Study Abroadat Switzerland's leading business university

School of Management, Economics, Law, Social Sciences and International Affairs

2

Main building, University of St.Gallen

3

Welcome to the University of St.Gallen

Thank you for your interest in the University of St.Gallen (HSG). Over 7,000 students, thousands of executive educa-tion participants, over 80 professors, 80 assistant and junior lecturers and more than 400 lecturers and researchers, all in all a staff of 2,113, create a centre for thinking, research and teaching that keeps our university competitive in the face of increasingly fierce competition among universities.

Authentic internationality The University of St.Gallen is a member of the international networks CEMS, PIM, APSIA, GBSN and UNICON and is interlinked with more than 150 partner schools worldwide. Various Master᾽s and Ph.D. programmes are taught in English. More than 34 per cent of our students come from 80 different nations and about 600 exchange students join our campus every year.

Recognised quality According to current rankings, the HSG is one of the leading business universities in Europe and has been awarded the EQUIS and AACSB International accreditations. Yet our ambitions are even more global why the university operates offices in Singapore and Sao Paulo. We want to contribute to the development of economy and society by educating leaders of tomorrow with an entrepreneurial spirit and responsible behaviour.

We look forward to greeting you in St.Gallen - in the heart of Europe!

Prof. Dr. Thomas BiegerPresident

4

The University of St.GallenThe University of St.Gallen was founded as a business acade-my in 1898 – the heyday of the St.Gallen embroidery indust-ry. It became a business Hochschule in 1911, and later, in 1938 achieved university status. Since its founding, the education and training offered by the University of St.Gallen (HSG) have been characterised by a close affinity to the working world. The practical application of innovative management theories, close ties to the business world, and the success of our graduates, have all contributed our status as one of the leading business universities in Europe. Currently, about 7,000 students in management, economics, law, social scien-ces and international affairs are pursuing their educational goals here.

Rankings and accreditation Through our accreditation by EQUIS and AACSB Internatio-nal, we have received the international seal of approval for offering a holistic education with the highest academic stan-dards. We have pursued accreditation in order to confirm our quality at all levels of teaching, research and services; to vali-date our international position and thus facilitate partner-ships with comparable universities abroad; and to maintain on-going improvement of our quality standards.

The HSG‘s ranking resultsToday, rankings are available for all spheres of activity at the University of St.Gallen: teaching, research and further educa-tion. The rankings refer to individual courses of study, disci-plines, programme types or the University as a whole.

The HSG is constantly ranked amongst the top business universities in Europe.

• Financial Times Ranking, Masters in Management: - 1st place among business schools worldwide with the Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) - 2nd place among business schools worldwide with the CEMS MIM programme• Financial Times Ranking, Master in Finance: 12th place among business schools worldwide• CHE Ranking: Top group for business administration, economics and political science in German-speaking Europe• Handelsblatt: Top group in business administration and economics research in Europe⎆ www.rankings.unisg.ch

SchoolsThe HSG has five schools:• School of Management• School of Finance• School of Humanities and Social Sciences• Law School• School of Economics and Political Science

The schools are responsible for teaching and conducting all Bachelor᾽s and Master᾽s degrees and Ph.D. programmes. Each school carries out research and is responsible for at least one profile area.

5

“Take advantage of the University of St.Gallen’s excellent opportuni-ties and unique environment: a mix of research-based yet practice-oriented studies, an international reputation, access to educational, entrepreneurial and social networks, exceptional cultural variety in an ideal location. ”

Jürgen Brücker, Dean External Relations & Development, CEMS Academic Director, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland

“The University of St. Gallen offers you the opportunity to acquire solid knowledge and practical training from our international faculty as well as the space for creative thinking way beyond disciplinary boundaries - and, of course, a campus life full of diversity, social life and fun. We are looking forward to welcome you here!”

Ulrike Landfester, Vice-President, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland

Library

6

InstitutesComplementing the schools are about 40 institutes, research institutes and centres that have a primary role at the Univer-sity of St.Gallen.

Well-known for high quality education and research as well as close links to national, international and private enterpri-ses, the institutes prepare students for a career in manage-ment, economics, law and international law. The institutes provide opportunities for students to implement their know-ledge on both the practical and research level, with over 100 spin-off companies attesting to the success of this concept.

