BSwiss - Swiss International Business Summer School

The BSwiss Summer School offers an intensive programme specialised in studies of international management and economics in a Swiss environment.

The two-week seminar about different topics such as sustainability, innovation, migration & competitiveness and culture, politics & competitiveness is taught in English by experienced lecturers. It focuses on subjects typically taught in the first two years of business application studies. The classes have a strong applied management focus and interactions between students and lecturers is actively encouraged.

The participants’ stay will be an unforgettable experience thanks to a variety of exciting cultural and social events. Field trips, company visits and cultural excursions change each year depending on the topics within the programme. In the past, organised excursions on lecture-free days included visits to Mount Rigi, Ballenberg, Interlaken, Berne, Lucerne, among other destinations.

Classroom lectures introduce up-to-date business studies topics in an international context. Field visits provide students with first-hand experience related to the theory discussed in the classroom. Cultural and social activities encourage participants to interact and network.

Basel is one of the most prosperous economic regions in Switzerland and Central Europe. Numerous international firms, namely Novartis, Roche, Syngenta, Lonza Group, UBS, Panalpina and Swiss International Airlines, have their headquarters in Basel.

The historic city has existed for over 2000 years and offers an outstanding quality of life, which ranks among the world's best. Basel is a lively hub of cultural activities, housing theatres, music venues, festivals and the highest concentration of museums across Europe. The city proudly holds various global trade fairs, including Baselworld and the largest Art Fair in the world, ARTBasel. Architecture enthusiasts can enjoy works by Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, Diener & Diener, and others. Basel's nightlife is vibrant, with plenty of restaurants, snug bars, and lively parties that go on until dawn.

Located in the heart of Europe, with a world-renowned railway network and its own international airport close by, Basel serves as an excellent starting point for numerous travel opportunities. In under thirty minutes, you can cross over to France or Germany.

The programme is open to international and Swiss Bachelor students. Participants must have a minimum of two semesters of business studies and need to be fluent in English (advanced level: European levels B2 written/C1 oral). A letter of motivation, an updated CV and a transcript showing the most recent grades are required.

Places are limited. Please be aware that “early bird catches the worm”.

The programme includes preparatory work, classroom learning, guided self-study and company visits.

The ECTS credits are awarded for:

• Reading preparatory literature
  
• Participation during the Summer School
• Group Presentation
  
• Written Assessment at the end of the Summer School
• Completing the survey after the Summer School

On successful completion of the Summer School, participants will receive an official Transcript of Records featuring the ECTS credits achieved.

All courses are held at the Basel campus of the FHNW School of Business in modern and well-equipped rooms. Access to quiet study areas, computer facilities and free wireless internet access is provided for all participants.

Students organise their own accommodation during the BSwiss Summer School. However, we strongly recommend that students book their accommodation with Hyve Basel. Our long-standing partner for the BSwiss Summer School offers unbeatable value for money with an extra discount for BSwiss participants. Please contact YnN3aXNzLmJ1c2luZXNzQGZobncuY2g= for further information. In an international atmosphere, students will find a variety of room types. It is a very friendly and fun place where people from all over the world meet. It is also very close to our campus and is often the starting point for activities.

Liability

FHNW is only responsible for the quality of the programme. It does not act as a travel agent. Liability for all aspects of the travel arrangements is the individual responsibility of each participant.

Visas

• EU citizens from Western Europe do not require a visa, only a valid passport or identity card.
• EU citizens from Eastern Europe and non-EU citizens should contact the Swiss embassy or consulate in their country to enquire about entry permits and visas (a tourist visa is sufficient for up to 90 days).
• Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. Please check whether you need a Schengen visa. You can find more information on website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
  

If students from non-EU countries complete the programme and then decide to travel, they must ensure that their passport or ID card (and visa) is valid for this period.

The University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland does not cover the cost of a visa or any other costs in the event of an unsuccessful application.

Upon successful application and payment of fees, the FHNW School of Business will issue a Letter of Acceptance for visa purposes. Please note that the visa application process can be very time consuming.

Insurance

Students are required to obtain their own international insurance policy and assume full responsibility for all insurance claims in this regard.

• The insurance plan should include coverage for medical expenses, liability, accidents, and repatriation to the home country in case of emergency situations.
• Obtaining a liability insurance policy is highly recommended. It is important to confirm that your domestic insurance policy provides coverage when abroad.

• Tuition: CHF 950 (are waived for students of the FHNW)
• Visits and cultural events: CHF 400
  

Not included: transport to Basel, health insurance, visa costs, meals, additional individual sightseeing trips and personal expenses.

Refund policy
Payment of the fees obliges the participant to take part in the program. No refunds of fees are possible.