Settling-in Tips from Staff at Crown Lausanne

What is special or unique about your city?

Lausanne's location could not possibly be more picturesque. Built upon three hills and abutting beautiful Lake Geneva, the Olympic capital exists in clear view of the Alps; in addition to this great natural beauty, the area also features many charming vineyards.

Lausanne's medieval town center is full of small alleys packed with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Additionally, Lausanne is truly home to the Olympic games, hosting both the Olympic committee and the Olympic museum. The city has a very well-developed cultural menu--the number of festivals going on at any given time is truly staggering!

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Almost without fail, the first thing newcomers say about Lausanne is: "Oh, look at this view!". People are at first impressed by the city's beauty, and then they grow to be impressed by its intense and eclectic cultural scene. The music scene, in particular, is very popular.

Are these impressions likely to change?

Practically never! In fact, there are plenty of people so enamoured with living in Lausanne that they gladly make long commutes to work in other towns!

What is the local language?

French is the official language.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

Very easily. As Lausanne has a lot of international companies, you will encounter people who speak most other European languages, as well as English.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

When you talk about the lake, never call it the lake of Geneva; the proper local term is "lac L�man".

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

Lausanne has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging between 57 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. There is snowfall in the winter, but it is generally very pleasant.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Lausanne is a very secure, safe town. It is also the smallest of Switzerland's major towns. It is easy to reach from anywhere in Switzerland – by road (the A1/E25 and A9/E27 motorways), by rail (both the Swiss Federal Railway network and the French TGV Paris-Milan line), by air (just 40 miles from Geneva-Cointrin International Airport) and even by water via the Compagnie g�n�rale de navigationferries that ply Lake Geneva. Lausanne is also close to many popular excursion destinations, such as Montreux and Chillon Castle, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and Lucerne, the historical hamlet of Gruy�res, the Les DiableretsGlacier and the Vaud Alps.

Useful Links

The Swiss portal www.ch.ch is the national gateway to Switzerland. It is Switzerland’s electronic business card and the main point of access to online information from the federal government, the cantons and local authorities in German, French, Italian, Romansh and English.
The Official Site of Lausanne in German, English and French: www.lausanne.ch
The Family Web Page of Lausaunne in French: www.lausanne-famille.ch
The Swiss Expat Web Page in different languages: chfr.myswitzerland.com
The Official Web Page of Canton de Vaud in French: www.vaud.ch
Know-It-All Passport - the ultimate guide for English-speakers in the Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France areas: www.knowitall.ch
On-line provider of English-language information and community services: www.angloINFO.com

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

Two significantly different regimes govern Swiss residence and work permits:
For EC nationals of the first fifteen EU member states, plus Cyprus, Malta, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland (EU17/EFTA), based on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the European Community including Cyprus and Malta.
For third country nationals. Please note that the “new” EU-Countries (e.g. Poland, Czech Republic) are still subject to limitations. Work permits for non-EU nationals and for national of new EU countries are subject to significant quantitative limitations (quotas) for the new EU countries. There are no quotas for the other EU/EFTA members coming to work in Switzerland under Swiss employment contract.
1a. Bometric datas:
The Schengen area is defined according to the Agreement of Schengen and is made up of the 22 member States of the European Union and 3 associate states Iceland, Norway & Switzerland.
These agreements authorise freedom of circulation for citizens of these countries or those residing there and who possess a residence Permit. As of the 24th January 2011 the new residence Permit must be biometric. The previous cards which are non biometric will however remain valid until their
expiration date. The individual in possession of a Biometric Residence Permit and a valid passport of their country
of origin is then free to travel within the Schengen area without a visa.

People concerned
The Biometric Residence Permit is compulsory for the members of States which do not belong to the EU, to the European association of free exchange (AELE/EFTA) or to the States which cannot benefit from the agreement on free circulation of individuals.

