<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> <head> <title>Teach English in Switzerland - Language and Culture</TITLE> </head> <body> <img src="block_n.jpg" alt="University of Nevada, Reno" width="75" height="75" /> <body background="mapworld.jpg"> <h1 align=center> <a id="top"></a> Teach English in Switzerland</h1> <h2 align=center> Teach English in Switzerland - Language and Culture</h2> <h3 align=center>Author: Luca Steiner</h3> <h4 align=center>last updated: June 4, 2008</h4> <p align="right"> Skip to <a href=#links> Links to Websites </a><br> Return to <a href="index.html"#home> Home Page </a><br> </p> <a href=""> </a> <p> It seems like every country describes itself as  the land of extremes or as highly diverse. This may be true for many of them, but what makes Switzerland unique is how its <a href="http://www.all-about-switzerland.info/swiss-population-languages.html"> linguistic</a>, <a href="http://www.about.ch/welcome.html"> cultural</a> and <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=CiZSxZKyPPA&feature=related"> climactic</a> varieties are contained in a country the size of Delaware. </p> <p> There are four national languages in Switzerland. More than half of the population speaks a <a href="http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/5028/Top-Local-Phrases"> Swiss-German</a> dialect, about 20% speak French, a smaller percentage speaks Italian and an even smaller percentage speaks <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtuhgjDOxUY"> Romansch</a>. There are plenty of good international schools in Switzerland where you can learn these languages, but if you prefer to study before you go, you might consider <a href="http://www.fsi-language-courses.com/default.aspx"> FSI language courses online</a>. This efficient free program provides a student textbook and an instructor s manual. </p> <p> The cuisine varies among the different regions. No matter which part of the country you are exploring, you will be well fed along the way. In the north you can enjoy some cheese and potato dishes, while in the south you can indulge in some rabbit or risotto. For more information on the wonderfully tasty and diverse Swiss cuisine read <a href="http://www.travellady.com/articles/article-swiss-taste.html"> a culinary trip around Switzerland</a> . If you are more thirsty than hungry, you are in luck because Switzerland loves its <a href="http://www.vinimarket.com/atlas_49693_en.htm"> wine</a>. Whenever economically possible, the Swiss prefer to not export their wine while at the same time importing a lot of Italian, French and Spanish wines. If it s <a href="http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/event_calendar/event_results.cfm?f2=stfes"> music</a> you are looking forward to, you are also in luck because Switzerland celebrates both local and international music all year long. </p> <p> Although Switzerland is strongly influenced culturally and linguistically by the larger bordering countries of Germany, France and Italy, the Swiss remain a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV9yJwQKw_w&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7GGLJ&q=switzerlandiurl=http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rV9yJwQKw_w/default.jpg"> fiercely independent people</a>. One way the Swiss government is able to achieve a high level of freedom and independence for its people is through a <a href="http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Printable.aspx?GUID={3B3CB05D-DA25-45C2-AA4D-81124139383A}"> direct democracy </a> that is second to none. All citizens of this <a href="http://isil.org/resources/lit/swiss-canton-system.html">  model democracy </a> are represented by one of the dozen or so <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Switzerland"> government and non-government parties</a>. Any citizen may challenge a law that is passed by the parliament. By simply collecting 50,000 signatures protesting the law within 100 days, a national vote has to be scheduled and voters do a show of hands for or against it. </p> <p> Whether you decide to learn Romansch on a glacier in the East or Italian under a palm tree in the South, you better start your journey to Switzerland soon because this  land of extremes takes lifetimes to discover. </p> <h2 align=center> Links to Websites about Language and Culture in Switzerland </h2> <p> <a href="http://www.about.ch/welcome.html"> Information about Switzerland </a><br> Great source of information ranging from culture and language to history and geography. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swissroots.org/swissroots/en/stories.html"> Swiss Roots</a><br> Everything to do with Swiss lifestyle, community, heritage and events. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.all-about-switzerland.info/swiss-population-languages.html"> All About Switzerland</a><br> A good overview of the origins and uses of the four Swiss national languages of German, French, Italian and Romansch. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/swisslinks/swissinfo.html?siteSect=821&cat=4"> Detailed Calendar of Events</a><br> Jackpot of links to information on music shows, theater, film, dance, circuses and more. