Local information

According to the London magazine Wallpaper, which specializes in the art of living, Zurich is the most livable city in the world. Furthermore, a number of other Swiss cities are in a good position to claim the same; the cities are not so large and you have the feeling in Switzerland that there's time for life. The stores close relatively early (5:30 p.m. in Zurich and 6:30 p.m. in Geneva) and stay open one night per week.
Nature is omnipresent: there is always a mountain on the horizon and the Swiss countryside charms with its verdant mountain pastures, its cows and its barges, when it isn't covered with snow to the delight of skiers worldwide.
You can say that there is no true Swiss identity, with so many barriers, especially linguistic, between the different communities. Sometimes French-speaking Swiss feel closer to Parisians than to their Zurich compatriots. It is therefore necessary to choose a university town carefully based on the language spoken.
The Swiss often appear to be reserved and noncommunicative. Yet, if you heed certain advice, it may be possible to build relationships quickly enough. It is important in Switzerland to respect the laws and customs; be careful, therefore, not to criticize the Swiss or the system in public. When establishing new relationships, always remain discreet. Respect for others, civility, politeness as well as punctuality are truly rooted in the society. To finish the picture, remember that much of the Swiss population is older and very rich, yielding a somewhat conformist society. But young people do not necessarily fit into this mold; Zurich remains famous for the demonstrations of young anarchists who refused the agenda of their elders at the beginning of the 1980's. Today's youth continue to maintain their identity by practicing sensational sports: snowboarding, skateboarding, sailing…anything that glides and goes fast! The Swiss musical scene remains very lively, most recently with hardcore and techno.

Climate and seasons: The climate varies a great deal according to the altitude, which reaches 4,634 meters. Winters are generally cold and humid, which means you can expect to see snow! Summers are very pleasant: not as hot as the rest of Europe, 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, the ideal temperature for cycling or hiking!

Distances: Switzerland is a small country with very efficient transportation systems, making it quick and easy to get from one point to another. The Swiss highway system is especially impressive: it is designed for vehicles traveling between Germany, France, Italy as well as between the large Swiss cities. Building this system required the construction of bridges, viaducts and tunnels, and a car trip on the highways of Switzerland can often be truly spectacular! The railway system is equally efficient. Air travel within the country would rarely be justified.

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Equivalent:1 CHF = €.65 = $.58
Telephone country code: 41