Procedures (necessary documents)
• For the first delivery of a Permit
After announcing yourself to the residents’ registration office in the commune where you live and on payment of the emolument, the file is transmitted to the Population Service (OCP) You will then receive a letter inviting you to go to the Biometric center to proceed with the registration of the biometric data.
• For the extension of a Permit
After receiving your request for an extension of the Permit and on payment of the emolument, the Population Service (OCP) will send you a letter inviting you to go to the Biometric center. In all cases, you must then present yourself at the Biometric center without delay and in possession of:
• The letter of invitation (communication from OCP)
• Passport
• CHF 20.-

Once the biometric data is registered and the decision is made by the OCP and/or the Federal Migration Office (ODM) whether to issue or renew the Permit, the card will be made and sent to your home by registered letter.
The biometric data is valid for 5 years. In the case of important physical modification (child) it is possible upon renewal of the Permit to request a new anticipated registration of the biometric data.

What kinds of visas are available?

The following categories of work permits are available:
120 days permit with sporadic in and out trips
Short-term residence and work permits (L-Permits) for stays of up to one year
Long-term (annual) residence and work permits (B-Permits)
Cross-border Commuter Permit (Permit G)
Permanent Residence Permit (Permit C)
Ci permit (work permit for family members of an international civil servant)

What is required to obtain these visas?

Procedures for EU Nationals
B-Permits are usually valid for five years and L-Permits (short-term residents) are valid for up to one year. June 1, 2007 saw the introduction of the third phase of a five phase implementation of the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the free movement of persons. This significant step witnessed the lifting of the preferential quota system which was introduced as phase one in June 2002. As a result the fifteen original EU member states which formed part of the agreement signed in June 1999 (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, United Kingdom) will no longer require prior authorization in order to enter and work in Switzerland where the intention to stay is for a period greater than four months and where the employee’s contract of work will be held with the Swiss entity. As a result the immigration requirements for employees moving to Switzerland under a one-way transfer or permanent/localized move have become much simpler. International long-term and short-term assignments, however, will still be required to obtain a work permit under the existing rules. The new Law is also valid for Cyprus, Malta, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland. Prior authorization from the relevant Swiss Migration authorities is still required for employees arriving to work in Switzerland for a period of up to 90 days and for the 120 days permit with sporadic in and out trips. For Cross-Boarder Permits, restrictions on where an individual can commute from under a Cross-Border Permit (cross border areas) have been removed for nationals of EU 17/EFTA countries.

Procedures for Non-EU nationals and nationals of new EU countries
For non-EU nationals and nationals of new EU countries, the quota system is stringently applied. The authorities involved have wide discretion in their decision-making process. They usually make high demands on the qualification of the future employees (University degree, e.g., three to four years of working experience and appropriate salary). Please note that work permits for employees, who only work up to four months in Switzerland, are not subjected to quotas.

Issuance of the Work Permit
Non-EU nationals and nationals of new EU countries do need a work and a residence permit in order to start working in Switzerland. The following categories of residence and work permits are available: Short-term residence and work permits (L-Permits) for stays _ of up to one year _ Annual residence and work permits (B-Permits) The standard duration of the application procedure is usually six to ten weeks, depending on the Canton where the application is submitted. Standard required documents for a work and residence permit application are as follows:
A copy of passport (for the employee and any accompanying family members)
A current r�sum� (CV)
Copies of higher education certificates
Copy of signed employment contract
Copy of birth certificate
Copy of marriage certificate
Most third country nationals do need a Visa in order to legally enter Switzerland and to take up employment. The visa needs to be picked up at the Swiss Embassy in your home country before entering Switzerland.

Criminal Record
Non-EU nationals usually need to provide the competent authorities with a Criminal Record. This document is a compulsory requirement for the work permit and residence application. Because of the fact that in each country there is another authority in charge of the issuance of
Criminal Records, the employee has to provide it by himself with the mentioned document.

Border Commuter Permit (Permit G)
A border commuter permit is usually valid for five years. The restriction on where an individual can commute from under a Cross-Border permit has been removed in June 2007 for nationals of EU17/ETFA countries. Cross border areas remain for nationals of new EU countries. Non-EU persons have to domicile for at least six months in the relevant Cross-boarder area before the application can be submitted.