Global and local initiativesAn international focus is essential for today᾽s universities. We are active on several levels: the HSG hubs in Singapore and Sao Paulo, the Asia Research Center, the Sino-Swiss Management Training Programme and the Centro Latino-americano-Suizo de la Universidad de San Gallen. We also support an array of local initiatives, such as providing the St.Gallen-Lake Constance region the impulse for numerous entrepreneurial ventures. The HSG is also available to the general public with its wide range of open lectures, the popu-lar Children᾽s University, and its involvement in local events. Moreover, we regularly host meetings for international digni-ties and high-level executives in the framework of formal and informal events such as the St.Gallen Symposium.

Maintaining a diverse population of international students is component of our mission. Each year over 600 guest students representing over 80 nationalities attend the University for an exchange term. With such a mix of students, a multitude of languages can be heard on campus at any one time however the lingua franca is German and English.

Facts & Figures

Established in 1898 as a “Commercial •Academy”Academic degrees: B.A. HSG | M.A. HSG | •Dr. HSG | Ph.D. HSGProgrammes: Management | Economics | Law | •Law and Economics | International AffairsStudents: around 7,000 students from •approximately 80 nationsFaculty: over 80 professors | 80 assistant •professors and junior lecturers | more than 400 lecturersExecutive education: MBA | EMBAs | diplomas •andcertificates|customisedprogrammesHSG Alumni: over 19,000 members | 100 clubs •on 5 continents

7

Exchange Programmes

The University of St.Gallen has exchange partnerships with more than 150 universities worldwide. We are committed towards strengthening existing international ties and crea-ting new networks and programmes. These agreements enable us to welcome guest students each year to one of the following programmes.

Exchange at Bachelor's and Master's Levels with partner universitiesThe majority of guest students studying at the HSG enroll for a semester either at the undergraduate (Bachelor᾽s) or gradu-ate (Master᾽s) level. We offer a wide array of business courses as well as courses in other subjects including economics, poli-tical science and the humanities. Most courses are taught in German however a considerable number of courses in English ensures that students have a broad selection to choose from in order to meet academic requirements and personal inte-rest. ⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

ISPThe International Study Programme (ISP) is a three-month programme exclusively for MBA students from our partner universities. It takes place twice a year from September to November or from January to March. The programme focus-ses primarily on doing business in Europe. A number of company visits familiarise students with different types of business concerns in companies of all sizes, from multinatio-nals to local small businesses. The programme is conducted fully in English, however students may begin learning German in an optional language course.⎆ www.isp.unisg.ch

CEMS MIM - CEMS Master’s in International Management CEMS guest students from partner universities may select from a large number of core, exclusive and elective courses during their semester in St.Gallen. Core and exclusive cour-ses are conducted in English with the option to select electi-ves either in English or German. Block seminars, business projects, and skill seminars, where Corporate Partners are strongly involved, are scheduled so that students can fulfil the CEMS programme requirements. To make CEMS guest

“HSG’s central location, in the heart of Europe, combined with its strong reputation for academic achievement, made for an ideal semester abroad. While the classroom experience was stimulating, the ability to interact with so many students from around the world was the highlight of my exchange.”

Josh Brown, Master student, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA

8

students feel welcome, the CEMS Student Club in St.Gallen organises a number of activities, bringing both local and CEMS guest students together.⎆ www.cems.unisg.ch

Double degreesThe University of St.Gallen offers students the best of both worlds through quality double degree programmes. Ambi-tious students seeking opportunities that allow for indepth focus or the chance to study a broader spectrum of subjects during a full year abroad will find a range of double degree options that is demanding yet ultimately worthwhile and rewarding. After successful completion of specific degree requirements during 2 - 2.5 years of study, students are awar-ded two full Master degrees from the partnering institutions. Nearly all of the graduate programmes here in St.Gallen offer a double degree option: SIM, IMT, MSC, MAccFin, MBF, MEcon, MiQEF and MIA. ⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

Swiss MobilityThis programme promotes national exchanges, allowing any student enrolled at a Swiss university to spend a term at another university in Switzerland.⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

FreemoverStudents enrolled at universities outside of the University᾽s exchange network interested in a term in St.Gallen are able to apply as Freemover. A limited number of places are avai-lable.⎆ www.exchange@unisg.ch