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/event_calendar/event_results.cfm?f2=stfes"> Calendar of Events</a><br> Upcoming festivals and musicals in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.2camels.com/festivals/switzerland.php#festival-links"> Festival Calendar</a><br> Swiss festivals by city. </p> <p> <a href="http://swissmusic.swissinfo.ch/eng/swissmusic.html?siteSect=100"> Swiss Music</a><br> Information on local Swiss music from folklore to Jazz. </p> <p> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Swiss_culture"> Swiss Culture</a><br> More information on Swiss culture in alphabetical order. </p> <p> <a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sz.html"> CIA World Fact book</a><br> A broad but shallow source of information for Swiss language, culture and more. </p> <p> <a href="http://import-export.suite101.com/article.cfm/top_swiss_exports_imports"> Import and Export</a><br> Although Germany is the biggest importer of Swiss goods and Italy and France are the biggest exporters of goods to Switzerland, this article shows the relationship between Switzerland and its next biggest trading partner, the U.S. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.fita.org/countries/ch.html"> The Federation of International Trade Association</a><br> This regularly updated site contains current economic trends, branches of industry and international trade. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.vinimarket.com/atlas_49693_en.htm"> Swiss Wine Drinking</a><br> Overview of Swiss wine production, import and consumption. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.travellady.com/articles/article-swiss-taste.html"> A Swiss Culinary Trip</a><br> This is a great article describing typical Swiss cuisine and highlighting regional specialties. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.foodeu.com/restaurants-in-switzerland/"> Swiss Restaurants</a><br> Reviews of the best Swiss restaurants for every Swiss city. </p> <p> <a href="http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch/chronology-womens-right-vote-switzerland.html"> Women s Suffrage</a><br> When did women have the right to vote in Switzerland? </p> <p> <a href="http://www.gov.ch/govchen.nsf/webfmMain"> Levels of Swiss Government</a><br> Explanation of the Federal, Cantonal and Communal levels of Swiss government. </p> <p> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Switzerland"> Swiss Political Parties</a><br> A list of the major and minor political parties in Switzerland as well as an overview of the political system. </p> <p> <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6980766.stm"> Right Wing Politics</a><br> Xenophobia from the Swiss People s Party. </p> <p> <a href="http://isil.org/resources/lit/swiss-canton-system.html"> A model Democracy</a><br> How Switzerland works. </p> <p> <a href="http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/residency/index.html"> Swiss Residency</a><br> Who can become a Swiss resident? How much money do you need? </p> <p> <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Switzerland"> Maps, Flags and Pictures</a><br> Physical, political and topographical maps. Pictures of the 26 different canton flags. Pictures of the landscape and people. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Switzerland.html"> Details of Swiss culture</a><br> An in depth article with information ranging from Swiss history and gender roles, to architecture and etiquette. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.ch.ch/schweiz/00143/00153/index.html?lang=en">  Swissness </a><br> This is a website with Swiss cultural information ranging from politics and economy to leisure and pastimes. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/wasemb/culedu/wassca.html"> Studying up on Swiss Culture</a><br> If you want to get a feel of Swiss culture before moving, check out this link to Swiss cultural events and education in the U.S. </p> <p> <a href="http://theswisscenter.com/"> The Swiss Center</a><br> The Swiss Center, in New Glarus, Wisconsin is an organization dedicated to celebrating, educating and understanding Swiss heritage and culture. The site features links to upcoming festivals and events and to Swiss embassies, organizations and clubs in the U.S. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/switzerland.htm"> Swiss Links Jackpot!</a><br> From transportation to education this website provides links to all things Swiss. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.newcomersclub.com/ch.html"> Lonely or homesick?</a><br> Think you might have a hard time finding friends or likeminded people? No problem, search this website for clubs and organizations you can join. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/switzerl.htm"> Swiss Online Newspapers</a><br> Links to Swiss online newspapers. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/index.html"> Swiss News Worldwide</a><br> This is a great Swiss run online newspaper with information ranging from local politics to opinion on world issues. