Exchanges not only lead to improved understanding among different cultural and language communities but also encourage language learning. Every year some 500 classes (or 15,000 pupils) in Switzerland take part in some form of exchange. Added to this are the many language study trips that are undertaken independently by students and teachers alike. On 1 January 2011, Switzerland became a fully-fledged participant in EU education, training and youth programmes.

Contact points

In October 2010 the Swiss Centre of Competence for Exchange and Mobility of the ch Foundation for Federal Cooperation became the designated national point of contact for all queries regarding exchanges and mobility in Switzerland and Europe. The centre, which includes the former Youth Exchange of the ch Foundation (established in 1976), works on behalf of the federal government and the cantons.