Permanent Residence Permit (Permit C)
After a continuous residence period of five years for EU and EFTA nationals and after ten years for most non-EU nationals, foreigners should normally be entitled to a permanent residence permit. A permanent residence permit entitles the foreigner to work without limitation or condition in Switzerland and to stay indefinitely, provided there is no reason for cancellation of the C permanent residence permit.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

NON-EU citizens:
For B permit holder: The accompanying spouse (legally married) of a B work and residence permit holder is entitled to work in Switzerland. Once the accompanying spouse of the B permit holder has found a job in Switzerland, it is his/her employer’s responsibility to announce this employment to the relevant migration authorities. The accompanying spouse (legally married) of an L permit holder needs prir authorization from the Swiss Migration Authorities to be entitled to work in Switzerland.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

For long-term assignments, you are encouraged to bring important original documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance policies, medical prescriptions, employment information, academic certificates and entry permits. Please refer to the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website (below) for a list of identity document provisions according to nationality.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

It is necessary to register with the local "contr�le des habitants" as soon as you arrive (within 8 days). In Lausanne and in some other communes in the Canton of Vaud you need to get registered in person. Your Crown consultant will gladly inform you about the process. Although, every commune have their own specificity in terms of documents requirements when registering, make sure you take at least the following items with you (your consultant will confirm anyway):
_ original signed and valid passports or national identity card for each family member;
_ clear copies of passports information page(s) or national identity card per person;
_ two recent identical passport-sized photographs per person (35 x 45 mm; the photograph must show the full face centred in the middle of the photo without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons; be clear and of good quality; be taken against a light background and be printed on normal photographic paper);
_ original marriage certificate;
_ copy of marriage certificate;
_ your original birth certificate (may be requested at some town halls)
_ original birth certificate showing parentage for each child;
_ copy of birth certificate for each child;
_ Local hires: copy of your Swiss employment contract and and work authorization, if applicable
(see above)
_ Expatriates: copy of your assignment letter and work authorization
_ confirmation of health insurance (can be submitted later as well)
_ copy of your lease agreement;
_ ”Annonce d’arriv�e” forms for you and for your family members (can be down loaded or completed on the spot)
_ registration fee in cash (approx. 80 chf per person)
It is also advisable to arrange a Swiss driving license as soon as possible, although you have
maximum one year in which to do this.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Please avoid importing the following items into Switzerland :
_ Firearms and ammunition
_ Alcohol (over 25%) in excess of 12 litres and 200 litres of wine
_ Any articles derived from protected species including fur skins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from them
_ Controlled drugs
_ Indecent or obscene videotapes, films, books, magazines and other articles
_ Flick knives and certain offensive weapons
_ Counterfeit currency
_ Radio transmitters (walkie talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones, etc) which are not approved for use in Switzerland
_ Radar detector
Please contact Crown Lausanne to obtain more information on restricted items.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

If you respect the above, you should be able to enter and leave in Switzerland without any problems.

Useful Links

Federal Office of Immigration, Integration and Emigration
http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home.html
Office Cantonale de la Population Vaud: http://www.vd.ch/fr/autorites/departements/dint/population/
Visa Information
www.passportsplus.com/visa_switzerland.html
www.embassyworld.com

What is the local currency?

The official currency is the Swiss franc divided into 100 centimes. (The Swiss German word for cents is Rappen.)

Swiss francs are shortened either with the official banking name CHF (from the Latin name of the country Confederation Helvetica, CH) or sometimes just Fr. or Sfr.

For example, 1 CHF = 1 franc = 100 centimes.

What denominations does it come in?

Notes come in denominations of: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000.
Coins: 1 Franc, 2 Francs, 5 Francs, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents (1/2 Frank).

What is the best way to exchange currency?

The best way to exchange currency is either at banks, post offices or at railway stations.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

The most commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases are cash, debit cards and credit cards.

Do note, there are no cheque books in Switzerland.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

It is not common to use credit cards in daily business. While major credit cards are very popular, there are still many places in Lausanne and the rest of Switzerland that do not accept credit cards, such as newspaper stands and bakeries. Since you can never be too sure which places these are, be sure to carry at least a small amount of cash at all times. For quick withdrawals, a bank or post office will usually have an ATM machine.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Direct debit is an efficient way of paying rent, gas, water and electricity bills. By this method, your bills are automatically deducted from your bank/post account. The various utility companies can help you with the arrangements. Internet banking is also increasingly becoming a reliable and accessible option.

