Program Details: Zurich University of Applied Sciences- CIS & Engineering

Zurich Video

Is this program for me?

ZHAW is one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. The university has 8 departments (faculties), one of which is the School of Engineering that serves as the host department of this exchange. There are two options for students to study at ZHAW, Engineering/CIS or Business. This website focuses on the opportunities for Engineering and CIS students. CIS and engineering students are strongly encouraged to consider studying at ZHAW during the Fall semester since there are more courses taught in English. Students with a high proficiency in German may apply to take courses in German during the Fall or Winter (ZHAW's spring) semester. Students interested in taking courses in German must have a proficiency level of B2 to be eligible to take courses in German. This program offers students an excellent opportunity to study and get hands-on experiences at a highly reputable Engineering School in Switzerland. With only a small number of exchange students each year, ZHAW faculty and staff get to know each exchange student. Although the ZHAW semester does not officially end until January, students are allowed to leave in December.

ELIGIBILITY:  Open to EE and CE students accepted into the School of Engineering, secondary admission required. This program is also open to all CIS students. Also, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.70. Students must also meet prerequisites prior to participating (see Course Prerequisite section below).

GVSU CONTACTS:

CIS students who are interested in exploring this program should contact Dr. Paul Leidig, Director, School of Computing and Information Systems, [email protected] to discuss course options. Engineering majors who are interested in exploring study options through this program are required to meet with a PCEC Academic Advisor and Dr. Bogdan Adamczyk PRIOR to applying for this program.

Host University Website

ZHAW International Student Website (School of Engineering)

Lake Geneva

Location

Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is located in Winterthur which is located about 20 minutes by train to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. Winterthur is a very beautiful town with many small shops and restaurants. While students will be close to Zurich, there are plenty of things to do in Winterthur. Students will have easy access to reliable public transportation to get around Winterthur, Zurich, and other parts of the country. Zurich is well-known for being one of the world's largest financial centers with banks that hold a substantial amount of the world's wealth. It is also well-known for its amazing chocolatiers, many museums, clubs, restaurants, and strolls along Lake Zurich. 

Cost

2017-2018 Estimated Semester Budget

How will I pay for this?

Financial Aid FAQ's

The cost of any study abroad program depends to a large extent on the participant's personal spending habits and lifestyle.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: ZHAW's School of Engineering offers approximately15 scholarships each year for international exchange students. The scholarship is competitive; however, this past year ZHAW hosted approximately 30 exchange students. The scholarship is based on academic performance. The award is 2000 CHF which can cover a very substantial portion of a student's housing expense for the semester. Students will receive an application after ZHAW has received their exchange application.

A PIC Partnership Grant is available ($1,000 each) 2 available per year for this program.

Uni Zurich
Uni Zurich

Visa Information

US citizens will be required to apply for a visa and a residence permit for stays longer than 90 days. ZHAW provides some basic information for incoming international students. The student visa guide provides information regarding the application process and required documents. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.

Housing and Meals

ZHAW does not offer on-campus housing; however, there are student residences very close to campus which are easy for students to apply for. Students will apply for housing directly to the student residence of their choosing. Additional information on accommodations at ZHAW can be found at: ZHAW Housing Guide.

SWOWI is often a popular location for international students; however previous participants have recommended the WOKO complex for those looking to be more integrated with ZHAW degree-seeking students. SWOWI Camp Axa is the closest housing to the School of Engineering campus; although all of the housing complexes are within a reasonable distance to campus.

Meal plans are not common in Switzerland. Students can expect to prepare meals on their own throughout the semester.

Student Accommodations Website

 

Uni Zurich

Dual Degree Program

Coming Soon!

Program Dates

Semester Options:

Fall: mid- September - mid- December (recommended semester of participation)

Winter: mid-February - end of June (available only for students fluent in German) *

Uni Zurich

Courses

Courses available at ZHAW

CIS students should contact Dr. Paul Leidig, Director, School of Computing and Information Systems at [email protected].

EE and CE students take a specific course of study during the fall semester. ZHAW courses will include:

  • Signals & Systems (SISY1 - EN) 4 ECTS
  • Electricity 3 (ELS-EN) 4 ECTS
  • Elektronik 2 (EK2) 4 ECTS

GVSU Course Equivalencies:

EGR 314 Circuit Analysis II ( 4 credits)

EGR 315 Electronic Circuits (4 credits)

EGR 323 Signals and Systems (3 credits)

EGR 399 Readings in Engineering (1 credit)

All Engineering majors must adhere to program requirements.

Full List of ZHAW Courses: Courses conducted in English

ZHAW does offer a German language class for students who already have a basic level of German. This is not a introductory class for students who have never studied the language.

List of ZHAW courses that have been pre-approved by GVSU faculty

Note; This is not a full list of courses offered at this partner Institution.

 

Uni Zurich

ZHAW Application Process

STEP 1 - Students must meet with a PCEC Professional Advisor: (616) 331-6025.

STEP 2 - Notify Casey Thelenwood ([email protected]) Assistant Dean, Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, of your intent to participate in this program.

STEP 3 - Make an appointment with Dr. Bogdan Adamczk ([email protected]) (616) 331- 7286 to verify eligibility to participate in the program and to discuss the prerequisite modules that must be complete prior to departure.

STEP 4 - Submit an OASIS application by the priority application deadline: February 1.  

STEP 5 - Explore scholarships and grants.

STEP 6 - Complete the ZHAW application materials and return to the Padnos International Center. Contact: Ehren Kuzekov ([email protected])

STEP 7 - Attend a Padnos International Center pre-departure orientation.

STEP 8 - Register for the appropriate IS 380 and EGR 399 courses.

STEP 9 - Follow the Pre-Arrival Instructions provided by ZHAW. Plan your arrival so that you are at ZHAW in time for the required orientation.

STEP 10 - Upon your return, complete your Issues written reflection within 60 days. See instructions.

Notice: this information is subject to change.

 

Campus Information

Winterthur is a small city that is very pedestrian friendly. Students will be able to easily walk to most places such as campus buildings, library, grocery stores, shopping areas, train station, etc. ZHAW has several academic buildings that are in different  areas around town. The School of Engineering has several main buildings that are all in the same area. Students will also be just a short 15 minute walk to the main university Library. In Winterthur, students will have an opportunity for full immersion in Swiss life and culture.

 

 

 

ZHAW

Travel Information

Students typically fly into Zurich airport and take the train to Winterthur main station. The train takes about 10 minutes. From the train station, students are a 5 minute walk from ZHAW's School of Engineering. Get half price on travel in Switzerland with the Halbtax SwissPass. Students will find easy access to trains throughout Switzerland. https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

 

 

 

 



Page last modified June 21, 2019