student exchanges at the Unil ()
Student exchanges at the unil
www.unil.ch /ri
contents
Introduction
Outline of the programmes
Regular courses taught in English
Full-time studies in the French language
During the autumn and spring semesters
During the summer and winter breaks
Part-time studies in the French language
Regular courses taught in French
Evaluation and credits
Leisure activities
Practical information
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student exchanges at the Unil ()
Welcome
The University of Lausanne dates from the founding of the Academy in 1537 and is today a dynamic, modern, outward-looking institution of higher education. Its seven faculties offer a broad choice of high-quality undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate programmes in a wide range of fields, such as Biology, Forensic Science, Religious Studies Humanities, Management or Environmental
Science. The UNIL is an active and internationally recognised centre of research which is deeply involved in the main scientific
programmes on the Swiss and European levels.
The campus is spread over three sites, with the main campus magnificently situated among woods and fields at Dorigny on
the shores of Lake Geneva. These three sites provide a rich variety of resources and facilities including highly qualified professors
and lecturers ; a competent and efficient administrative staff ; modern sports facilities; a well-furnished library, and access to all
the newest technologies. Lausanne offers ideal conditions for the successful completion of undergraduate studies, graduate studies,
postgraduate studies or research programmes and is a very pleasant and safe place in which to live.
By choosing Lausanne you are deciding to study at one of the most enriching and stimulating universities in Switzerland.
Prof. Dominique Arlettaz, Rector
student exchanges at the Unil ()
introduction
Founded in 1537, the University of Lausanne is composed
of seven faculties where approximately 11,000 students
and 2,200 researchers work and study. Emphasis is placed
on an interdisciplinary approach, with close cooperation
between students, professors and teaching staff.
A wide range of sporting and cultural activities. Football, capoeira, fitness, or underwater diving at the Sports
Centre, student societies, cinema, exhibitions and theatre at the Grange de Dorigny.
A safe environment. Lausanne and the University campus in particular offer a remarkably safe living environment.
At the UNIL you will find :
www.unil.ch
An international atmosphere. One fifth of the student
population and a third of the teaching staff come from abroad.
Up-to-date facilities and technology. State-of-the-art
laboratories for researchers : spacious, well-equipped
lecture halls for teaching staff and students.
Courses taught in French, but also some Master’s
programmes taught in English.
Close collaboration with the University Hospital of the
canton of Vaud (CHUV) in order to remain at the forefront
of advances in medical knowledge.
The University and Cantonal Library (BCU), with its two
million documents, modern research tools, and an ideal
working environment overlooking Lake Geneva.
A philosophy and work ethic expressed in a Charter
of values and precepts drawn up in 2005.
An exceptionally green and spacious lakeside setting.
In only a few minutes an excellent public transport network
links the university campus to the city of Lausanne, famous
for its varied cultural activities.
student exchanges at the Unil ()
Location of the University of Lausanne
introduction
S W I T Z E R L A ND
Basel
Zurich
Bern
LAUSANNE
FINLAND
NORWAY
Geneva
Lugano
SWEDEN
RUSSIA
DENMARK
IRELAND
UK
NETHERLANDS
BELGIUM
GERMANY
POLAND
CZECH REPUBLIC
AUSTRIA
FRANCE
HUNGARY
SLOVENIA
ROMANIA
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
ITALY
BULGARIA
SERBIA AND
MONTENEGRO
TURKEY
GREECE
student exchanges at the Unil ()
The unil’s FAculties
introduction
faculty of theology and religious studies
The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is dedicated
to two branches of study: Theology and Religious Studies.