Should you choose not to arrange the automatic debit, you can arrange for a series of one-time payments for each bill. With each bill, you receive a payment slip (bulletin de versement) that you can use to pay it directly at the post office or send it to your bank or post office. Then the amount will be automatically paid from your account.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

A bank or post account can be opened at any stage, but the sooner the better. You will need the following:

A valid passport
Your work permit - failing this, a confirmation note (which you will be issued on registration at the Commune) confirming that you have registered and that your work permit is being processed
A copy of your work contract
A current address of residence

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

All Swiss banks have employees well-versed in English, as well as other common languages used in Switzerland such as German, French and Italian.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

Most banks will not grant you a loan before you have lived here for at least one year. A lot of banks will only issue you a credit card when you can provide them with a copy of your work permit. But you can always use your debit card until your permit has been granted.

What are typical banking hours?

8:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30 pm-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes, you can find ATM machines all around the city, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

The most common cards in Switzerland are the Maestro and the Post card, which are debit (rather than credit) cards linked to your current bank/post office account. These cards are accepted at department stores, supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants. These cards are a good alternative to other cards as there are many places in Switzerland that do not accept credit cards.

Useful Links

Main Swiss Banks -
UBS: www.ubs.ch
Credit Suisse: www.credit-suisse.com
Banque Cantonale Vaudoise: www.bcv.ch

Private International Banks -
Lloyds: www.lloydstsb-ipb.com

Financial Consultants -
Blackden Financial: www.blackdenfinancial.com

Currency Converter: www.xe.com

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

The characteristics of the neighbourhood (mostly families, or singles, etc.)
o Traffic (for safety and noise level)
o Parking possibilities
o Proximity to public transportation, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches, etc.
It is very rare that you deal directly with the owner of the apartment/house for the rent. Mostly, you have to deal with a real estate agency.
Please note that in Switzerland the following terms are used when describing houses: one family house - a house with no party-wall, a semi-detached house and a contiguous house, a construction of several houses with two party-walls. A party-wall means that you have a neighbour on your left and right side of the house.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Lausanne The most popular neighbourhood for housing /apartments are, Sous-Gare, Ouchy, Centre (Cit�, Flon, Riponne/Tunnel, Chauderon), Montchoisi, Maupa, Chailly.

Examples of monthly rents for good quality accommodations
LAUSANNE AREA
Studio Sfr 800.- to Sfr 1’800.-
3-room apartment - 1 bedroom Sfr 1’300.- to Sfr 2’500.-
4-room apartment - 2 bedrooms Sfr 2’000.- to Sfr 3’500.-
5-room apartment - 3 bedrooms Sfr 3’000.- to Sfr 5’500.-
6-room apartment - 4 bedrooms Sfr 5’000.- to Sfr 8’000.- and more
Semi-detached house - 3/4 bedrooms Sfr 4’500.- to Sfr 7’500.- and more
Single house - 3/5 bedrooms Sfr 6’000.- to Sfr 10’000.- and more

Remark: Number of rooms in Vaud includes living-room + bedrooms.
A 3-room apartment = living-room, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Expats usually rent their homes, just like the majority of the Swiss people do.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Two to three months` deposit is required. A special blocked bank account is opened for this purpose. This account is then blocked for the duration of the contract. As an alternative, if the owner of the property accepts that, you can use a specialized insurance company for rental guarantee without bank deposit, Swiss Caution for guarantee up to CHF 15'000.- (see link below.). This rental deposit needs to be paid for the entrance inspection day at the latest otherwise keys to the apartment will not be submitted.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities such as electricity, telephone and internet are extra and need to be organised by the
transferee (or through Crown Relocations' consultant). When paying the rent, there are also extra charges for water and heating, which are shown separately as "charges". In addition, tenants often pay monthly charges to cover the maintenance of shared areas such as the hall, staircase and elevator.

There are no agency fees in Switzerland but admin fees variable depending on agency: between Sfr 20.- and Sfr 300.-
To be paid with first rent or at signature of lease contract by giro slips (BVR) or bank transfer. No cash.

