7 reasons to choose USI as your exchange destination

Wide selection of studies and courses in English

Even though USI is the only University in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland, English is the official language of instruction in most of our study programmes:

• All Master programmes at the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, except for the Master in Lingua, letteratura e civiltà italiana;
• All Master programmes at the Faculty of Economics except for the Master in Economia e politiche internazionali (MEPIN) and the Master in Public Management and Policy (PMP) (bilingual IT/EN);
• Courses in the first three semesters of the Bachelor in Economics (offered in both Italian and English);
• Bachelor and Master programmes at the Faculty of Informatics;
• A variety of courses at the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio.

Martin, The Glasgow School of Art

“The school’s position as an international university, with professors and students from a wide range of cultures, combined with many courses in English and fantastic languages support really appealed to me.”

Kamila, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

"I see a great advantage that at the university there are many master’s programs in English, thus, the range of courses to choose from is diverse.”

Besarta, Libera Università di Bolzano

“I chose USI because it offered courses which were of my interest and especially because there was the possibility to take most of my classes in English.”

A privileged relation with the academic staff

Study programmes present high-quality and interdisciplinary teaching, where theory and practice are in balance, and where students are given constant opportunities to express themselves. A barrier-free dialogue between students and professors opens windows of unexpected opportunity, in a cosmopolitan environment leading to international careers.

Filip, Brno University of Technology

“Classes are small so the approach of teachers is much more personal.”

Sabrina, Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg

“What helped furthermore was the uncomplicated and direct contact with the professors. Since the classes are very small one can communicate very openly with the other students and the teaching staff. USI offers very good study conditions with small classes and very motivated professors so that one can really learn a lot, both theoretical concepts as well as methodical skills.”

Emilia, Università di Roma La Sapienza

"Teaching methods at USI are excellent, offering students a well-rounded academic experience. The courses are interesting and challenging, and the professors are knowledgeable and approachable.”

Ideal conditions for study, a way forward to your future

The university’s small size, its dynamic and informal culture, the quality infrastructure, and the connections to the business world provide a study experience that is much appreciated and valued by USI’s students.

Furthermore, students are free to attend a variety of classes, both at undergraduate and graduate levels. Although enrolled in a faculty, they are entitled to attend classes and sit examinations in the other faculties as well. This is a unique opportunity to explore new topics and personalise the study curriculum.

With more than 100 active mobility partnerships in Europe and beyond its borders, USI welcomes every year around 80 students in its five faculties, contributing to its international connotation without compromising the privileged teacher-student ratio.

Paulius, Copenhagen Business School

“USI inspired me to start a business that wants to change the world. I returned to Copenhagen feeling I had become a different person, ready to make a change and have an impact on society with the knowledge acquired”

Mathias, Technische Universität Dresden

“The seclusion is perfect to study and dedicate yourself to learning and yet it is close enough to so many beautiful places and works of architecture whose reputation precedes their experience. I can’t think of a better location to place a school of architecture!”

Emeric, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne

“I really enjoyed my exchange. The living environment is magical and the university offers very good quality courses..”

Chiara, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

“I really got on well with my classmates, we had the possibility to work on group projects together and to get closer. It was really interesting to have classmates from all over the world.”

Free of charge Italian classes, where language meets culture

USI is the only University of Italian language and culture in  Swiss Academia, and Italian is the official language of the region. For these reasons, USI is particularly committed to the organisation of free of charge Italian language courses, both intensive and extensive, and at all levels. Students are welcome to join the intensive courses before the beginning of the semester, or enroll in one of the many courses over one or two semesters.

Culture is a major and inseparable component of knowing a language; for this reason, a number of cultural and social activities are organised throughout the year. Learning Italian language and immersing in the local culture will enrich the mobility period beyond the classrooms.

Marina, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona

“I strongly recommend the Preparative Intensive Italian Language Courses to the new exchange students. It gives you the opportunity of learning or improving the language before starting the university courses, at the same time you discover the Swiss Italian culture.”