Doctorate/Ph.D.Doctoral students from partner universities may spend a term in St.Gallen to conduct research or attend doctoral semi-nars. The exchange of Ph.D. students is an important acade-mic asset for the University of St.Gallen as a leading business and management school. The demand for exchange possibili-ties for Ph.D. students is increasing year by year. ⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

Faculty exchangeThe Faculty Development Programme at the University of St.Gallen is a programme whose mission is to assist and support faculty in their professional and international deve-lopment and to help both shape and realise our goals in the areas of teaching and research. As part of our internationali-sation process, we seek motivated and renowned guest lectu-rers to spend time at our university.⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

MAPOWThis training programme is intended for students from Central and Eastern Europe in cooperation with the Univer-sity of St.Gallen. The goal is to allow talented students to take part in the project, regardless of their financial background. For this reason, the costs of the project are mostly borne by

“The people you meet and the things you learn make you grow in such an incredible way.”

Brenda Peña Gutiérrez, Bachelor student,UniversidaddelPacifico,Lima,Peru

9

the MAPOW programme, including the most essential living costs. Academic materials and travel expenses to St.Gallen and back to the home country are the responsibility of each participant.⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

Federal Scholarship (ESKAS)The Swiss government awards university scholarships to provide qualified students from all fields with the opportuni-ty to pursue postgraduate studies or research in Switzerland at a publicly funded university or recognised institution.⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

Management in Europe“Management in Europe” aims at providing insight into the financial and entrepreneurial system of Switzerland and the EU. Although the course is organised primarily for 30

students from Singapore Management University, it is also open to both exchange and local students. In return, St.Gallen students can go abroad on exchange as part of the HSG Asia Term in Singapore.⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

Summer Study Programme (SSP)The Summer Study Programme at the University of St.Gallen is a high-calibre, 4-week integrated programme primarily for junior and senior undergraduate students from leading universities all over the world. The SSP offers a new and innovative case-based learning atmosphere in well-establis-hed courses at the University of St.Gallen. The programme also includes visits and cultural field trips to other European countries, providing students with insight and experience in the fields of finance and strategy.⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

InternationalFaculty Development

Programme

Doctoral Exchange Ph.D. Level /

Faculty Exchange

Incoming/Outgoing Incoming/Outgoing

Exchange at Partner University Freemover Swiss Mobility CEMS

Programme

Master’s Level Master Degree

(1,5-2 years)

Incoming/Outgoing Incoming/Outgoing Incoming/Outgoing Incoming/Outgoing

InternationalStudy

Programme (ISP)

Federal Scholarship MAPOW Double

Degrees

Incoming Incoming Incoming Incoming/Outgoing

Exchange at Partner University Freemover Swiss Mobility

Management in Europe /

HSG Asia TermBachelor’s Level

Bachelor Degree (3 years)

Incoming/Outgoing Incoming/Outgoing Incoming/Outgoing Incoming/Outgoing

Exchange Possibilities

Study abroad programmes at the University of St.Gallen

10 Library

11

An Exchange Term at the University of St.Gallen: Basic Information

Applying for an exchange semesterIf you are enrolled at a partner university, you must be nomi-nated by your home university᾽s study abroad office. As a nominated student you will receive further information about your exchange term directly from the Student Mobility office at the HSG. Other students should consult the relevant infor-mation on our website about our programmes and applying.⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch

Living expensesAlthough Switzerland is not famous for its affordability, St.Gallen is one of the less expensive cities in Switzerland. You can expect monthly expenditures of about CHF 2᾽000.00. This includes rent, food, texts and travel expenses, but can vary depending on individual needs.

Scholarships Switzerland participates as a full member in the LLP-Eras-mus programme. If you are a student from a European part-ner university, you can apply at your home school for an Erasmus scholarship.

Qualified students interested in Swiss federal scholarships must contact their nearest Swiss embassy. Early application is required.

Orientation programmeBefore the start of each semester an orientation programme introduces you to all aspects of your exchange term. The programme includes information on both academic and administrative requirements as well as German language classes. Social events are also planned to give students a chance to get to know one another before the term begins. While the German classes are optional, all students are requi-red to attend the orientation programme activities.

Course selectionAs a guest student, you may select courses from nearly all of our undergraduate and graduate courses, depending on your level of study at your home university. After examinations and coursework are completed, we issue each student a transcript.