Following an interdisciplinary approach, some subjects are
taught in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty
of Social and Political Sciences. The main aim of these studies
is to give student a rigorous and critical knowledge :
forensic sciences. Forensic Science stands at the crossroads of natural science, law, social sciences and technology, and their application to law. The study of crime-detection techniques, scientific police work and criminology, criminal policy and criminal law all focus on crime and its offshoots, as well as on the means available for fighting, preventing or
curbing crime. The political, economic and judicial consequences require measures that the ESC studies through its research, its development of methodology and its training. A number of pilot projects and forms of collaboration with the judiciary at local and international levels have helped to give the ESC its well-established reputation.
www.unil.ch/droit
* of the Protestant tradition as well as the various historical
currents and contemporary expressions of Christianity, in the
case of Theology ;
* of the phenomenon of religion in general and of the major
religious traditions in particular (Hinduism, Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, etc), in the case of Religious Studies.
www.unil.ch/theol
faculty of law and criminal justice
Law
A legal system is the result of a process of evolution over time
and of osmosis with the economy and the social and political
spheres and also of exchanges with other legal systems.
The courses taught in the Faculty, taking all these contexts
into account, allow students to acquire a sense of
moderation and balance, a knowledge of positive law
and a rigorously critical frame of mind. They provide training
in logical reasoning and clarity of expression. The Faculty adds
a practical dimension to its teaching through cooperation with
members of the bar by entrusting some courses or
seminars to practising lawyers and notaries.
Criminal Justice
Dating back to the legal photography courses taught at the
beginning of the 20th Century, the School of Criminal Justice
(ESC) was the world’s first scientific police school and is still one
of the few institutions in Europe to offer complete training in
faculty of arts
The Faculty of Arts offers the following disciplines : Philosophy,
History, Modern French, Medieval French, Ancient History,
Archaeology, Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Tradition, Italian,
Spanish, German, English, Slavic Studies, Indian Studies,
Tibetan Studies, History of Religions, Linguistics, History
of Art, History of Film, Computer Sciences and Mathematical
Methods, French as a Foreign Language.
In these disciplines, the Faculty of Arts plays
the following roles :
* It transmits the knowledge, methods and techniques necessary to practise these disciplines with the required scientific
competence ;
* In this perspective, it prepares its students for certain careers
related to the humanities, notably for professions in teaching
and communication ;
* In its teaching, it provides an introduction to research and
how it should be conducted ;
* It pays particular attention to finding and training promising
young academics ;
* It encourages the learning and practice of an interdisciplinary
approach.
www.unil.ch/lettres
student exchanges at the Unil ()
introduction
faculty of social and political sciences
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences offers
four study path options :
* Political Science
* Social Sciences
* Psychology
* Sciences of Sport and Physical Education
These study paths cover the main branches of human
sciences. Anthropology, History, Political Science, Psychology,
Social Psychology and Sociology thus constitute the bases of
an interdisciplinary knowledge of the interactions between
the collective and individual dimensions. In its four branches
of study, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences strives
to achieve a balance between a critical theoretical approach
and the acquisition of empirical research skills specific
to each discipline.
Its study plans are designed with a generalist slant, combining
theory, methodology and practical training, as well as
an exchange of core teachings. They thus give each student
a broad vision of the social sciences.
www.unil.ch/ssp
faculty of business and economics
The aim of HEC Lausanne is to train future business managers
and experts, giving them requisite knowledge in the areas
of management and economics while also raising awareness
of the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and
the international dimension, as well as helping to form
their personality. The Faculty’s main areas of expertise
are Economics, Finance, Actuarial Science, Information
Systems and Management.
The Faculty’s major assets include cutting-edge research at
the service of students, a strong international dimension and an
established presence in the business community through
a network of HEC graduates actives in all fields on
all five continents.
www.unil.ch/hec
faculty of geosciences and environment
The areas covered by Geosciences and Environment are transdisciplinary and constitute a point of convergence of the exact, experimental and human sciences. In Lausanne, Geography and Geology are core disciplines. While Geology
is, above all, a natural science, Geography must be viewed as an interface between the natural and social sciences.
