Guided by an integrative view of business, economics, law and social sciences, the University places great emphasis in its teaching on systems theory and the importance of broad, interdisciplinary approaches to all questions.
Location
Merely an hour away from Zurich by train, the University resides at Dufourstrasse 50, in the city of St. Gallen, the 7th largest city and main urban center of eastern Switzerland. The city itself is a relaxed and conservative one set amidst rolling countryside between the Swiss Alps and Lake Constance, and whisks a busy, modern element into a striking, older township.
Approximate Term Dates
Winter (Spring Semester): End of March to Early July
Academic Information
The University of St. Gallen incorporates a teaching approach that is based on seminars, lectures and self-study. Class sizes range from 20 to 300 students but most of the exchange students’ classes have fewer than 30 students. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Management, Economics, Law and Humanities. Schulich students can take courses in EU and Economic Policy, Strategic Management, European Business Law, Corporate Governance and German Culture.
Credit Equivalency
195 teaching hours = 15 SSB credits
Most courses at St. Gallen are worth 4 ECTS credits. Exchange students normally take 4 - 5 courses.
Language
Though German is the predominant language of instruction, many English courses are designed specifically for exchange students. The University does not particularly require German knowledge, but strongly recommends basic proficiency in the language. Schulich students should participate in an intensive German course during the Introductory Week with the option to continue it during the term.
Facilities
Exchange students will have access to a multi-media center, including language and computer laboratories, a modern library holding over 320,000 volumes, restaurants and cafeterias and student clubs. There are also a number of sports activities on campus that the University has to offer. These include weight and workout rooms, gyms, tennis courts, beach volleyball grounds, saunas and football pitches. Off-campus facilities include skiing, sailing and climbing. Wireless Internet is offered throughout the campus and the university provides Remote Access services to those off-campus.
Accommodation
There are no student residences at St. Gallen. In order to assist students, the University offers an accommodation service that searches for suitable rooms. Application forms need to be filled out to apply for the service.
Students can also go through a virtual accommodation market (Wohnungsmarkt) which is maintained by the Students’ Association of the University of St. Gallen. Advertisements for accommodation requests can also be faxed to the Student Union, which will place the ad in the virtual market.
For further information, please visit their Web site:
http://www.stud.unisg.ch/studium/in_guest.html
Health Insurance
Exchange students must be covered by a health insurance policy that is valid in Switzerland during their exchange term. They must either have proof of insurance coverage from their provider in Canada or they must purchase health insurance in Switzerland.
Visa
For visa information, please contact:
Consulate General of Switzerland
154 University Avenue, Suite 601
Toronto, ON M5H 3Y9
Tel: (416) 593 5371 ext. 229
Fax: (416) 593 5083
email: claudio.leoncavallo@tor.rep.admin.ch
International Office
The International Exchange Office handles all administrative tasks related to exchange students and also offers assistance and guidance to incoming students.
The Introduction Week is organised jointly by the Ressort International, the language department, and the Students’ Association. St. Gallen’s International Relations office organises a ‘buddy program’ (much like Schulich’s Open Arms Committee) that co-ordinates events for international students throughout the semester.
Cost of Living
(Exchange Rate Link http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca/english/exchform.htm)
Further Research:
The official Web site for the University of St. Gallen is:
http://www.exchange.unisg.ch
*For more information about St. Gallen, please visit the Resource Library in Room W263.