Basel is an incredible Swiss city, and fall is one of the best times to be there. The Rhine river runs through the city, and is a perfect place for a swim or a ferry trip. Basel has a vibrant cultural scene with more than 40 museums, 25 theaters, operas, and ballets, and multiple large festivals. The “Herbstmesse”, or Autumn Fair, is one of the biggest fairs in Switzerland in October and November with food, stalls, and rides. The “Weihnachtsmarkt”, or Christmas Market is also a longtime tradition during the holiday season. Basel is also an important city for foreign trade and pharmaceutical industries.
Other fun facts:
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Roger Federer was born here! And every time he wins a championship, he is presented with a cow in the Marktplatz…
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You can drink out of the water fountains you see around town!
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Läckerli, a sort of hard gingerbread, was invented in Basel.
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Basel’s namesake and its heraldic animal, is the basilisk.
Culture
UC–FHNW Exchange Program
Visa
National Visa Type D is required for staying in Switzerland for longer than 90 days. Find out about National Visa Type D, including requirements and where to send your application. Applications are filed with the Swiss Diplomatic Consular Office in the U.S. You must already be accepted by FHNW in order to apply for a visa, so just wait until you hear back. I did receive a list of required documents from FHNW, but later discovered it was pretty outdated. My list below will sooner or later become outdated too, but for now, it’s accurate. You need to mail, printed:
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3 copies of the completed National Visa Type D application.
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4 copies of a passport photo (see photo requirements). I went into a CVS to get a passport photo taken and printed, but it was extremely overpriced. I’m not sure of a cheaper way to obtain them; perhaps try Walmart or Meijer if you have access.
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2 copies of your valid passport.
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2 copies of the acceptance paperwork from FHNW, including information about the language in which the classes are held. If you are unsure, email your FHNW advisor and ask for a general statement about the classes you are in and the language they will be given in.
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2 copies of a previous diploma (high school diploma, in my case).
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2 copies of written and signed confirmation that you will leave Switzerland after your study abroad semester is finished. Type, print, and sign a simple document stating such.
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2 copies of confirmation of payment of school tuition fees (email or other receipts from UC Bursar, Catalyst records, etc.)
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2 copies of a résumé
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2 copies of a brief essay on the applicant's future plans and why you want to study in Switzerland (very similar to the school applications).
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Last but not least, proof of sufficient financial means for your period of stay in Switzerland. This approximates to around $10,000 in a bank account with solely your name on it. I ran into a lot of issues here, because I had a joint account with my parents from when I was a minor. There seemed to be no way around it, so I had to transfer a lot of money around. If you find a different situation or alternative, please share with your study abroad advisor to help save students a lot of trouble!