- Telephone (Swisscom) + operators
- Internet– various suppliers
- TV & radio tax (Billag)
- TV cable (Naxoo)
- Sweeping of fireplace once per year if applicable
- Rental of parking space/garage

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

There aren't really any security concerns in Switzerland. However, it is always good to get input from friends and colleagues who are familiar with the city.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current is AC 220-240 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. The current here is compatible with electrical appliances from the UK. Appliances from the United States (110 volts/60 Hz) will require a step-down transformer. Plugs are typically the standard two or three pinned type; adapters can be purchased in most electrical shops.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Keep in mind that Geneva is not a big city. You can drive from north to south in 30 to 40 minutes.
Keep in mind that Nyon is a little town. You can drive from north to south in 5 minutes.

Accommodation in Switzerland is very hard to find and expensive compared with other European countries.

Useful Links

Properties for rent and sale: www.homegate.ch - www.immostreet.ch
Insurance company for rental guarantee without bank deposit: www.swisscaution.ch/en

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Expats in Lausanne who do not speak French tend to choose an English-language international school for their children. Such schools use British, American or international curricula. Many parents find these schools preferable because their programs are similar around the world, and thus children can easily integrate into a new school when the family moves again.

Parents who speak French at home may choose an international school, French-speaking private school or a French-speaking local school for their children. It's important to note that Switzerland's public education system is of a very high quality and young children coming from abroad are welcome.

For further assistance with regards to schooling contact Crown Lausanne.

What are some examples of these schools?

Brillantmont International College
16, avenue Charles-Secr�tan
1005 Lausanne

Phone: 021/ 310.04.00
Fax: 021/ 320.84.17

Brillantmont International College houses some 100 boarding boys and girls and about 50-day students. All these people live and study on the campus, which is located in a large park in the centre of Lausanne. The school offers the following curricula: American, British, Business, Language, Swiss, Short terms and summer school section.

Coll�ge Champittet
Ch. de Champittet
1009 Pully

Phone: 021 / 721 05 05
Fax: 021 / 721 05 06

College Champittet is situated near the lake of Geneva, very close to the centre of Lausannen (Pully). With its magnificent campus and varied sports facilities, it offers an ideal setting for studying and recreation. There is a new campus in Nyon, up to 6th grade (12 years old).

A well-known catholic school founded in 1903, it is run in a spirit of open-mindedness to the modern world. Thus, pupils of 30 nationalities of different cultures and religions enrich each other on the basis of a deep respect for humanity.

Ecole Fran�aise de Valmont
Rte d'Oron 47
1010 Lausanne

Phone: 021 / 652 37 33
Fax: 021 / 652 90 63

Valmont is a French catholic school who welcome children from all nationalities.

Institut Mont-Olivet
Ch. de Montolivet 19
1006 Lausanne

Phone: 021/ 617 71 16
Fax: 021 / 617 04 52

The modern, spacious buildings of Mont-Olivet stand in a big park on a gentle slope overlooking the lake and facing the majestic Savoy Alps.

Bilingual teaching French-German from 4 year old. Headmaster and teachers, endeavour to give their pupils a sound education, based on Christian principles, together with a firm and practical culture.

Institut Monte Rosa
Av. de Chillon 57
1820 Montreux-Territe

Phone: 021 / 965 45 45
Fax: 021 / 965 45 46

Since 1874, Monte Rosa has been offering a wide range of academic programs in both general subject areas and intensive language studies, taught by enthusiastic teaching experts, in a family-like atmosphere conductive to learning. Co educational from 8 to 19 years.

International School Haut-Lac
Quai Maria Belgia 16
1800 Vevey

Phone: 021/ 925 40 00
Fax: 021 / 925 40 01

The Haut-Lac International Bilingual School educates students of more than 30 different nationalities and from many diverse cultures, side by side with local Swiss students. Within the framework of an academically rigorous, students-centred, bilingual programme, the school endeavours to create a stimulating environment for children aged 3 to 18 years.

The primary curriculum is based on the guidelines of the British Natinal Curriculum and the French primary programme, whilst the secondary curriculum incorporates the structures of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP.)

International School of Monts-de-Corsier
Le Champ de Pesses
1808 Les Monts-de-Corsier

Phone: 021 / 948 08 08
Fax: 021 / 948 09 09

ISM caters for children from 18 months in our cr�che, through to 12 years old and has a student body of approximately 100 children made up of over 30 nationalities. The school is non-denominational and embraces every aspect of multicultural diversity.