The Faculty of Geosciences and Environment focuses its teaching on man, as actor and target in his environment, and strives to analyse the organisation of space and the
changes taking place on our planet linked to natural and/or
anthropogenic factors. It is also interested in the consequences
of these changes on man and his environment, in particular the alpine and urban environments. Through its many laboratories and institutes equipped with the most advanced
equipment, the Faculty actively participates in the national
research effort and also contributes to training and research in emerging countries.
www.unil.ch/gse
faculty of biology and medicine
The Faculty of Biology and Medicine covers two disciplines that
share the same interest for living beings, but with two distinct,
albeit complementary approaches and cultures. Biology looks at nature in all its forms and focuses its academic activity on basic research. Medicine on the other hand is interested in humans, in their totality as living beings, whether healthy or in physical or psychic distress, and its activities are focused
on the care of patients and clinical research.
The Faculty’s major assets are a Doctorate programme offering a range of specialised training courses, and advanced expertise in research, including fundamental biology, biomedical
research, translational research and applied clinical research.
www.unil.ch/fbm
student exchanges at the Unil ()
Outline of the Programmes
The University of Lausanne has developed exchange
programmes with partner universities all around the world.
Below are several possibilities for exchange students interested
in coming to study at the University of Lausanne. They can :
* Attend regular courses taught in English (see page 8) ;
* Study French full-time during the autumn and/or spring
semesters (see page 9) ;
* Study French full-time during the summer or winter
break (see page 10) ;
* Study French part-time and attend regular courses taught
in English or French (see page 12) ;
* Attend regular courses taught in French (see page 14) .
At the UNIL, courses are given on a semester basis. It is not
a problem therefore for students to come to the UNIL
just for one semester.
important
Please note that these programmes are only open to students
from partner universities. Please see our database to check if your university has signed an agreement with the University of Lausanne.
www.unil.ch/ri > International students > Exchange
students > database
student exchanges at the Unil ()
Regular courses Taught in English
Among the courses offered by the UNIL, some are taught in
English, and exchange students are welcome ! Most of these
courses are available at the Master’s level. It is necessary
therefore that students wishing to attend these courses
should have a sufficient knowledge of the chosen field.
www.unil.ch/master > programmes taught in English
programmes taught in English
Faculty of Business and Economics
* MSc in Actuarial Science (100% English)
* MSc in Economics (100% English)
* MSc in Finance (French needed for the Wealth
Management option)
* MSc in Management (French needed for the Marketing
option)
Faculty of Biology and Medicine
* MSc in Evolutionary Biology and Conservation (100% English)
* MSc in Genomics and Experimental Biology (100% English)
* Master of Science in Medical Biology (ca. 30% English)
Faculty of Arts
* BA and MA, major in English Language and Literature
(courses offered by the English Department: 100% English)
complementary courses in French Language
The UNIL offers French language programmes for non-native
speakers that can be taken in addition to regular courses. A three-week preparation course for studying at the UNIL is held just before the beginning of each semester (see page 10
for more information), and supplementary courses in French are
offered during the autumn and spring semesters (see page 12).
restricted courses
Courses offered by the School of Medicine (Faculty of Biology
and Medicine) are not open to exchange students unless a special agreement exists. Please contact the Study Abroad
Office of your University to check this.
The Master of Science in Accounting, Control and Finance is currently not open to exchange students.
more information
A list with the current offer of courses taught in English is available in the flap at the back of this brochure.
For more detailed information about the courses (study plan,
individual course description, timetables), please see:
www.unil.ch/programmes > Timetables and Courses
level of english
To attend regular courses taught in English, students should
have a good knowledge of English, at least level B2
of the Common European Framework of Reference
for Languages (see page 16 for more information about
this scale), which corresponds approximately to the TOEFL IBT
level 88-89 (CBT 230, PBT 570-573), or IELTS level 6.5-7.