Lisa, TU Delft

“The Preparative Intensive Italian Language Course was something I wouldn’t have wanted to miss for the world! It was an amazing opportunity to get to know all the other exchange students and to give your Italian language skills a kick-start, so I would really recommend taking part in this!”

Julius, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main

“The intensive course was a very nice opportunity to learn a bit of Italian, meet new friends early on in the semester and explore the City of Lugano, while learning about its history and culture. I would recommend it to everyone that is interested in attending. The teachers were incredibly nice and always helpful.”

Andrea Universitat Pompeu Fabra

“I really enjoyed the intensive course as it was an excellent opportunity not only to learn Italian but also to meet new people.”

Personalised advisory service before and during your studies

Before arrival, and during the time at USI, the International Relations and Study Abroad Service will act as first touch point for mobility students and will offer a personalised advisory service to make sure that students can smoothly organize their studies and their stay. This is done in collaboration with the other student services (Studies administrations, Housing Service, Sport Service, IT support, etc.).

Students also benefit from a number of information channels, inlcuding the website, the information sessions, and the end of study reports. The International Relations and Study Abroad Service looks forward to welcoming mobility students in Lugano and Mendrisio!

Rodrigo, Universidade do Porto

“Always prompt to help us, and being extremely organized, the USI International Relations Office made me feel much more comfortable, especially when dealing with more complicated matters related with immigration papers, scholarships, etc.”

Laura, IT University Copenhagen

“I think the international office has been a great support and been very helpful in making everything come together.”

Hector, Universidad Complutense Madrid

“The information provided by the International Relations service is highly valuable. They explain everything you need to know or do during your exchange and help with any issues you might encounter. They are also very kind and supportive.”

Social activities to discover the region

The International Relations and Study Abroad Service regularly organises social activities and collaborates with Erasmus Student Network Lugano, to help students get acquainted with the territory, discover hidden gems and get inspired for their free time activities.

Sport activities in our mountains, art exhibitions, guided tours of the region’s main landmarks, participation to famous local events such as the Bellinzona carnival. This is just a small selection of our offer, but we believe there’s something for everyone!

Amanda, Copenhagen Business School

“USI International relations office organized a lot of activities to introduce new students to the campus, city and area in general. During the first days we got a welcome package with all the papers necessary to apply for permit of stay, guides and descriptions of activities in the area. It was quite useful. The Lugano city tour was nice and not too long, and gave me a few ideas of where to go in order to shop or eat out. Also, they offered a free tour to the ‘capital’ of Ticino (Bellinzona) and other activities such as a film night.”

Thanasis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

“The international relations office organized a lot of welcoming events helping us to make new friends and to get us familiar with the city and the local culture.”

Michele, Universtià degli Studi di Verona

“The offered activities were plentiful and greatly appreciated. They played a crucial role during the first month in helping me meet new people and establish initial relationships. The ESN activities, such as hiking and trips to Switzerland’s cities, were an essential part of the overall experience.”

A small region in the centre of Europe, with a hub attracting the best talents

With lakes, mountains, forests and small-size cities, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland is a cozy territory of 350’000 inhabitants nestled between Italy (to the south side) and the German-speaking part of Switzerland to the north. Its strategic position on the north-south axis and right at the centre of Europe facilitates the connection to the major Swiss and European cities, while maintaining human-scale characteristics.

USI, with campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona, is considered as a cluster of scientific development, a generator of economic activity and a force capable of attracting and retaining young talents.

Pedro, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid

“Mendrisio is a good combination of a high academic level, slow pace and young and dynamic life in the weekends in the near surroundings. It is definitely a very good choice for your Erasmus year abroad.”

Arina, Università di Bologna

“It was an excellent opportunity for me to live in Italian speaking region of Switzerland! I was always curious about this country. It is situated right in the middle of Europe and has so many cultures in it. Lugano is incredibly beautiful town with its lake and mountains surrounding. ”

Joel, KTH Stockholm

“The competence of the professors and work effort of students make it a very inspiring place to study architecture. I found the contrast between the small town and the internationality of professors and students to be the biggest strength of Mendrisio that gives a unique study experience.”