Financial Information

Student Expenditures

Traveling Europe while living in Switzerland can be expensive. It is essential students be adequately financially prepared for the additional cost of living not covered in their International Program charges.  An average student spends $2,000 per semester.  This figure can vary widely based on your personal spending habits.  Here are some common student expenses and reference figures:

  • Eurail Pass (4 Country, 10 day, 2 month) - $570

  • Swiss Half Pass + Night GA Travelcard (free domestic trains after 7pm) - $245

  • Hostel Room (per night) - $45 (depends on location, grade of hostel)

  • Meal at McDonalds: $13

  • Burrito, Chips, Drink (local burrito shop) - $12

  • Meal at Vapianos (mid-range Italian) - $18-25

  • Bar of Cailler Chocolate - $2 

  • (Prices are based on student experiences and will of course vary year to year.)

Digital Disbursements

Students are provided with funds each month to cover meals not provided by the program during the week, Monday through Friday. These funds are disbursed directly into student accounts via a process known as "digital disbursement". All students register for digital disbursement during their orientation process (it is critical that students register before arriving - please read more here). Each month, funds fluctuate based on the meal schedule for the month, however disbursements typically include the cost of one lunch and two dinners per week. (All other meals are provided.) The Switzerland Program disburses 16 CHF for lunches and 20 CHF for dinner. 

Chip Cards

Increasingly, European businesses are exclusively accepting credit/debit cards embedded with a "chip".  Chip cards provide a more secure, reliable method of payment for customers and vendors.  If possible, we recommend you secure a chip card prior to arriving in Switzerland.  Contact your bank or credit card provider to see if they are currently offering chip cards.  If you are presented an option between "PIN and Chip" and "Signature and Chip" cards, we recommend "PIN and Chip" as this is generally easier and more widely accepted throughout Europe.  

International Transaction Fees

Please be aware that your bank will often charge an additional "International Transaction Fee" for using your credit card abroad.  These fees vary from card provider to provider, so we recommend exploring your financial options and finding a bank with low or no international fees.