A general presentation of all programmes taught totally or partly in English is available at:
www.unil.ch/programmes > programmes taught in English
student exchanges at the Unil ()
Full-time Studies in the French language
During the autumn and Spring semesters
The School of French as a Foreign Language (EFLE) offers
a full-time course in French language (around twenty
hours per week). It provides in-depth training in French
as a foreign language in both its linguistic and cultural
dimensions and provides the theoretical knowledge
of literature, linguistics and teaching necessary to achieve
a good mastery of the subject (literature of Frenchspeaking countries, linguistics and sociolinguistics
of French, literature and language teaching, etc).
www.unil.ch/fle
Classes available
Students can enter the EFLE course of studies at three levels:
* Level 1 : corresponding to level A2 of the CEFR (Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages, see page 16
for more information), and to entry onto the Foundation year
of the course of studies offered at the EFLE ;
* Level 2 : corresponding to level B1.1 of the CEFR and
to entry onto the 1st year of the Diploma of French
as a Foreign Language course of studies ;
* Level 3 : corresponding to level B2.1 of the CEFR and
to entry onto the 2nd year of the Diploma course of studies.
level of French required before admission
The level of proficiency required for entry onto the Level 1 course corresponds to level A2 of the CEFR (see page 16). Note that the EFLE does not offer a beginners’ course on the full-time programme. A self-evaluation test is available on the EFLE’s internet site :
www.unil.ch/fle > Bienvenue à l’EFLE > Admissions > Test
During the University summer holiday, the UNIL’s Cours de vacances
offers courses in French as a Foreign Language where complete
beginners and beginners are welcome. However, attendance on
these courses does not provide automatic entrance to the School of French as a Foreign Language programme (see the next page for more information about the Cours de vacances).
note
It is possible to attend other regular courses in addition to the courses of the EFLE. However, the full-time course of study in the EFLE does not leave much time to attend other classes.
more information
Please see the current offer of courses in the flap at the back of this brochure.
For more information, see the web site of the School of French as a Foreign Language :
www.unil.ch/fle
student exchanges at the Unil (10)
full-time studies in the French language
During the summer and winter breaks
The Cours de vacances (Holiday course) offers courses
during the University summer and winter vacations.
It offers students the opportunity to improve their French
by following three- or six-week courses.
The summer course do accept complete beginners.
www.unil.ch/cvac
* Intermediate to advanced level (B1-C1)
The Cours de vacances offers a 3-week session comprising
a workshop in a field of study such as Business French or Media.
It is possible to attend two or three sessions in a row.
* Preparation for studying at the UNIL (B2-C1)
The Cours de vacances offers a 3-week session just before the start of the autumn semester to prepare students for their
studies at the UNIL. This course allows you to acquire the skills
needed to write and present orally an academic assignment in French. It is not a French language learning courses as such.
Classes available
Classes offered by the Cours de vacances are given in
the morning. Students have the possibility to work on their own
in the Multimedia Centre during the afternoon, or to attend
supplementary classes devoted to French grammar or
pronunciation. A course on French and Swiss culture is also
available to intermediate and advanced students
during the afternoon.
Summer vacation (end of June to end of August)
* Complete beginner
The Cours de vacances offers a 6-week session.
* Beginner level (A1-A2 of the CEFR - see page 16)
The Cours de vacances offers 3-week and 6-week sessions.
It is possible to attend two or three sessions in a row.
Winter vacation (end of January to mid-February)
* Beginner level (A1-A2)
The Cours de vacances offers a 3-week session.
* Intermediate to advanced level (B1-C1)
The Cours de vacances offer a 3-week session comprising a workshop in a field of study such as French Literature or Everyday Life Situations.
* Preparation for studying at the UNIL (B2-C1)
The Cours de vacances offers a 3-week session just before the start of the spring semester to prepare students for their
studies at the UNIL. This course allows you to acquire the skills
needed to write and present orally an academic assignment in French. It is not a French language learning courses as such.
student exchanges at the Unil (11)
full-time studies in the French language
Credits
Complete beginners to advanced students (C2) can follow
a special 6-week syllabus and obtain 6 ECTS credits
if they successfully pass the final examination
(summer holiday course only).
fees
Unless a special agreement exists between your University
and the University of Lausanne, fees for the Cours
de vacances must be paid by the student. Please check
with the Study abroad office of your University.
more information
Please see the flyer in the flap
at the back of this brochure.
