Center for Global Law & Policy at Santa Clara University School of Law

Semester Exchange Abroad – St. Gallen, Switzerland

University of St. Gallen

Fall Semester Dates: Mid September – Mid December

Spring Semester: Mid February – End of May

No exchange available in Summer

Overview | Academics | Visa Info | Housing | Program Costs | Applications & Deadlines

Overview

  • Students are offered ideal conditions for developing their talents and interests and for learning the skills required for legal practice. This is due in particular to the excellent support provided by a renowned faculty and a broadly structured curriculum.
  • The University of St. Gallen offers a broad, comprehensive and practice-oriented legal education with an excellent foundation in Economics and firm roots in many aspects of Humanities and Social Sciences.
  • A feature of the HSG is its ideal teaching conditions and personal encouragement by highly motivated teaching staff from the academic and professional worlds.
  • Experience a unique collegial study environment as well as lifelong friendships and networks within the entire University. With the HSG Alumni network you can be sure of a wide network of contacts all your life.
  • The HSG provides an excellent quality of education as reflected in its top placements in national and international university rankings.

Academics

  • Language of Instruction: English and German.
  • Recommended Course Load: A minimum workload of 16 ECTS (equivalent to 8 ABA credits) is recommended.
  • Academic Focus: Business Enterprise – Law, Innovation and Risk.

Visa Information

  • Students who stay more than 90 days in Switzerland must have a student visa. They will also be required to obtain a residence permit once they arrive in St. Gallen. The exchange office assists students in initiating the visa/permit process. Students are responsible for all related fees.

Housing

  • No on-campus housing available.
  • HSG Housing service locates housing for exchange students if requested and for a fee. Non-refundable processing fee: CHF 250. (required); Housing price per room: from CHF 600. to 800. or higher per month, depending on individual requirements; Security deposit: CHF 350. (refunded upon departure, less fees for damages and/or cleaning Liability insurance: approx. CHF 30.). Gas/Electricity: approx CHF 30. (when not included in rent).
  • Students may arrange housing on their own by using the online housing market.

Program Costs

  • Students pay tuition to Santa Clara University.
  • Food: students should budget between CHF 500. – 600. per month.
  • Books, course materials: approximately CHF 400. per semester.
  • Transportation: Bus: monthly pass CHF 63. ; card w/ 12 single rides CHF 22. Train: “Halb-Tax Abonnement” CHF 150. valid one year – half price on all train fares (possible reduced fares for: ferries, trams, mountain gondolas, ski lifts, etc.) within Switzerland
  • Health insurance: exchange students must have health insurance. They must either have proof of insurance coverage from provider in home country or they must purchase health insurance in Switzerland (costs vary from CHF 160.- to 280.-/month). Acceptable proof will vary according to nationality.
  • Visa & Resident permit fees: students are responsible for any visa and/or permit-related documents (fees vary: ~CHF 66. to 220. )

Applications & Deadlines