The lakeside region is a garden metropolis. Venerable guildhouses have been converted into restaurants. The Gothic towers of the Grossmünster church are a landmark; Fraumünster church features the splendid Chagall stained-glass windows. Come August, nearly 500,000 young "ravers" parade here. Basel, straddling the Rhine, is a center of art and research, and boasts a world-class fine arts museum and the famous three-day Carnival. Learn either French, Italian or German in the beautiful country.

Is Switzerland Safe?
The people throughout Switzerland are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
Swiss Franc. Please note that Switzerland is not part of the European Union and does not accept Euros. All major traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted. Commission is not charged for exchanging cash or checks, but be sure to shop around for the best rate.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Every traveler must have a valid passport. Visas are required for a continuous stay of more than three months. If your stay is shorter than three months you only need to bring your valid passport with you. This applies to citizens of the following countries: countries of the American Continent (except Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Peru), Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. For information on visas, permanent residence as well as on work permits and business matters, please contact the Swiss Consulate General located nearest you.

No vaccinations are necessary to enter switzerland. According to Swiss law, all travelers must have accident and health insurance that is valid in Switzerland.

How do you get there from here?
The Intercontinental Airports of Zurich, Geneva and Basel can be reached from various convenient gateways with scheduled services to Switzerland. The Inter-European Airports Lugano and Bern are two additional airports with flight connections to various destinations in Europe. From here inter-European flights are operated by Crossair. Swissair is the official representative.

Zurich and Geneva airports are fully integrated into the Swiss railroad network with an integrated railway station. Trains to the city run every 10 to 20 minutes. The ride takes approx. 10 minutes. Hourly intercity and direct trains leave right from the airport station and will connect you to many cities and towns.

How do I get around Switzerland?
Train: You will appreciate Switzerland's extensive and sophisticated railway system. It is relaxing and comfortable and will allow you to fully enjoy the scenery. The trains run on an hourly basis beginning early morning until midnight. Train connections are easy and usually only require a few minutes changing time. Point-to-point tickets as well as round-trip tickets are sold at every train station in Switzerland. Seat reservations are only required on special scenic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express etc. In Switzerland seat reservations are made at major railway stations. Seat reservations on regular trains are only possible for larger groups.

What is the weather like?
The climatic conditions of Switzerland vary considerably and no country in Europe combines within so small an area such marked climatic contrasts. In the northern plateau surrounded by mountains the climate is mild and refreshing. South of the Alps the climate is warmer coming as it does under the influence of the Mediterranean weather. Under normal circumstances, summer in all parts of Switzerland should be sunny and warm but unfortunately we have no means of giving long term forecasts. During spring, summer and autumn it is advisable to take good clothes, including a warm jacket and good walking shoes, as excursions are often to mountains which are snow-covered during summer.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electric power is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles AC and transformers are available in hotels and shops.

What is the best way to phone home?
It is smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Europe at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

There are also phone cards that are designed exclusively for travelers. They offer low cost pre-paid calling from around the world. Please visit the following web site for further information: www.ekit.com/ekit/.

What major holidays are there in Switzerland?
New Year (Jan 1), Good Friday (Apr 10/Apr 2), Easter Monday (Apr 13/Apr 5), ascension Day (May 21/May 13), Whit Monday (Jun 1/May 24), National Day (Aug 1), Christmas (Dec 25) and Boxing Day (Dec 26). Regional and local holidays, such as January 2, May 1 (Labor Day), May 29 (Corpus Christi) among others, are observed in many parts of the country.