Why You Should Study Business in Switzerland

Switzerland has a lot to offer. The chocolate, cuckoo clocks, and yodeling, heart-racing Alpine pursuits, and urban culture are just some of it. Another thing Switzerland has going for it? It's a premier destination for business studies. Here's a closer look at seven reasons to study business in Switzerland.

1. Switzerland is the financial hub of Europe

Switzerland is one of the world's most important banking and financial centers, making it an ideal destination for business students.

Its diverse and highly developed banking landscape, which comprises 266 banks as of 2017, includes:

• Universal banks
• Private banks
• Cantonal banks

Switzerland's status as a centre of local and international financial service providers also makes it attractive to companies from many industries seeking access to benefits, such as its sophisticated liquid capital market and modern financial infrastructure.

Being a world player in finance means there are a plethora of opportunities for business graduates not only in finance but also in industries including insurance, IT, and consulting.

2. Switzerland offers an amazing quality of life

Life isn't just about studying (even if it seems like it sometimes). Studying business in Switzerland offers access to an unparalleled quality of life. Switzerland consistently tops lists of the best places in the world to live, and it was ranked as one of the top countries in Europe for international students.

The country earns especially high marks for:

• Natural beauty (crystal blue lakes and soaring Alpine peaks galore)
• Infrastructure
• Earning potential
• Youth employment
• Personal safety

From its world-famous ski regions and winter sport options to its phenomenal dining, which combines the best of German, French, and Italian cuisines, you'll find no shortage of opportunities to unwind from your business studies by enjoying arts and culture, entertainment, and recreation in Switzerland.

Also, if you want to experience other countries and cultures, Switzerland's central European location and outstanding public transport network make travel easy and quick.

3. You can learn in English

English is ranked first among the 10 Most Important Business Languages in the Global Market, according to Medium.

"English is the most influential language of academia and the business world, occupying the top in the field of languages and spoken by over three-quarters of the world's population," they say.

English is widely spoken in Switzerland, especially in its cities. Indeed, 40% of Geneva's residents are expats, hailing from nearly every country in the world (187 nations out of 195). English may even become the main foreign language taught in schools in many regions, so much so that Swissinfo.ch suggested it's the country's unofficial fifth language.

So, it's not surprising that the country has several international schools, which collectively offer over 400 English-taught degree programs, including many in business or business-related fields.

Studying abroad in an English-taught business program is a best-of-both-worlds solution for aspiring global business leaders.

4. Switzerland is renowned for its innovation

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization's annual Global Innovation Index, Switzerland has been the world's most innovative country for nine years running.

It earned especially high marks in certain areas:

• Environmental performance
• Political environment
• Regulatory environment
• Research partnership between industry and universities

Switzerland Innovation, a platform for domestic and international collaboration, says:

"This exchange between science and the economy allows ideas to be developed further, to produce products and services that can be marketed successfully. At the same time, working together closely in a single space accelerates the development processes for all parties. This leads to successful innovation."

In addition to being innovation-friendly, Switzerland is also entrepreneur-friendly, due to the good conditions for start-ups and the high number of high-tech start-ups active in niche markets.

All of this makes the nation the perfect fit for ambitious, entrepreneurial business students.

5. Multicultural environment

As the business world grows increasingly globalized, familiarity with multicultural environments is a must. Switzerland offers an ideal training ground.

Kosovo native Tefit Maqkaj told SWI of his experiences in Switzerland:

"If you go to school here and are in continual contact with various cultures, you become integrated very quickly. I mean not only the culture of German Switzerland but also the Italian and French regions. Our Switzerland is multicultural."

Learning in a multicultural environment helps you navigate the challenges of working with people from different backgrounds. It also cultivates open-mindedness and promotes the development of new perspectives.

6. Switzerland has one of the best education systems in the world

When you study in Switzerland, you're getting more than just classroom knowledge. You're getting a top-quality education that is respected around the world. It boasts an extraordinary higher education system featuring many of the world's best universities.

Schools here focus on independent thinking, real-world experience, and strong academics. You'll also meet students from many different countries, making studying in Switzerland an exciting and global experience.

Despite being a small country of just 8 million inhabitants, Switzerland has an impressive presence in international university rankings.

The country has 12 universities (10 cantonal and 2 federal institutes of technology), many of which rank among the top universities in the world, such as ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the University of Geneva, or the University of St. Gallen.

Conclusion

If you want to study business abroad in a multicultural, innovative, and fun environment, Switzerland might be the place for you.

With English-taught programs, a strong academic reputation, and unmatched international exposure, studying business in Switzerland offers a unique opportunity to launch a successful global career in a dynamic and exciting environment!

Article written in association with EU Business School.