Language of instructionThe primary language of instruction at the University of St.Gallen is German. However, if you have little or no know-ledge of German we have a broad selection of courses in

“It was a fabulous experience for me to study at the University of St.Gallen. An international environment, where people share, cherish and appreciate. ”

Li Ding, ESKAS student, China

English to choose from. Both Bachelor and Master courses are offered in English in core areas such as business, economics, management, marketing, international affairs, law and the humanities.

German languageYou have the opportunity to take German language classes throughout your semester at the University of St.Gallen. While the intensive German course during the orientation programme may be your first experience with the language, we encourage you to continue learning the language during the semester in one of the many German language courses.

Calendar datesAutumn semester: September to DecemberSpring semester: February to May

ISP programmeAutumn: September to NovemberSpring: January to March

Academic StudiesStudy levels

Bachelor’s Level (6 semester)Undergraduate study at the University of St.Gallen begins in the first year with the Assessment Year. Students acquire familiarity with the foundations of disciplinary and scholarly investigation, enabling them to confront and solve theoretical and practical problems. Courses of the Assessment Year are not open to visiting students.

Students then proceed their Bachelor᾽s studies, where they complete the remaining four semesters of their studies and achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree. ⎆ www.unisg.ch

Bachelor’s Level Programme language• Business Administration German• Economics German• International Affairs German• Law German• Law and Economics German

“The BuddySystem organises many events and gets local students in touch with exchange students to make their time in Switzerland an unforgettable experience/organising events for exchange students really made my time here as a local student unforgettable. I met so many amazing students from all over the world and we are still in touch... .”

Linda König, BuddySystem, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland

12

Master’s LevelAt the graduate level, the University of St.Gallen offers twel-ve Master᾽s programmes that provide students with a focussed academic programme and preparation for confron-ting both theoretical and practical challenges. ⎆ www.unisg.ch

Master’s Programmes Programme language• Information, Media and Technology Management German• Marketing, Services and Communication Management English/German• Accounting and Finance German• Banking and Finance English• Strategy and International Management English• Business Management German• Economics English/German• Quantitative Economics and Finance English• International Affairs and Governance English/German• Law German• Law and Economics German• Organisation Studies and Cultural Theory German

The Master᾽s programmes can begin either immediately following completion of the Bachelor᾽s degree or after a few years᾽ experience in the business world. A Master᾽s program-me takes three to four semesters to complete.

Ph.D. LevelOur Ph.D. programmes prepare graduates for careers both in academics and applied fields. In addition to offering excepti-onal teaching, the University of St.Gallen is committed to international degree recognition.⎆ www.unisg.ch

Ph.D. Programmes Programme language• Management (6 specialisations) - Accounting English - Business Innovation German - Finance English - International Business English - Strategy and Management English - Marketing German• Economics and Finance English• International Affairs and Political Economy English/German• Organisation Studies and Cultural Theory English/German• Law German Three levels - three pillars

Levels and pillarsDegree courses at the HSG are structured based on three levels and three pillars (3×3). The three academic levels are the Assessment Year, the Bachelor᾽s Level and the Master᾽s Level; and the educational pillars are Contact Studies, Inde-pendent Studies, and Contextual Studies. With this model, the HSG fulfils the needs of both society and the economy for graduates with intellectual flexibility and intercultural competence.

Contact Studies consists of lectures, tutorials, and seminars

13

14

and include primarily subjects which better lend themselves to traditional modes of teaching and learning rather than independent study. Contact studies comprise 50% of the curriculum.

Independent Studies is concerned not only with the individual preparation for, and follow-up to, lectures and seminars, but also represents a separate curriculum within the core discip-lines. Characterised by a variety of teaching methods and materials (virtual courses, tutorials, working in groups), this course of study requires students to learn how to analyse difficult questions and develop cogent arguments.

Contextual Studies includes lectures on cultural awareness, critical thinking, and leadership skills in order for students to

Master’s Programme(12 Programmes)

Electives

Major andCore Subjects

(5 Majors)Electives

Master’s Programme

Major and Core Subjects

Busi

ness

Adm

inis

trat

ion

Econ

omic

s

Law

Law

or

Mat

hem

atic

s

Busi

ness

Adm

inis

trat

ion

Econ

omic

s

Law

Lead

ersh

ip S

kills

Cri

tical

Thi

nkin

g

Cul

tura

l Aw

aren

ess

Master’s Level (1,5–2 years)

Bachelor’s Level (2 years)

Assessment Level (1 year)

Contact Studies (50%)

Independent Studies(25%)

Practical Experience

Master of Arts HSG M.A. HSG

Ph.D. Programmes

Secondary High School Diploma

prepare themselves to confront future challenges in the work place. We put particular emphasis on training in decision-making, developing a sense of responsibility, interdisci- plinary thinking and the ability to use unconventional problem-solving skills.

