{"id":1045,"date":"2019-06-11T11:53:30","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T09:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lam.unisg.ch\/blog\/?p=1045"},"modified":"2019-06-25T17:06:58","modified_gmt":"2019-06-25T15:06:58","slug":"the-benefits-of-studying-in-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lam.unisg.ch\/blog\/en\/the-benefits-of-studying-in-switzerland","title":{"rendered":"The Benefits Of Studying In Switzerland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Switzerland is consistently rated as one of the top ten places to live and work in the world. With a stable economy and low crime rate, it has quickly become a desirable destination, with 22% of the population comprising of immigrants from around the world.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s not just working there that\u2019s appealing: education in Switzerland has been long-renowned in Europe for its high quality. In fact, in the International Student Satisfaction Awards 2014, students ranked Swiss schools at an impressive average of 8.9 out of 10.<\/p>\n

St. Gallen\u2019s Executive School is no different. Ranked fourth in Europe by the Financial Times in 2018 for business education, the school focuses on lifelong learning and building long-lasting relationships with its alumni, ensuring that they are prepared for life after business school and continuing to enhance their skillsets.
\nThe executive school offers a diverse range of executive courses in both English and German language, from short seminars such as \u2018Control of Projects and Investments\u2019 to an MBA and an International Executive MBA.<\/p>\n

We spoke to Winfried Ruigrok, dean of the Executive School of Management, Technology & Law at the University of St. Gallen since January 2011, to find out more about the benefits of studying in Switzerland.<\/p>\n

Winfried has enjoyed an international career, studying and working in the Netherlands, the UK, and the European Commission in Brussels. However, he found his fit at St. Gallen. \u201cI\u2019ve stayed here because I\u2019ve enjoyed it, I\u2019ve been here since 1996,\u201d he smiles.<\/p>\n

An International Atmosphere<\/strong>
\nWinfried outlines four major benefits to studying executive education in Switzerland: international atmosphere, strong research facilities, a diverse economy, and a strong learning environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a very international work force in Switzerland,\u201d Winfried explains.
\nIn fact, approximately one quarter of the entire Swiss population are international, according to the Federal Statistical Office, and the country boasts 26 confederal states and four national languages.<\/p>\n

This international atmosphere translates to the classroom too, where there are 84 nationalities among St. Gallen\u2019s MBA course alumni alone.
\n\u201cWe are extremely well-networked, not just with recruiters but with the top of organizations, which is a tremendous help,\u201d Winfried smiles. However, despite joining an alumni network of over 27,000 members, students at St. Gallen Executive School needn\u2019t fear getting lost in the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur classes are smaller than at many other competing schools, we know our students by name,\u201d Winfried considers, explaining why he chose not to make the classroom larger. \u201cThe quality of a program depends on the scope and depth of interaction inside and outside of the classroom with faculty, coaches, and executives. This is more difficult to achieve with large classes.\u201d<\/p>\n

A diverse economy<\/strong>
\nWhilst Switzerland is traditionally associated with finance, Winfried explains that Switzerland goes far beyond that. \u201cI could talk about the watch industry, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food and beverages\u2026 in each of those industries you have very internationally-orientated, high-end Swiss companies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Switzerland has the highest density of Fortune 500 head offices in the world, with fourteen Fortune 500 companies headquartered there in 2018. These include Nestl\u00e9, the Adecco Group, and Glencore International.<\/p>\n

By studying in Switzerland, students on the University of St.Gallen\u2019s MBA or Executive MBA programs have access to top companies in a variety of industries. \u201cThey come to us for recruiting,\u201d Winfried continues, \u201cthey are keen to work with us, perhaps because we have a strong practice orientation.\u201d<\/p>\n

You can find St. Gallen alumni in almost 80% of the board of directors and executive boards of the largest Swiss companies. And, every year, board members from the world\u2019s largest companies come to the campus to attend the St.Gallen Board Retreat.<\/p>\n

With the opportunity to participate in business partnership projects and an emphasis on soft as well as technical skills for well-rounded leadership, St. Gallen graduates can enter careers in business with confidence and join a diverse and connected group of alumni.<\/p>\n

Strong Research Facilities<\/strong>
\nStudying in Switzerland also gives students access to the high quality of education and research that the country has to offer. \u201cCare and attention to detail in research institutions is really high in Switzerland,\u201d Winfried explains.<\/p>\n

As a country, Switzerland heavily invests in research and development, spending 2.2% of its GDP annually, compared to the EU average of 1.1%. Such investment naturally places Swiss institutions highly in global university rankings and gives students ample opportunity to access cutting-edge research.<\/p>\n

\"Winfried
Prof. Dr. Winfried Ruigrok<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Learning Environment<\/strong>
\nBut Switzerland\u2019s diverse economy is not the only draw for students.
\nThroughout the year, Switzerland has plenty to offer to holiday-makers and MBA students alike, whether it\u2019s skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s gorgeous,\u201d Winfried says, emphasizing the ease of which people can access these activities: \u201cthe railway system in this country is second to none,\u201d he laughs.
\nSt. Gallen is well-placed to take advantage of these activities, as it is located in north-eastern Switzerland. The historic town emerged from the seventh century hermitage St. Gall and is home to the St. Gallen Executive School.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, it\u2019s a top destination for ambitious MBAs, and whether it\u2019s the high density of multinational companies, its top research facilities, or its diverse cohort, Switzerland\u2019s reputation speaks for itself when it comes to business education programs.<\/p>\n

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Picture by Pasja1000<\/a> on Pixabay<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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