Preparation of the stay
To prepare for the stay abroad before departure, the following topics must be considered to ensure the smoothest possible start to the exchange semester.
For everyone
In general
- First, check whether the university offers exchanges outside of an official exchange programme. Look for terms such as visiting students or free mover.
- Enquire about the correct status and what it means for you (e.g. application process, tuition or semester fees, entry and residence rights, course attendance, exam participation, and transcript of records).
- Clarify fees, rights, and deadlines with the relevant office at your host university.
- For research projects, you may need to sign an Invention or IP Agreement with the host university. Contact your department’s Director of Studies for guidance.
- Your ETH department will determine the recognition of credits earned abroad.
United Kingdom: University College London (UCL)
Learn moreIn general
- The host university sets the application criteria.
- You must submit the application documents yourself and on time.
Forms and required signatures
- For additional documents, such as confirmation letters for your application, contact your department (Study Administration) directly.
- Forms and similar documents are signed by the office responsible for your stay: for courses the Study Administration (on behalf of the Director of Studies), for projects the supervising professorship.
- The Student Exchange Office does not sign any documents.
In general
- Check which entry documents you need and ensure they are valid for the entire duration of your stay. The Student Exchange Office does not provide support for this process.
- If a visa is required, apply for it well in advance.
- Follow any instructions from your host university regarding entry and residence permits.
- The Student Exchange Office does not provide support or signatures for this.
United Kingdom
Learn moreUSA
Learn moreIn general
- You are responsible for ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage during your stay abroad.
- Check with your insurance company about the coverage provided by your existing policies and whether you need any additional travel insurance.
- Follow the instructions and tips provided by your host organisation.
- It is generally recommended to retain your Swiss accident and health insurance and, if necessary, purchase supplementary insurance (for countries with high healthcare costs).
- Some host universities require proof of your existing insurance coverage, while others may require you to take out their university's accident and health insurance. In some cases, you may be exempt from this requirement based on your Swiss insurance.
- Consider whether you need liability insurance for the duration of your stay if you do not already have it.
USA
Learn moreIn the host country
You are responsible for finding your own accommodation. Be sure to use any tips and advice provided by your host organisation.
Subletting during your stay
- Consider what you would like to do with your room or flat during your absence.
- You can place a free advert for subletting through the Housing Office of University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.
USA
Learn moreIf you need a language certificate for your partner university or your visa and have not yet submitted it, you must do so as soon as possible.
In general
Reach out to your host university early for guidance on the necessary processes.
Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)
If you have a special need, you can apply for additional funding to help cover extra costs. To do so, contact the Student Exchange Office at least four months before your stay.
For research work, you must apply directly to the relevant department and apply as a visitor to UCL.
Entry
Follow the regulations for short-term visitors regarding Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Visa: Traineeships and work placements
- A temporary work visa, Tier 5, is required.
- One condition for the visa is having a British sponsor for your traineeship. The British Council has not yet taken on this role for mobilities from Switzerland (which would be possible under the Erasmus+ programme).
- Therefore, you should discuss the necessary steps with your host organisation before applying.
US Embassy in Bern
On the website of the external page US Embassy in Bern, you will find general information, details about the visa process, and external page personalised advice on studying in the USA.
Once you have been admitted to your host university, you will receive a visa application document: Either a DS-2019 for a J-1 visa or an I-20 for an F-1 visa. Only after receiving this form from your host university can you schedule an appointment at the US Embassy in Bern or in your home country external page to apply for your US visa. A student visa interview at the US Embassy is mandatory. If you need to provide contacts from your home university, contact your Study Administration.
During your visa interview, you will need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources, either from your own account or a relative’s account. The host university will inform you of the required amount.
Proof of financing through third-party funds
To obtain a visa for a traineeship or research project at a US university (particularly Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)), you must demonstrate that at least 51% of the total cost of your stay in the U.S. is funded by external sources. Acceptable documentation may include scholarships, grants from government, a corporate sponsor, grants from home or guest university or similar organizations.
Clarify insurance requirements with the responsible office at your host university. US universities typically require proof of adequate health insurance, and in many cases, it is mandatory to enrol in the university’s UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) or a recognised US health insurance provider.
It is advisable to consult your insurance company in Switzerland or your home country for comprehensive guidance on your coverage while in the USA.
Contact the relevant offices at your host university or your supervisor for accommodation support. Many US universities have a housing or residential office that manages on-campus accommodation.
If you have little or no knowledge of your host country’s language, it is advisable to start learning it.
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- external page Get more tips from Green Erasmus