Freshman Week

Bachelor of Arts HSG B.A. HSG

Coa

chin

gPr

ogra

mm

eM

ento

ring

Prog

ram

me

Men

tori

ngPr

ogra

mm

e

Contextual Studies(25%)

“The University of St.Gallen is a great university and place to stay and I have had the time of my life here.”

Luke Cassar, Bachelor student, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia

15

Services for Exchange Students

Student Mobility Our offices coordinate study abroad terms for guest students at the HSG and assists new students with all aspects of their exchange, including assistance with visas and course enrol-ment. Before students arrive, we provide information about the coming term and guide students through the steps leading up to arrival. At the start of each new semester, we collabora-te with other relevant departments to organise an informati-ve and fun orientation programme to introduce guest students to their new environment. Our office is available for assistance with any questions or concerns throughout the entire term.

Housing A comfortable living environment is a key component of a student᾽s term abroad. As the HSG does not offer on-campus housing, our Housing Service assists guest students with finding suitable accommodation based on each student᾽s feedback. Guest students usually live with other students but can request specific types of living arrangements, including a room in a flat shared with German-speaking students or a studio apartment. All students have their own room but normally share common areas with their flat mates.

Student clubs and initiativesHSG students are involved on campus in a number of ways. This includes any of the 100 student clubs and associations which guest students are encouraged to join. ⎆ www.myunisg.ch

Library

16

BuddySystemAs a division of the Student Union, the BuddySystem is a group of student volunteers who help out new guest students at the University with guidance and information from a student᾽s perspective. The BuddySystem matches local students with guest students, so that students can contact each other before even setting foot in St.Gallen. Once guest students arrive, they can then look forward to the Buddy System᾽s full calendar of social activities. Excursions to other Swiss cities, international dinners, ski trips and even visits to chocolate factories provide unforgettable memories and a chance to forge lasting friendships. Guest students can join TANDEM, which brings together two students with different linguistic backgrounds who teach each other their respective language in an informal setting.⎆ www.myunisg.ch/buddysystem

SportsEach semester Unisport plans a programme of sports activi-ties and sport-related excursions. Most activities are free or may have a nominal fee. From capoeira to climbing or skiing to surfing, students have an array of opportunities not only to keep fit but also to meet new people.⎆ www.sport.unisg.ch

Career Services CenterThe University of St.Gallen and the Career Services Center are committed to assisting our international students in understanding the legal and cultural aspects of entering the Swiss job market. The Career Services Center offers a range of specialised career management services to support students in successfully mastering the university-to-job transition.⎆ www.csc.unisg.ch

Unisport

17

concern. Participants include key figures from business, poli-tics, academia and selected students.⎆ www.stgallen-symposium.ch

University facilitiesStudies and learning are supported by the University᾽s modern infrastructure. In addition to about 500,000 books, 70,000 e-books and 16,000 e-journals, the open-access library contains a growing selection of e-journals that focus on economic and legal studies. Students have access to networked PCs, free-standing terminals and a W-LAN network. On the main campus, a university restaurant offers a wide selection of meals for large and small appetites. There is also a student bar and several cafeterias where you can enjoy a pleasant coffee break.

HSG TalentsThe HSG Talents recruitment event has quickly become one of the largest in German-speaking Europe. Over 100 interna-tional businesses and organisations take part in this event which includes a careers fair, company presentations, and workshops taking place over a two-week period each April.⎆ www.hsgtalents.unisg.ch

St.Gallen Symposium (ISC)Seeking to promote dialogue that crosses the boundaries of cultures, generations and interest groups, the annual St.Gallen Symposium is organised exclusively by the Internati-onal Students᾽ Committee (ISC), an independent student initiative at the University of St.Gallen. This conference has gained world-wide recognition for providing a neutral plat-form for critical and constructive debate on issues of global

“At the University of St.Gallen rigour in research meets relevance in matching the results with the issues organi-sations and businesses have to deal with. There is no better place to investigate the challenges of a transfor-ming world with a range of partners within and outside of the university. Living in Switzerland, moreover, means to experience the interplay of globalisation and cultural difference and tradition. It‘s a lifechanging experience!.”