The school values academic excellence and believes this is achieved by creating a warm and caring atmosphere where children feel safe and valued. Our personalised approach gives every child the opportunity to work at an appropriate level and to constantly realise new achievements.

International School of Lausanne
Chemin de la Grangette 2
1052 Le Mont.sur-Lausanne

Phone: 021/ 560 02 02
Fax: 021/ 728 78 68

The School is located in the small town of Le Mont on the northern edge of Lausanne. The new campus, opened in 2005, offers modern, high quality facilities for students and teachers. The school comprises the Primary (ages 3-10), including the Early Childhood Centre; and the Secondary, made up of the Middle and High schools (ages 11-13 and 14-18 respectively).

Throughout the school, their curriculum and educational practice are designed to be international. In the Primary School the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is in place and in the Middle School they are introducing the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) curriculum in 2006/2007. In Years 10 and 11 (Grades 9 and 10) of the High School the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is their established programme. Students in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12) follow the IB Diploma programme (IBDP). The students’ results in both the IGCSE and IBDP are very good.

St. George's School in Switzerland
Ch. de St. Georges 19
1815 Clarens/Montreux

Phone: 021/ 964 34 11
Fax: 021/ 964 49 32

St. George's School is a British style international school for boys & girls. The school aims to enable each pupil to achieve his/her full academic potential, and to provide a stable, secure environment in which pupils are encouraged and guided to exercise initiative and creativity, and develop physical fitness. The stimulation of intellectual curiosity is also regarded as vital, as is the provision of that wider education which will help a pupil to acquire the personal balance of self-awareness and confidence, thereby preparing and fitting him or her for the opportunities and challenges of adult life.

Coll�ge du L�man
Route de Sauverny 74
1290 Versoix
Tel: 022 775 55 55

In Pre-school, Primary and High School, the College du Leman offers two academic programmes: one taught in English, one with instruction in French preparing for the French Baccalaur�at and the Swiss Federal Maturit�, including the bilingual French-English Maturit� also leading to entrance into universities throughout the world.

All students are required to study French, starting from Pre-school, and those with a good knowledge of another language may pursue its study at a first-language level. In the secondary school, German, Spanish or Italian is taught in both sections. Moreover, all students may follow additional after school language classes.

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Most of the international schools in Switzerland are over booked. We can only suggest that you register your children as soon as possible at your chosen school or contact Crown Relocations for assistance.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes. The pre-school "Les Tournesols" admits children from 4 months to the beginning school age 4 years. All classes are in French.

Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande with a complete schooling from Kindergarten (with a Montessori section) to Senior school. English begins at 3 years of age, with 3 to 4 hours per week, followed by daily classes in the Primary school. All teachers are experienced professionals teaching in their mother tongue.

Please note that a free place at a cr�che is also hard to find in Lausanne and area, therefore, try to book a place as soon as you can.

For the choice of cr�ches by region in Lausanne and its surroundings, please refer to:
http://www.lausanne.ch/view.asp?docId=20114&domId=63388&language=E

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Most schools operate bus transportation. As Switzerland is a very safe country, many students also choose to use the public transportation on a daily basis.

When does the typical school year start and end?

Public school runs from mid-August to end of June. Private and International schools run from the beginning of September to the end of June.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Local Primary schools provide intensive French lessons for foreign students. They are able to follow the program (Swiss curriculum) from the beginning. Within 4-6 months, foreign students are fluent in French. Feel free to contact Crown Lausanne if you have any questions.

Useful Links

Capcanaille Daycare Center: www.capcanaille.ch
International School Brillantmont: www.brillantmont.ch
Coll�ge Champittet: www.champittet.ch
Ecole Fran�aise de Valmont: www.ecole-valmont.org.ch
Institut Mont-Olivet: www.montolivet.ch
Institut Monte Rosa: www.monterosa.ch
International School Haut-Lac: www.haut-lac.ch
International School of Monts-deCorsier: ww.international-school.org
International School of Lausanne: www.isl.ch
St. George's School in Switzerland: www.st-georges.ch
Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande: www.ensr.ch
Les Tournesols pre-school: www.lestournesols.ch
Coll�ge du L�man: www.cdl.ch