Looking for an International College Learning Experience?

Just recently, I attended a Los Angeles college counselor information meeting to become better acquainted with Franklin University Switzerland. Besides enjoying a delicious lunch with colleagues, I learned about the many unique opportunities that this college offers which I want to share with readers through this blog.

Historically, Franklin University Switzerland was originally founded in 1969 as Franklin College Switzerland with its name later changed in 2014. Located in the Italian speaking city of Lugano, Switzerland, it is a private non-profit university with an American four-year liberal arts course of study. The program is English based and is accredited in the United States and Switzerland. Its approximate 400 students represent as many as 50 countries with a multitude of languages being spoken. Class sizes are small, which lends itself to a very personalized teaching approach and experiential learning.

Students have the opportunity to earn a B.A. degree in approximately twenty varied majors as well as minors. Some of the popular majors include Communication and Media Studies, Environmental Studies, International Relations, Psychology, and International Banking and Finance. Additionally, an M.S. in International Management is available.

Although students are only required to live on campus for two years, about 85% of students choose to remain on campus for all four years. The meal plan is mandatory for freshman and the school operates on a semester system, starting in the middle of August and ending in May.

Academic Travel is an integral part of the learning experience here and is required of students. Some of the recent travel locations have been Brazil, Iceland, Thailand, and Scotland among many others. Other programs of interest are the Academic Year at Franklin, Study Abroad Programs, and a coordinated first semester or first year abroad with partner schools such as University of Southern California and Southern Methodist University. There are even two different summer programs of a few weeks, allowing high school students the chance to earn college credits while studying abroad.

It is easy to see why a student would be enticed by this type of international education environment. Aside from a great academic opportunity, Franklin University Switzerland would present cross-cultural ideas and views. Lugano, Switzerland is a banking center with wonderful food, architecture, and culture to explore. The ideal location is in close proximity to ski slopes and the cities of Milan and Zurich.

The application for admission to Franklin University Switzerland can be found at www.commonapp.org (the Common Application) or (Franklin University Switzerland specific application). Helping Hand College Guidance is a full service top college counseling company located in Los Angeles focused on helping students explore learning opportunities, discover their passions, and formulate a plan in making their educational dreams a reality. If you would like further information on international opportunities or wish to optimize your admission chances, whether in the United States or abroad, please contact Pam Ohriner at Pamela@helpinghandcollegeguidance.com or visit our website at www.helpinghandcollegeguidance.com.