Information
 Brochure 2010 - 2011 [pdf]
Weather and other considerations
The seasons of Switzerland
are roughly parallel to the northern portion of the
U.S.; damp, cold weather seems to dominate from December
to March.
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The mountains are generally assured of snow
above a certain altitude, though an occasional
snowstorm in the city of Fribourg is not uncommon.
Students are urged to pack lightly, yet consideration
should be given to typical Swiss heating, which
may not be equivalent to customary American central
heating.
> See
what the weather is like in Fribourg |
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Life in Fribourg
The
cost of living is quite high in Switzerland and
can certainly be considered
as one of the highest in the OECD. The amount you
spend on food every month depends largely on how
much you eat, where you shop and how often you eat
out. However, you can expect to pay between SFr.
500 and SFr. 650 for food (per month). Recreation
is also relatively expensive in Switzerland. Going
to the movies costs slightly more than in most European
countries and currently a ticket goes for SFr. 15.
Films in Fribourg are usually dubbed in French but
cinemas offer an increasing number of original language
versions (early evening shows). If you insist on
seeing films in their original (undubbed) versions
you may have to travel to Bern. Fribourg boasts a
small number of French and German language theatres.
The Fribourg Youth Orchestra regularly holds concerts
in the University Aula which are reasonably inexpensive.
What’s more, film nights, parties and other
events are organised by student organisations and
are all very affordable.
 
The cities of Bern and Lausanne are close by and
both offer a large range of cultural and leisure
activities. However, train travel is one of the more
expensive aspects of Swiss life and should be done
only with a half-price rail card. These cards are
available at all Swiss stations, valid for one year
and well worth SFr. 150.
 Fribourg
- Switzerland
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Life at the University
 
Student life in Fribourg tends
to be made up predominantly of attending lectures
and studying, as well as sports, student activities
and social life. The Institute of Physical Education
and Sports (IEPS-ILS) publishes a booklet twice yearly
on what sports are being offered and the choice is
usually excellent. To use the University gym you
will need to obtain an access card. Traditionally
the favorite sporting activity among the American
College Program students is skiing, but fencing,
which is remarkably well developed at Fribourg, is
also very popular. The current fencing instructor,
Christian le Moing, was (until recently) the Swiss
national coach and took the Swiss team to the Barcelona
Olympics.
For more information about
sports at the University of Fribourg you should
get in contact with Roger Roth of the Institut de Sport. There
are also several student groups and associations
active at the University. As a foreign student it
is possible to gain honorary membership in several
of the student fraternities. You can find out more
about this aspect of student life by consulting the
various notice boards at the Miséricorde campus.
Social life in Fribourg might not be comparable to
some big universities but, for a small University
such as Fribourg, it must be said that there is quite
a bit to do.
Naturally, winter sports, and especially skiing,
are a favorite weekend past time of ACP students
and the nearest ski resorts are within twenty minutes
of Fribourg. However, the best skiing is done in
the big resorts that are found at the higher altitudes
like Gstaad and Verbier to name just two. Many resorts
are located in the canton of Valais (or Wallis in
German) and are about an hour and a half from Fribourg
by car (about two and a half-hours by train). These
resorts are usually more expensive than the lower
and lesser-known resorts in Fribourg, Bern or Vaud.
Skiing without a car is possible in Switzerland and
indeed many special train tickets exist to offer
skiers train travel and ski-lift tickets at very
competitive prices. A one-day ski-lift ticket in
the Fribourg resorts costs around SFr. 40. In the
bigger resorts this figure can easily reach SFr.
60. The University Sports Institute (IEPS-ILS) organises
ski trips and an annual ski week for foreign students,
all at very reasonable rates.
Fribourg
- the University
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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™ or
Plus™ system access and use their ATM card
during their stay in Switzerland and travels in Europe.
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Health insurance and medical facilities
 
By law in Switzerland all students
must have major medical health insurance coverage
for the duration of the program. Students may retain
their health insurance coverage through their family
policy or University health insurance. Proof of international
coverage is required and must be submitted to American
College Program before departure. There exists the
alternative of Swiss health insurance for the year.
This insurance provides major medical coverage, with
a Sfr. 300 deductible, though dental coverage is
not included. Such Swiss health insurance coverage
can easily be arranged by the American College Program
administration, however, it is more expensive than
standard student health coverage in the USA. Details
on cost (approx. $180 per month) and procedure will
be given in the pre-departure information packets.
For students who require the assistance of a doctor
or dentist, the American College Program administration
in Fribourg will gladly help students to schedule
appointments. Fribourg has a large hospital and many
physicians in private practice speak English. These
facilities have proven adequate over the last 30
years. In the event of serious illness, there are
large hospitals in the region offering specialized
treatment.
