Introduction
This online Summer School looks at the development of Switzerland in comparison with other successful small countries. Students will find out how Switzerland became one of the richest and most globalized countries in the world. During the three weeks of the Summer School, you will learn about the country’s roots and how it became an international finance center. We will also study its worldwide successful industries like watchmaking, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, through talking to leading experts.
They will then compare Switzerland to other successful small and open countries in today’s world. Together we will explore their singularities, similarities and remarkable differences.
By doing so, they will examine which historical, sociological, and political factors have to be taken into account when explaining a country’s success. Last but not least, this will also help us to understand why countries react differently to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teaching and Learning Methods
- Podcasts and Livestreams: Interact with lecturers and classmates during live sessions or watch them again if they have been recorded
- Q&A and mentoring sessions: Ask your questions to your Course Director
- Group work: Interact with other students and work together on your projects
- Individual presentations: Improve your presentation skills, discuss your project and get immediate feedback from classmates and your Course Director
- Comparative analysis and discussion of recent topics: Benefit from a diverse classroom and discuss about commonalities of different countries
Scholarships and Funding
We offer generous discounts to students from UZH partner universities, including strategic partners and international networks (Universitas 21 and LERU).
Program Outcome
- Understand the different preconditions and historic experiences in economic development of small countries, based on a comparative, interdisciplinary approach.
- Analyze the Swiss success stories and identify singularities and commonalities with other countries.
- Discuss strengths and weaknesses of the different “national models” and how their elements fit together.
- Draw conclusions for ongoing debates on the relevant factors for successful economic and crisis management of countries.
Program Tuition Fees
The regular fee for this Summer School is 1,500 Swiss francs.
The fee includes:
- final certificate and transcript
- virtual classroom teaching
- a digital social program that will foster your intercultural competence
For further information, please click the "LINK TO ORIGINAL" button below.