Miriam Meckel, MCM-Institute, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, St.Gallen Symposium

18

International Networks

CEMS - The Global Alliance in Management Education CEMS is a strategic alliance of leading business schools, multinational companies and NGOs. Its first mission is to set a global standard of excellence for pre-experience Master᾽s in management. Founded in Europe in 1988, the network has grown steadily, largely due to the success and popularity of the CEMS Master᾽s in International Management (CEMS MIM), one of the top ranked pre-experience Master᾽s programmes of its kind according to the Financial Times. Today, CEMS is the global league of leaders on the pre-expe-rience Master᾽s market and it cannot be equaled in terms of reputation of its members: 26 world-class academic institu-tions collaborate together with more than 70 corporate part-ners and two NGOs to offer international, postgraduate students a unique blend of high quality education and profes-sional experience. The CEMS Master᾽s in International Management is a double degree that tops off the home degree and is open to all students enrolled in one of our Master programmes.⎆ www.cems.org

PIMPIM (Partnership in International Management) is a union of business schools founded in 1973 by Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC), New York University (NYU), and London Business School (LBS). Its goal was then, and is now today, to bring together individual business schools through the support of student exchanges among the institutions. The worldwide PIM network currently consists of 58 business schools and enables selected MBA students to participate in an exchange. In addition, the PIM partner institutions also

engage in exchanges dealing with instruction, curriculum, and administration, in an effort to sustain high academic standards in the future. ⎆ www.pimnetwork.org

APSIAThe Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) has 33 members in the US, Europe and Asia. It was established in order to dedicate itself to the improve-ment of professional training in the area of International Relations, to thus help promote international understanding, prosperity, peace, and security. APSIA members work together to exchange information among themselves, with other universities and with the public regarding the area of international relations. ⎆ www. apsia.org

19

GBSNSince 2003, the Global Business School Network has been a leader in promoting management education as a critical component in successful international development strate-gies. GBSN fosters a network of emerging business leaders who are committed to using the power of business to create a better world. The next generation of skilled managers will have a positive impact on society through-out their professi-onal careers and beyond. ⎆ www.gbsnonline.org/

UNICONThe International University Consortium for Executive Education (UNICON) is an organisation of leading business schools with a commitment to management, executive educa-tion and development. Through UNICON, more than 90 member educational institutions focus on the theory and delivery of executive education. Founded in 1972 as an asso-ciation of executive education programme directors, UNICON has evolved from an informal common-interest group to an incorporated non-profit organisation committed to advance the field of university-sponsored executive education.⎆ www.uniconexed.org

“The HSG campus is located on the top of a hill. That’s symbolic. Once you start studying in the Ph.D. programme, you realise that it‘s not only the campus but everything at this university is top - lecturers, students, programmes and infrastructure.”

Dr. Tomasz M. Miskiewicz, Ph.D. student, Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland

University of St.Gallen

20

Cathedral, Abbey District

21

“In cultivating co-teaching around core offerings from different fields, the University of St.Gallen provides a tremendously fruitful experience of academic cross-insemination. While mandatory courses address conceptual foundations, research methods, and general knowledge, small group projects and electives across a large spectrum of topics enable students to hone their skills in areas of specialisation that they choose in light of individual prefe-rence. Combining breadth and depth is a genuine challenge. At St.Gallen, that marriage has always been a happy one.”

Christoph Frei, School of Economics and Political Science International Affairs & Governance, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland

St.Gallen

Living in St.GallenSt.Gallen offers its approximately 75,000 inhabitants a histo-rically valuable old town. The narrow streets with their many shops, cosy restaurants and bars at every corner create an atmosphere you can᾽t help falling in love with. The Abbey District, with the baroque cathedral and Abbey Library, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thus of international signi-ficance. Further cultural highlights include performances at the City Theatre, the Concert Hall, the St.Gallen Festivals, as well as exhibitions in numerous museums. Particularly popu-lar with students is the St.Gallen Open Air, a three-day music festival which transforms the Sitter Valley into Switzerland᾽s biggest tent city.