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.cream-magazine.ch/home.php"> Urban Swiss</a><br> A Swiss urban lifestyle magazine. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Printable.aspx?GUID={3B3CB05D-DA25-45C2-AA4D-81124139383A}"> Direct Democracy</a><br> An article explaining how Switzerland is able to achieve such a strong democracy. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.insidemagazine.ch/"> Cultural Map of Switzerland</a><br> Subscribe to free newsletter from this magazine as a good way to stay up-to-date on Swiss news, fashion, and events. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/religion_in_switzerland/index.html?siteSect=22080"> Religion in Switzerland</a><br> Articles depicting the religious landscape of Switzerland, from the growing number of Muslims to the increasing secular movement. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV9yJwQKw_w&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7GGLJ&q=switzerlandiurl=http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rV9yJwQKw_w/default.jpg"> Switzerland in the Middle Ages</a><br> A history of how the Swiss peasants defeated their Hapsburg rulers. </p> <p> <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=tN2kf0K9RDs&feature=related"> Swiss Patriotism</a><br> For a dose of Swiss patriotism and jet planes, click here. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-nbkYg-q0A&feature=related"> The Alps</a><br> Great IMAX trailer for  The Alps starring the Eiger. </p> <p> <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=poWWeXO8rtI&feature=related"> Tour of Switzerland</a><br> Video of a tourist guide giving a tour of Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=CiZSxZKyPPA&feature=related"> Switzerland landscape</a><br> A video highlighting the beauty and diversity of the Swiss landscape. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.fsi-language-courses.com"> FSI Language Courses</a><br> Learn Italian, German or French online before moving. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/5028/Top-Local-Phrases"> Useful Swiss-German Phrases</a><br> A short video on the top ten phrases you would need when staying in German-Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.lsi.edu/en/zurich.html"> Learn German in Zurich</a><br> Language studies international offers a variety of courses for learning German in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romansh_language"> Romasch History</a><br> Learn about how Romansch came to be spoken in this area of Switzerland and why so few speak it. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/Learn/Romansch.asp"> Learn Romansch</a><br> Learn Romansch by speaking with a native speaker online. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtuhgjDOxUY"> Romansch Phrase book</a><br> Learn some conversational Romansch with this video of useful phrases. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.study-in-switzerland.com/"> Learn French I</a><br> If you want to learn French on the  Swiss Riviera this is the school for you. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.applelanguages.com/en/learn/french/switzerland.php"> Learn French II</a><br> If you prefer to ski or snowboard the Swiss Alps in the morning and learn French in the afternoon, look no further. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.amerispan.com/language_schools/Switzerland/Lugano/3568"> Learn Italian</a><br> AmeriSpan Study Abroad offers immersion programs in beautiful Lugano, Switzerland. </p> <a href=""> </a><br> <br> <a href=""> </a> <p align="right"> Return to <a href=#top> Top of Page </a><br> Return to <a href="index.html"#home> Home Page </a><br> </p> <br> <br> <br> <TABLE align=center cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD bgColor=#ffffff><IMG height=1 src="" width=1></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=copyright align=middle bgColor=#d6e2fa height=18> <div align="center"> <p align="left" style=font-size:10pt> <span class="style3"> </span> </font><span class="style3"></b> Information shown on this website is the result of a collaborative effort by Dr. Rod E. Case and the EDS491/691 Special Topics in Teaching English as a Second Language Class, Wintermester, 2007.<br><br> Direct questions about the <a href="http://www.unr.edu/tesol/"> TESOL Program </a> to <a href="mailto:&#99heney@unr.edu">Dr. Christine Cheney</a>.<br> This website is maintained by <a href="mailto:r&#99ase@unr.edu">Dr. Rod E. Case</a>.</span><br> Last modified: August 23, 2007 <SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT"> </SCRIPT></p> <p align="left"> <span class="style3"> </span> <img src="nlogo.gif" alt="UNR logo" width="64" height="43"><span class="style3"><span class="style5"><a href="http://www.unr.edu">University of Nevada, Reno</a></span> <br> </span><br> <span class="style3"></span></font> </p> </div> </h5></TD> </TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=778 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD bgColor=#ffffff><IMG height=1 src="images/7dspace.gif" width=1></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </body> </html>