FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - For Hosting a Swiss Student

What standard of English will the Swiss student have?

Most Swiss exchange students will have studied English for 4-5 years and will have watched English language tv/movies/ songs from a young age. They generally have excellent English but may need to brush up on grammar, pronunciation and fluency. You should have no problems communicating with them.

Should we give them an information pack when they arrive?

Yes it is a good idea to write up some useful information for the student which they can read through. Make it short, informal and welcoming. This can include what to do with laundry, how to contact you and a few house rules. It is a good idea to explain that New Zealand homes generally don't have endless hot water so not to have very long showers.

Where should I take the student in their free time?

Take them to local places of interest such as museums, markets, nice walks and other places that visitors to your area would enjoy seeing. Their application form will give you some clues as to what they like doing.

What should we do about uniform?

If they are expected to wear school uniform, do let them know before they depart Switzerland. They may need to bring/ purchase black shoes, white socks etc. Try and borrow a uniform from school contacts and when they arrive get them to try it on and make sure it fits.

What else do we tell the student to bring with them?

A laptop for use at school (many Swiss students dont use laptops at school and wouldnt think of bringing one). An adapter plug, a book in their own language and any favourite snacks.

Does the student go to the same classes as the Kiwi student?

It depends on the school, but sometimes they follow the Kiwi student in the first week. Then they will meet the dean/international coordinator/ French teacher of that year and arrange their own timetable. Although it seems a good idea, the English class may be boring as students will be writing essays and the ESOL class will be too easy. Swiss students generally love taking courses that they don’t get the chance to take in Switzerland such as photography, outdoor education and media studies. You will need to check if there are any extra charges for these courses.

What does the Swiss student do during mock/school exam week(s)?

This is probably the most challenging time as the Swiss student does not attend school for a week or more. Ask in advance about any programmes for International students that they might be able to join. These offer the exchange student an opportunity to do fun activities such as local sightseeing or hiking but also let them interact with other international students. Some schools may allow them to take the French or maths exams for fun, but this really depends on the school.

What do the students do in the evenings and free time?

Encourage them to chat with you after school and over meal preparations/ clearing up. Invite them to watch TV with you or join the family in the evening. They may however be so exhausted after a day of speaking in English, that they might retreat to their room and sleep early.

What about food and meal times?

Most Swiss don’t eat nearly as many vegetables as we do in New Zealand and they are generally not used to Asian or spicy food. Generally, they are accustomed to having a large lunch and a smaller dinner. They often snack and are likely to have a sweet tooth so talk to them about items that they might want you to buy such as jam, sugar, biscuits. Many Swiss struggle with sauces loaded with veggies, so you will need to adapt meals to some extent. If going to a café or restaurant, suggest which items on the menu they might like and explain whether it is likely to be spicy.

What about manners?

Most Swiss students are very polite. However, they are generally more reserved than Kiwis and might not show as much gratitude as you would expect.

For your student going to Switzerland

Do I need a visa to visit Switzerland?

New Zealand citizens do NOT require a visa to enter the Schengen area. A bilateral visa waiver agreement signed between Switzerland and New Zealand allows holders of New Zealand passports to stay in Switzerland up to 90 days irrespectively from other periods spent in other Schengen countries. However, your passport must be valid for 3 months after the date of departure.

Will I be accompanied on the flight? Yes, you will be accompanied by an adult from NZ to Geneva and back again from Paris/ Geneva. Do note that, you will not be accompanied on your domestic flights so may need to wait at Christchurch/ Auckland on your own. Students generally do their own check in and meet the group after check in.

What kind of bags should I bring?

We suggest bringing either a suitcase or a rucksack/backpack. Alternatively, a soft bag with handles is fine. You should also have hand luggage in an appropriate bag.

How will I get to my host family's house from the airport? The host family will meet you at Geneva airport and take you back to their home. They will also accompany you to Geneva at the end of the stay.

What is the local currency and how do I get cash in Switzerland?

The Swiss Franc. One of the easiest ways of getting cash in Switzerland is to apply for a Visa Debit card at your bank in NZ. These are free for students and allows you to use the card to either pay for purchases ( like a credit card) or get cash from a cash machine. Another cash passport. The cash machine may work in French and German rather than in English so do acquaint yourself with the appropriate phrases. Practising withdrawals in French from a Kiwi cash machine before the trip is a good idea.

How much spending money should I bring? This depends a lot on a number of factors including whether you need to buy a rail pass to travel to and from school, whether you need to eat at the school canteen (out of town students) and how much shopping/eating out you do. Switzerland is a very expensive country but if you don’t do too much shopping, most of your living costs will be covered by the Swiss Family. As a guideline NZ$100 per week is probably sufficient.

How cold will it be?

Winter is cold in Switzerland and you should come prepared. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes for outdoors. Most buildings are reasonably warm with central heating. Modern apartments are well heated but if you are staying in an older house, it may be colder.

What should I bring?

As Switzerland is cold in Winter make sure you have thermals, warm socks, puffer jacket and/or a winter coat. Togs are good for hot springs. Ski clothes too if you plan to ski. It is good to have some winter boots that can be worn in the snow so that your feet don’t get wet or cold. You may be able to borrow these from your host family. One of the most important things is lip balm and moisturising cream. The air in Switzerland is very dry so these are essential. Don’t forget a laptop, phone and a book to read.

How do the schools differ between NZ and Switzerland? School usually starts at 8am until 4pm with a long lunch break from 11.30am to 2pm. This may vary depending on the school. There is a half day on Wednesdays when school finishes at 11.30am. There is no uniform and students up to the age of 20 may attend the school. Some schools ban laptops and mobile phones during class and in the hallways so check the rules. However, it is a good idea to bring a laptop for free periods. The curriculum is quite different to the NZ one and you attend a wider number of classes each day. Schools are generally not so geared up for international students and you should ask if there are any classes that you could skip e.g. German or Italian.

Will I understand my teachers/ host family? Your host family should speak to you in French. Ask them to speak slowly and repeat things for you. Your exchange student might help out if you get really stuck. Lessons in French can be difficult, but you don’t have to submit homework or exams. Most exchange students enjoy going to school in Switzerland and classmates are generally friendly and welcoming.

How will I get around in Switzerland?

This will depend on the location of your host family. If you are in a rural location, you may have to take the train to school. Even if you walk to school, a train pass is a good option if you are planning on travelling around Switzerland in the school holidays and at weekends. There are regional Swiss Passes and Youth Travel cards (which give half price travel) and you can talk to your host family about which option is best. You will need to be 16 or over, provide proof of ID and have an electronic passport sized photo.

Will I get lost? You might get lost within the school or looking around the town or city. Use google maps to locate yourself and don't be afraid to ask for directions. Learn key phrases for being lost off by heart.

What will the food be like?

The food is generally good but the Swiss generally don't eat as many vegetables as Kiwis. Vegetarians and vegans may struggle if their host family eat traditional Swiss diets of meat and carbohydrates. There are some excellent vegetarian/ vegan cafes in the larger cities such as Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva. Please advise host families of your dietary requirements so that they can be prepared. It is a good idea to give your Swiss student a list of things you like to eat before you arrive so that their parents can shop accordingly. Don’t be afraid to ask them to purchase particular ingredients that you like e.g. Hummus, dairy free milk or vegetables.

Should I take gifts to Switzerland? Yes, giving gifts is important to Swiss people and it is important that any gifts that are given to you are reciprocated. As you will be there for Christmas, it is a good idea to give some gifts on arrival in Switzerland, keeping other gifts for Christmas.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.