Alongside the alpine idyll of lakes and mountains, cheese and chocolate, Switzerland is home to over 200 international agencies and more than 400 specialist banks. As one of the safest countries in the world, with English widely spoken, Switzerland is an ideal destination for school groups and is in close proximity to offer excursions into France.

Arrive in Geneva and step inside the buildings of the UN or Red Cross, to discover what it’s like to work for the most influential development agencies in the world. Learn about the laws of nature and see the planet’s most complex scientific instruments at the CERN research centre. Ride on a cable car to a mountain peak or sail across glacier-fed lakes with a backdrop of alpine mountains, timber-clad cottages and medieval castles.

Switzerland’s revered natural beauty, and esteemed position in international affairs and scientific research, will inspire and engage students across many disciplines. Whilst exploring specific curriculum areas, students will experience a truly international country, returning home with an informed understanding of what it means to be a global citizen.

Key Information

Travel: STS offers tours to Switzerland by coach, Eurostar or aeroplane. In-country travel is efficient, and with good roads systems and excellent rail services.

Weather: A temperate climate makes Switzerland a very pleasant destination to visit, although temperatures can vary significantly with altitude. Geneva experiences mild winters (0-5 °C) and warm summers (16-25 °C).

Spending money: Geneva is one of Europe’s more expensive cities and prices in Switzerland can be a fraction higher than those in the UK, so students may choose to spend their Swiss Francs wisely.