For more information, see
the Cours de vacances web site :
www.unil.ch/cvac
student exchanges at the Unil (12)
Part-time studies in The French language
Supplementary courses
The School of French as a Foreign Language offers
supplementary courses in French that can be followed
in addition to regular courses taught in French or English.
This programme consists of two types of courses :
Basic courses
Sessions of 4, 3 or 2 hours dedicated to the oral
and written language.
Option Courses
Two-hour or one-hour courses dedicated to various areas
of cultural and everyday life. Each student chooses one
or two basic courses and the number of option courses
that he/she wishes. marks
To be awarded a mark, the student must take a test at the end
of the semester.
fees
The supplementary courses in French are free of charge for exchange students.
more information
Please see the current offer of courses in the flap of the back of this brochure and the web site of the School of French as a Foreign Language :
www.unil.ch/fle > Etudes > Cours d’appoint
level of French
Supplementary courses are open to students with no previous
knowledge of French to advanced level students. Students
choose their own level based on the descriptions of each
course. They will be helped in their choice during the welcome
sessions organised at the beginning of each semester.
ECTS credits
Students who have followed 4 hours of courses a week during
one semester or 2 hours a week during one year and have
satisfied the requirements are awarded 5 ECTS credits.
tandem programme
The basic idea underlying this simple yet efficient method of improving foreign language skills is the following : two people
whose mother tongue is different agree to meet on a regular
basis and teach each other their respective languages free of charge. The partners are completely independent since they decide where and how often they shall meet, what form
their meetings will take, and how they will correct each other’s mistakes.
The EFLE organises this scheme, which aims to bring together
students interested in this type of language learning and provide
them with a pedagogical framework for their meetings.
www.unil.ch/tandem
student exchanges at the Unil (13)
Part-time studies in the French language
FRench as a foreign
language in the BA
For an overview of the programmes offered by other faculties,
please see :
At the University of Lausanne, regular students of the Faculty
of Arts have to choose two or three subjects, and French
as a Foreign Language can be one of them. These courses
are offered by the School of French as a Foreign Language.
Exchange students wishing to study French part-time can take
the courses in French as a Foreign Language offered within the
framework of the Bachelor of Arts (about 10 hours per week),
and attend regular courses offered in other disciplines
of the Faculty of Arts or in other UNIL Faculties.
required level of French
To attend the courses in French as a Foreign language offered
within the framework of the Bachelor of Arts, students should
have at least level B1 of the Common European Framework
of Reference for Languages (see page 16).
more information
A list of courses offered by the School of French Language
within the framework of the Bachelor of Arts is available
in the flap at the back of this brochure.
www.unil.ch/programmes
For more detailed information about the courses (study plan,
individual course description, timetables), please see :
www.unil.ch/programmes > Timetables and courses
student exchanges at the Unil (14)
Regular courses Taught in french
The UNIL’s faculties offer a great choice of courses
available to exchange students. From Sports Science
to Genomics and from Actuarial Science to History of
Religions, there is a wide range of study areas.
The presentation of the UNIL’s faculties on page 4 gives
an idea of the fields of study offered at the UNIL.
Note that students wishing to attend 2 nd or 3 rd year
Bachelor or Master’s courses must already have sufficient
knowledge of the chosen field.
www.unil.ch/programmes
information about programmes and courses
A general presentation of each programme offered at the UNIL
is available on the following web site :
www.unil.ch/programmes
For more detailed information about the courses (study plan,
course description, timetables), please see :
www.unil.ch/programmes > Timetables and courses
required level of French
To attend regular courses taught in French, students should
already have a good command of French, at least level B1
of the Common European Framework of Reference
for Language (see page 16).
complementary courses in French Language
The UNIL offers French language programmes for non-native
speakers that can be taken in addition to regular courses. A three-week preparation course for studying at the UNIL is held just before the beginning of each semester (see page 10
for more information), and supplementary courses in French are
offered during the autumn and spring semesters (see page 12).
restricted courses
Courses offered by the School of Medicine (Faculty of Biology
and Medicine) are not open to exchange students unless a special agreement exists. Please contact the Study Abroad
Office of your University to check this.