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Job opportunities
American College Program students
are allowed to work during school vacation periods
with certain restrictions. Any work undertaken is
clearly outside the auspices of the American College
Program. Students who wish to find work must do so
on their own upon arrival in Switzerland. The staff
of American College Program is not in a position
to seek employment for students.
Nevertheless, some students manage to find part-time
work during the school year. Eager students who seriously
look for part-time jobs generally find something
to supplement their budgets (washing dishes, waiting
tables, giving English lessons, house cleaning, baby
sitting, etc.). Some students are successful in arranging
summer employment at the end of the academic year,
as well. Personal motivation and French/German language
ability seem to be the biggest factors in finding
such jobs.
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Personal Travel
Many students on the American
College Program choose to travel during their vacation
periods. Christmas, spring break, and summer vacation
provide ample time for exploration of the far corners
of Switzerland and other countries in Europe. While
personal travel is encouraged as an educational opportunity,
such activity is clearly out of the domain of the
American College Program, and it cannot assume responsibility
for students when they elect to travel. Each student
and his/her parent or guardian must sign a Travel
Release Form which gives the student the freedom
to travel in his/her free time. Students should maintain
regular contact with their families while traveling.
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Computer Access
American College Program students
obtain an e-mail account and have access to the information
technology facilities of the University of Fribourg.
This procedure takes
about two weeks.
The University is equipped
with a large selection of Macintosh and IBM-compatible
computers at the
SIUF (Service informatique de l’Université de
Fribourg), Miséricorde, office 6010, however,
you will have to inquire to what extent you will
be allowed to use them.
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Language instruction
Before University courses start,
the ACP organises intensive language instruction
(in French and German) for incoming students. This course,
which caters to different levels, has proved a very
useful instrument in taking the first steps towards
integration in Fribourg and comes highly recommended
by all previous participants. During the semester
it is possible to take several hours a week of French
or German language instruction (3 different levels)
at the Lern- und Forschungszentrum für Fremdsprachen
(LFZ) - Centre d’enseignement et de recherches
en langues étrangères (CERLE).
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Other useful information
The tandem plan
Would you like
To be able to read foreign language materials?
To be able to converse with students who are native
speakers of languages in which you have courses,
to discuss subject-related problems or prepare
for exams?
As a foreign language student, to be able to improve
your comprehension – gaining both learning
and teaching experience?
To make contacts at the University and in and around
the city?
To be better prepared for your next vacation?
Can you imagine yourself
Learning a foreign language outside of a language
course?
Working with a native speaker partner in the language
in which you wish to improve?
Having a greater control over what you learn?
If you've answered yes to one or more of the above
questions and you can already speak a little of your
goal language, then you should participate in Uni-Tandem.
Participation
The tandem program is open to all persons affiliated
with the university. Students, auditors, assistants,
and professors are all eligible to participate. A
single prerequisite to application is this: that
the participants possess a basic knowledge of the
goal language, be it German, French, English, etc.
The most sought-after languages
In recent years, approximately fifteen different
languages, above all German, French, English, Italian,
and Spanish and including but not limited to Russian,
Arabic, and Portuguese, have been requested.
Participants
The majority of the participants come from the Faculty
of Letters while law students, economists, sociologists
, theologians, etc. represent a slightly smaller
number.
How Tandem Works
Two partners with different native languages meet
on a regular basis, helping to bring each other to
a state of mutual improvement in their respective
second languages. A contract between the two students
assert that:
there will be regular meetings;
each partner is alternatively teacher and student;
both languages will be practiced separately;
an equal amount of time will be devoted to each language.
The Lern- und Forschungszentrum
für Fremdsprachen
(LFZ) - Centre d’enseignement et de recherches
en langues étrangères (CERLE) will
help you find a partner and get you started. Faculty
members are available between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.
Tuesdays to provide tips, answer questions, give
advice regarding study, etc.
Although sponsored by the LFZ-CERLE, native English-speaking
students have the opportunity to learn many additional
languages (e.g. French, Italian, etc.) The application
is simple, and students have a lot of leeway when
choosing a partner (e.g. male or female, similar
interests, major fields, etc.) Go early in the semester
to assure that a partner will be found. The program
is cost free.
Stop by LFZ-CERLE for an application. Tandem is
one of the best ways to meet Swiss and foreign
students.
Miscellaneous
• Student ID Card:
Your student ID card will be given to you approximately
two weeks after your arrival in Fribourg.
• University Cafeterias
The University has two
student cafeterias, several cafés and plenty of vending machines. The
cafeterias and cafés are closed on Saturdays,
Sundays and public holidays. During the University
holidays they also have restricted hours.
• Sports
The IEPS-ILS offers a large number of activities.
You will receive a program at the beginning of the
semester.
