University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
SUMMARY
This exchange is open to students of all majors. The University of Bern is located in the heart of Europe. The university dates back to 1528 and is one of the premier universities in Europe. UW-Whitewater students take a variety of courses taught in English. Qualified students will be able to attend French and German literature courses taught in those languages. At an additional cost, interested students can take beginning French or German language courses. Express trains can reach the rest of Europe quickly and easily from Bern.
For more information about the University of Bern, visit: University of Bern
Courses in English
Courses/Lectures in English at the University of Bern. Please click on the link below to look at the current term courses in English. Keep in mind that the credits listed are ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and that Bern courses will be worth half of their ECTS value. A 6 ECTS Bern course will be worth 3 UW Whitewater credits or an 8 ECTS course will be worth 4 UW Whitewater credits.
ELIGIBILITY
Students must:
- have sophomore standing.
- have a 2.75 cumulative GPA at the time of application.
- have a clean disciplinary record.
- be back on the UW-Whitewater campus for at least one final semester prior to graduation.
- It is strongly recommended, that students take four semesters of university-level German or French before participating in this program.
- Only students who have high levels of German or French language will be considered for this program.
APPLICATION, DATES AND DEADLINES
The application process consists of two steps: an application to UW-W for approval to study abroad followed by an application to the host institution abroad. Applications are available from the Office of International Education & Programs or online. Early admittance is not possible for this program.
Academic year abroad: mid September – late May. UW-W application deadline is March 15.
Fall semester abroad: mid September – mid December. UW-W application deadline is March 15.
Spring semester abroad: mid February – late May. UW-W application deadline is September 15 for this semester program because the University of Bern has an early application deadline for Spring placements.
APPROXIMATE COST
Students pay UW-Whitewater tuition while studying abroad through this program. The following is an approximate budget that can be used as a guide. Personal spending habits and exchange rate fluctuations can affect estimated totals. Current currency exchange rate information can be found at www.oanda.com
UW-W cannot be held responsible for program cost increases due to variations in world exchange rates!
| In-State Tuition* | $3,082 | Room & Board | $2,800 - $4,200 |
| CISI Insurance | $185 | Round Trip Airfare | $700 - $1000 |
| Swiss Health Insurance | Up to $800 | Visa Fee | $50 |
| Local Transportation & Personal Expenses | $2,500 - $3,000 | ||
| Approximate TOTAL per semester (4 months) |
$9,500 - $11,500 | ||
ACCOMMODATIONS
Housing arrangements are coordinated through the host institution. Students choose between a double or single room, each with community bathrooms. Each floor of the university housing facility has its own kitchen-lounge area where students may prepare their own meals. Students also have the option of purchasing meals at one of several university cafeterias.
CISI INSURANCE
All students participating in any Wisconsin international education program are required by the State of Wisconsin to purchase international insurance from Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI insurance costs $37 per 30-day period. CISI insurance charges will be billed to the student’s UW-W online student account.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Students will need a passport to study in Switzerland. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your program. The passport fee is approximately $100. Obtaining a passport can take two to three months. Passport applications are available in the Office of International Education and Programs.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Students need a student visa to enter Switzerland. An acceptance letter from the University of Bern is required in order to obtain a student visa. The visa costs approximately $50. Processing takes eight to ten weeks. An additional 50% charge will be added for same-day processing. Students are responsible for obtaining the visa and must provide proof of health insurance that covers study abroad in Switzerland. For more information on obtaining a Swiss student visa, visit: http://www.eda.admin.ch/washington_emb/e/home/consular/visas/vistyp/study/citiz.html
FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
Qualified students may apply for a Wisconsin Study Abroad Grant (need-based) of up to $2,000. Applications are available from the Office of International Education and Programs. To discuss having your financial aid applied to study abroad, schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office at 262.472.1130. All students are also encouraged to apply for college-specific scholarships. The Office of International Education and Programs has additional information on grants and scholarships for study abroad.
For additional information contact:
| Dr. Wade Dazey |
| UW-Whitewater Philosophy and Religious Studies Salisbury Hall, Room 407 |
| Phone: (262) 472-5112 |
| Email: dazeyw@uww.edu |
For additional information, please contact the Office of International Education & Programs.
**The information found herein is subject to change without notice.** Aug 2008 version