The Master of Science in Accounting, Control and Finance is currently not open to exchange students.
student exchanges at the Unil (15)
Evaluation and credits
credits
Students will be able to earn ECTS credits for courses
given at the UNIL. In the ECTS system, credits are allocated
to course units according to the workload required
to complete the course unit. The workload takes into
account lectures, practical work, seminars, field work, private
study, examinations, and other assessment activities.
ECTS is thus based on a full student workload and
not limited to contact hours only.
In the ECTS system, 60 credits correspond to the workload
of a full academic year of study and 30 credits to that of
a semester (full-time studies). ECTS credits are a relative
rather than an absolute measure of student workload.
They only specify how much of a year’s workload a course
unit represents at the institution allocating the credits.
ECTS credits ensure that the programme will be reasonable
in terms of workload during the period of study abroad.
Evaluation
Credits will only be given for a course if the student has
passed the evaluation. A written or oral exam will usually
be administered at the end of the semester. Each examination
at the University of Lausanne is graded on a scale from 1 to 6.
A pass grade is 4 or higher.
UNIL
grade
6
5.5
5
4.5
Assessment
Excellent
Very good
Good
Satisfactory
4
Pass
3.5
Fail
3
2.5
2
1.5
Poor
Very poor
Extremely poor
Almost no performance
1
No performance
0
Absence without good cause, cheating or attempt to cheat
student exchanges at the Unil (16)
Evaluation and credits
Appraisal of the level of French
To evaluate the level of proficiency in French, the UNIL and
the EFLE base their appraisals on the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
in everyday language. Can produce written texts in a defined
context : give explanations ; present arguments in support of an idea ; relate and describe events or experiences. Can understand what is being taught in French, provided the language used is clear and technical and difficult words are given in writing or the course plan is reproduced in a document. Can take part in a conversation in familiar situations, explain and argue opinions.
A1 : basic users
Can understand and use everyday or familiar words and
expressions as well as oral and written texts concerning topics
with which the student is familiar for personal or professional
reasons. Can produce short written texts in a well-defined and
restricted context. Can take part in a conversation in familiar
situations with the help of a partner.
A2 : basic users
Can understand the main points of oral and written texts
in certain common registers (debates, interviews, radio or
television broadcasts, news agency dispatches, etc), provided
the texts are written in everyday language and concern topics
with which the student is familiar for personal or
professional reasons.Can produce short written texts in
a well-defined context: give explanations, relate and describe
events or experiences. Can understand what is being taught
in French, provided the teacher speaks slowly, the language
used is clear and technical and difficult words are given
in writing, or the course material is reproduced in a course
document. Can take part in a conversation in familiar
situations with the help of partners.
B1.1: users on the borderline of independence
Can grasp the main points of oral and written texts in certain
common registers (debates, interviews, radio or television
broadcasts, press articles, etc), provided the texts are written
B1.2 : independent users
Can easily understand oral and written texts in most common
registers (debates, interviews, radio or television broadcasts,
press articles, narratives, novels, etc).
Can produce relatively long texts with the aid of documents and precise instructions. Can understand what is being taught
in French without the aid of course documents. Can cope with most situations encountered whilst studying, provided the language used is clear and non-technical. Can make sense
of theoretical and/or literary texts written in relatively standard
language. Can take part in all conversations, explain and argue opinions.
B2.1 : independent users
Can understand oral and written texts in a variety of registers
(newspaper and magazine articles, specialist, theoretical and
literary texts, reports, scientific articles, etc) and is aware of
what their interpretation involves. Can follow a line of thought.