Institut
d’éducation
physique et des sports
Bd de Pérolles 90
1700 Fribourg
Tel: (026) 300-7220 / 300-7275
Fax::
(026) 300-9756
>
http://www.unifr.ch/sport/
• Libraries The Cantonal and University
library is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. — 10 p.m. The library
lending department is open from 8 a.m. — 6
p.m. On Saturday, the library opens at 8 a.m. and
closes at 4 p.m. The lending department is open from
8 a.m. — 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. — 6
p.m. and is closed on Sundays. During the summer
the library has special hours.
Many departments or institutes have their own library
open to students.
• Foreign Languages:
- Courses: The Lern- und
Forschungszentrum für
Fremdsprachen (LFZ) - Centre d’enseignement
et de recherches en langues étrangères
(CERLE) have special courses for foreign students.
Address: Rue du Criblet 13, 1700 Fribourg. See the
program of classes for other foreign languages, such
as Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.
- The Language Laboratory
houses tapes in 30 different languages to improve
your knowledge of foreign languages.
Université Miséricorde, room 3015 (opposite
the Mensa), tel: 300-7960.
- Uni-Tandem: two people
of different mother tongues meet regularly to practice
each other's language
(e.g. German, French, Italian, English, Spanish,
and other languages if partners are available). Please
sign up at the beginning of the semester.
• University Cultural
Life
Every student is a member
of the AGEF (Association générale des étudiants de l’Université de
Fribourg) The AGEF organizes different cultural,
social and political activities. Miséricorde,
office 3021, tel: 300-7310 / fax: 300-9773. Several
student associations exist (a list is available at
the AGEF office).
Student Center
The Centre Fries organizes
discussions, conferences, parties, etc. Meeting
rooms, newspapers, a television,
a kitchen and a photo laboratory are available to
students. A program is available at the beginning
of the semester. Rue Guillaume Techtermann 8, tel:
300-7166. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. — 11
p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
The University Choir
The Choir meets every
Thursday from 8 p.m. — 10
p.m. in the reading room (salle de lecture/Vorlesungssaal),
in the Miséricorde building.
The City and University Orchestra
The orchestra is open
to non-professional musicians. Information: Prof.
Hansklaus Rummler, Institute of
Mathematics, tel: 300-9192, private tel: & fax:
436-3539, e-mail: hansklaus.rummler@unifr.ch
The University Cinema Club
A program is available at the beginning of the semester.
Please look at the programme des cours / Vorlesungsverzeichnis
and the notice boards.
Daily life
• Electricity : 220 volts
• Telephone
A phone card is necessary to use most public phones.
These can be purchased at any newsstand or post office.
• Public transportation
- Trains: you can buy a half-price SBB-CFF season
ticket, valid for one year at all train stations
for 150 Sfr. (with a passport photo). The AGEF
has a few day cards available at a reduced price.
• Shops, Banks,
Post Offices
- Shops are usually open
from 8:30 a.m. — 12
p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays,
shops close at 4 p.m. (grocery shops at 4 p.m.).
Shops are closed on Sundays, except a few grocery
shops. The commercial centers (Jumbo, Avry-Centre)
are open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and
on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Banks are usually open
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. and
closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Cash dispensers
(ATM) are available 24 hours a day.
- Post offices are open
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. — 12
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays
8 a.m. — 11 a.m.
• Emergency Telephone
Numbers
Police tel: 117
Fire tel: 118
SOS tel: 143
Ambulance tel: 144
Special Health Note
Any special health needs should be brought to the
attention of the ACP staff when you arrive in Fribourg.
They can assist you with referrals to the excellent
health and dental facilities available in the city.
Special medicines: If you have medicines for allergies,
etc. bring an adequate amount along with you. Find
out the foreign equivalent of prescription drugs,
as these are not always the same in Europe.
If you wear glasses
or contact lenses, bring a copy of your lens prescription.
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ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE
As with many experiences realized by a student living
and studying in Europe, the availability of alcohol,
as well as European views of the beverage and the
behavioral expectations of those who drink it, will
differ from those in the United States.
For many Europeans, alcohol
is a dietary staple and, as such, differs from
the frequent American
consideration of alcohol as a necessary social lubricant
and prerequisite to "having a good time." In
this construction, one’s attitudes, values
and beliefs regarding alcohol can become an important
factor in determining academic and social success
while studying abroad. It is important to keep in
mind that the use of alcohol can precipitate other
serious problems for the student and the student’s
family.
In light of this, students intending to study abroad
are advised to take advantage of the opportunity
to consult the campus Alcohol and Drug Program coordinator
to discuss cultural differences regarding alcohol
and its use. In addition, consideration of possible
personal beliefs concerning alcohol, which could
exacerbate the difficulty of adapting to the host
culture, can be explored.
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