There are many restaurants in the St.Gallen area serving international cuisine: Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Argentinian, Lebanese, Greek, Turkish, Indian, Spanish, Itali-

Facts & Figures

situated in northeastern Switzerland, in the •German-speaking areapopulation approx. 75,000•Abbey District, UNESCO World Heritage Site•charming, vivid city•short distances to Swiss Alps and Lake Constance•only 1 hour’s journey to Zurich/Zurich Airport•

an and American, to mention just a few. Also, a number of ethnic markets sell regional products, and local clubs and associations cultivate the culture, language and food of their homeland.

History St.Gallen became affluent through the textile trade. Although textile production has since moved to other parts of the world, St.Gallen is still centre for textile design and prototype development. Once 90% of worldwide embroidery produc-tion was traded by St.Gallen᾽s merchants. The need for professional education soon became evident. In 1898, St.Gallen merchants established a commercial school: the University of St.Gallen.⎆ www. stadt.sg.ch / www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch

«Roter Platz», St.Gallen

Abbey Library

22

23

Aerial photograpy of the city

24

Lake Constance and Säntis

25

Switzerland

Few countries of Switzerland᾽s size can boast such a panora-ma of landscapes and settings, from the cosmopolitan centres of Zurich and Geneva to dramatic alpine mountain ranges to the tranquil lakes of the Mediterranean-like Tessin. Switzer-land, while of course famous for chocolate, watches, and banks, offers other facets to be discovered. Sport and outdoor enthusiasts will not lack for activities regardless of the season. The culturally inclined will find a country with a rich and varied history and any number of cultural events and venues to enjoy.

Four national languages - German, French, Italian, and Romansch - distinguish the Swiss landscape, with cultural and linguistic identity closely intertwined. While this multi-lingualism underlines the country᾽s long tradition of unity in diversity, today᾽s global trends are also influencing Switzerland᾽s demographics: 22% of the 7.7 million residents are international and many Swiss themselves have ethnic roots beyond Switzerland᾽s borders.

“A term at the University of St.Gallen is an ideal opportunity to work on leading academic insights from a cultural perspective that is very central European! The strong integration with local and international students as well as the university’s top-class corporate network makes this culture approachable for anyone!”

Markus Thomas, CEMS student, Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm, Sweden

Switzerland is located literally in the heart of Europe. A relia-ble and extensive national train system provides access to just about every corner of the country and also easy connec-tions to neighboring countries. Three international airports in Zurich, Basel and Geneva serve as hubs for those seeking more distant destinations for a weekend getaway. With its steady economy and stable political climate, Switzerland offers a high living standard within a safe environment. Students seeking a study abroad opportunity will find Swit-zerland the perfect setting in which to experience an unfor-gettable stay.⎆ www.myswitzerland.ch

Facts & Figures

population 7.8 million (22% foreign nationals)•surface area 41,285 km2•in the heart of Europe•four national languages: German, French, Italian, •Romanshone of the highest annual per capita GDPs •worldwide: USD 67,560 - current pricesfederal republic with semi-direct democracy•safe environment•internationally recognised neutral nation•beautiful landscapes•short distances to major European cities•excellent public transportation system•headquarter for major worldwide companies•UnitedNationsOfficeatGeneva,biggest •UN duty station outside of headquarters in New York

Funicular, Säntis

26

Legal informationThis publication is for information only. No rights can be derived from it. Although we take great care that the information we provide is correct, the University of St.Gallen cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the data. The contents may be changed without prior notice. We cannot assume any liability for the possible damages or losses incurred from the infor-mation contained. Editorial BoardJürgen Brücker, Sybille Carnier, Nicole Gsell, Lamis El Farra Student Mobility and External Relations & Development, University of St.Gallen

LayoutWerbeatelier redchili GmbH, www.redchili.ch

PrinterRüesch Druck AG, Rheineck

PicturesSt.Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus, Säntis-Schwebebahn AG, Hannes Thalmann, Student Mobility Office University of St.Gallen, University of St.Gallen,© 2011 University of St.Gallen (HSG), all rights reserved

27

University of St.Gallen (HSG)Student Mobility and External Relations & DevelopmentDufourstrasse 509000 St.GallenSwitzerland

Phone: +41 (0)71 224 23 39Fax: +41 (0)71 224 24 45E-mail: exchange@unisg.ch⎆ www.exchange.unisg.ch