Switzerland and the USA signed an agreement to simplify the conditions of short-term training for young professionals. The proposed changes will take effect as early as November 30, 2024. Find out what benefits await future students

Legal advice on education abroad

Buy

The US and Swiss governments recently signed a new agreement that aims to make student exchange between the countries more affordable. The planned changes will take effect from November 30. Read more about the new rules for student exchange programs between Switzerland and the USA.

What will change for international students from the US and Switzerland?

Starting November 30, Swiss citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 will have expanded access to study in the US. At the same time, American students will also be able to reap the benefits of studying in Switzerland.

In accordance with the decisions approved today regarding the exchange between interns and young specialists, citizens of both countries received the right to obtain a residence permit in the country for a period of up to 12 months and a possible extension for another 6 months.

Only Swiss citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 who are studying or have a vocational diploma or higher education can participate in the program.

Overall, the new agreement makes it easier for young professionals from both countries to obtain visas and opens the exchange program to a wider range of people than the old agreement, which was signed in 1980.

Was the old US-Switzerland exchange program popular?

The first student exchange program between the USA and Switzerland was signed in 1980. During the 1980s and 1990s, about 100 students participated in it annually. However, since the 2000s, this number has slowly declined, mainly due to stricter US visa requirements.

With which other countries does Switzerland expand its student exchange program?

In addition to the US, Switzerland also has bilateral student exchange agreements with Argentina, Australia, Canada and Japan.

Belgium's program is also one of the most popular. Since the signing of the first internship agreement between the countries in 1936, almost 40,000 Swiss students have studied abroad temporarily, and more than 58,000 foreigners have gained experience in Switzerland.

You can get advice on education abroad on the Visit World portal. Our lawyers can answer all your questions about the current rules for admission to certain educational institutions, as well as help with the preparation of documents for admission and study abroad. To order a specialist consultation, follow this link.

Who can participate in the US-Switzerland exchange program?

According to the statement published by the embassies of both countries, students who meet the following requirements can participate in the program:

Applicants from the USA

1. Are graduates of a technical or professional study program who wish to continue their studies in Switzerland.

2. Graduates of higher education institutions who wish to do an internship in Switzerland.

3. Enrolled in a higher education institution who wish to supplement their studies in Switzerland.

4. Students enrolled in a technical or professional program (minimum two years) who wish to continue their studies in Switzerland.

Applicants from Switzerland

1. Be a graduate (within the last 12 months) of a technical, vocational or higher education seeking an internship in the US.

2. Students enrolled in a technical, vocational, or higher education program outside the United States who wish to complete an internship in the United States.

3. Graduates from a technical or post-secondary program outside the US with relevant work experience seeking an internship in the US.

4. Enrolled students with program work experience outside the US who wish to continue their studies in the US.

5. Individuals with five years of work experience who are not students or graduates seeking an internship in the US.

The approved program will promote the exchange of students between the USA and Switzerland, and will also be aimed at developing cooperation in the field of education between the two countries.

We will remind you! The USA is the country that receives the largest number of international students every year. We have already told you how to apply for admission to US universities, what are the deadlines, and how to avoid common mistakes when filling out forms.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline