Top 13 IB schools in Switzerland

The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma enjoys an excellent reputation at universities in Switzerland and abroad due to its high academic standards. The curriculum consists of theoretical and supplementary components.

Advantages of an IB school in Switzerland:

• Receiving education rooted in the core values and philosophy of the IB,
• High value of the diploma worldwide — all top colleges and universities accept IB students,
• Maintaining independent and self-directed learning,
• Striving for global perspectives: IB students learn foreign languages, get acquainted with other cultures and political systems,
• Developing academic, social and emotional skills,
• Ability to manage your own time,
• High student achievement compared to other programs,
• Wide prospects for study or employment abroad,
• Living in an international student environment, cultural diversity,
• Safe and stable surrounding environment,
• Excellent Swiss quality of education,
• Travels around Europe to enrich the educational experience.

Switzerland is known as one of the best places to study and live for students of all nationalities. There are many IB schools located throughout the country that are known as some of the best in the world: each offers a healthy and inspiring learning environment, opportunities to play sports throughout Switzerland, walk along Lake Geneva or ski in the Swiss Alps. Students travel to nearby cities where they get acquainted with local culture and cuisine, including Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich.

Switzerland is a mixture of cultures, often foreign students live in the French and German parts of the country. In addition to English, children study many other languages ​​that help them develop communication skills with people from all over the world. The best IB schools are located in:

• Bo,
• Zug,
• Ticino,
• Geneva,
• Zurich,
• Obonne,
• Engadine,
• Porrentruy,
• St. Gallen,
• Schaffhausen.

The cost of IB in Switzerland depends on the location of the educational institution, its prestige, program and duration of study.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program was developed in Geneva. Its goal is to provide a rigorous, internationally recognized qualification that allows students to study anywhere in the world. This system is divided into 3 main stages:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP),
• Middle Years Programme (MYP)
• Diploma Programme (DP).

Swiss schools value the global perspective of the International Baccalaureate, its emphasis on critical thinking and its ability to prepare students for modern challenges.

The IBDP lasts 2 years, during which students aged 16-19 study compulsory subjects and several electives. The selected subjects are studied "in half": three at the standard level of difficulty and three - in depth. Additional disciplines for compulsory study are chosen based on the level of students:

• Mathematics,
• English language,
• Natural sciences.

The course component "Theory of Knowledge" (TOK) includes the study of the nature of knowledge in the following disciplines:

• History,
• Geography,
• Art,
• Music,
• Religion,
• Foreign language.

Students additionally write an extended essay of 4000 words, participate in an important component of the program - "Creativity, Action and Service" (CAS). In CAS, students are involved in sports, public works, artistic creativity, at least 50 hours are allocated to each topic.

The IB DP program is based on requests - from both students, employers and university admissions committees. This course encourages students to ask complex questions, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate and understand people from other countries and cultures. Schools with IB in Switzerland offer programs in English, French and other languages. Experienced international teachers strive for continuous improvement, regularly participate in professional training and development within the framework of an annual review process. Many schools provide scholarships to students based on various merits, which significantly reduces the IB cost in Switzerland.

To enroll in IB schools in Switzerland for foreign students, it is necessary to pass oral and written exams, a personal interview, thorough verification of academic records of students and their personal achievements (portfolio). Each school has its own requirements for language proficiency and its own admission process. IB schools accept students who meet their international and inclusive spirit, will make a positive contribution to the life of the school community, so good preparation and up-to-date information are important for future students. For example, they often offer to visit the selected school on Open Days, meet with the admissions committee in order to understand the ideology of a specific IB school in Switzerland.