Personal finances

It is difficult to pinpoint an average budget for American College Program students, as lifestyles vary considerably. The cost of living in Switzerland, however, is higher than in the United States. This should be taken into consideration when planning finances for the year. Students are expected to demonstrate maturity, responsibility and prudence in managing their own personal budget throughout the year. Students who do not participate in the American College Program meal plan should add a much larger subsistence allowance into their annual budget. Likewise, students planning to travel during vacation periods and students planning to ski should calculate these factors into their personal spending. Books and supplies must also be added.

Aside from the aforementioned expenses, a frugal student participating in the meal plan can plan to spend a minimum of Sfr. 100 per week while in Fribourg. This, of course, must be scaled according to the student's particular lifestyle and habits. This figure can be calculated into US dollars by dividing by the prevailing exchange rate. The program also offers students the privilege of cashing personal checks in US dollars at the Credit Suisse in Fribourg, thus eliminating the need for bank transfers. Or students can open up a checking account with Cirrus^TM or Plus^TM system access and use their ATM card during their stay in Switzerland and travels in Europe.