Can understand the main points of most television broadcasts
and films. Can take part actively in a conversation, explain and
argue opinions. Capable of clear and detailed self-expression on a range of subjects. Can produce relatively long texts with
the aid of documents and precise instructions, develop different
points of view and explain the advantages and drawbacks of different possibilities. Can understand what is being taught
in French and cope with most of the resulting obligations.
student exchanges at the Unil (17)
Evaluation and credits
B2.2 : fully independent users
Can understand oral and written texts in all registers, including specialist genres (newspaper and magazine articles, specialist,
theoretical and literary texts, reports, scientific articles, etc)
and is aware of what their interpretation involves, even when different points of view are presented. Can follow a complex
line of thought. Can understand in detail a television broadcast
or a film. Can take part actively in a conversation, explain and
argue opinions. Capable of clear and detailed self-expression on
a wide range of subjects. Can produce long texts with the aid
of documents and precise instructions, can present information,
develop different points of view, explain the advantages and
drawbacks of different possibilities and extract their general
meaning. Can understand what is being taught in French and
cope with the resulting obligations.
C1 : experienced users
Can understand oral and written texts in all registers, including
specialist genres (specialist, theoretical and literary texts, reports,
scientific articles, etc) and is aware of what their interpretation
involves regardless of how they are presented. Can use
the language fluently both socially and for study purposes.
Can produce long texts based on a plan, develop a range of
hypotheses and explain their advantages and drawbacks, incorporate and discuss different positions. Can understand what is
being taught in French and cope with the resulting obligations.
student exchanges at the Unil (18)
Leisure activities
During the academic year, the Office of Social and Cultural
Affairs organises visits and short trips for exchange students.
www.unil.ch/sasc
The Xchange Association is composed of students from
Lausanne and exchange students. The aim of the Association
is to encourage contacts between students from Lausanne
and those involved in an exchange programme. Xchange regularly organises social events.
www.unil.ch/xchange
In the summer (July-August), the Cours de vacances organise
a number of mainly cultural and recreational extracurricular
activities for their students.
www.unil.ch/cvac
During the academic year, the University of Lausanne has a wide
choice of cultural activities. If you are a musician
you can join :
* the University choir : www.unil.ch/choeur
* the University orchestra : www.unil.ch/osul
* the University association of chamber music : aumc.epfl.ch
These activities are not available from July to September,
but students who are musicians can use the facilities on
campus to practice playing an instrument.
On campus, there is also a theatre, La Grange de Dorigny,
whose season of productions is widely acclaimed in French-speaking Switzerland. It also organises various workshops
(such as theatre, clown, photo and drawing workshops).
www.unil.ch/culture
The University also has its own media. L’Uniscope, a monthly
newsletter, and Allez savoir !, a magazine, are both published
by the University.
L’Auditoire is a monthly newspaper produced by the Federation of Student Associations :
www.auditoire.ch
Together with students from the neighbouring Swiss Federal
Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), UNIL students host a radio programme called Fréquence Banane :
www.frequencebanane.ch
Students can take part in any sporting activity at the
University Sports Centre. More than fifty different activities are scheduled, ranging from aerobics to yoga, and most of
them are free of charge. There are lots of possibilities for practising outdoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, tennis,
soccer and track and field activities; and, as the Sports Centre is by the lake, it is also possible to practise water sports.
www.unil.ch/sport
This beautiful area is also perfect for jogging, rollerblading,
biking, walking or for strolling, swimming and sunbathing.
In the summer, the lakeshore comes alive with barbecues
and beach parties, especially at weekends. And, of course,
Lausanne is very close to the Alps where you can go hiking,
mountain-biking and skiing. The nearest ski resorts are only half an hour away by car, and it is even possible to ski in the summer, on glaciers at higher altitudes.
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Leisure activities
The city of Lausanne
The University is only a ten-minute metro trip away from the
centre of town. Lausanne is a colourful and attractive place,
with something to delight the eye at every turn. Visitors will
discover a many-faceted town, rich in ancient history, but also
boasting pleasant, traffic-free shopping areas. Its wide range of
cultural activities and entertainment such as museums, galleries
and theatres, as well as ballet, music and night life are unique
for a city of only 125,000 inhabitants (though its larger urban
district makes its actual population twice that number).
France, whose shores are visible on the other side of the lake,
is only a short boat ride away. While by the lake, you can also
visit the Olympic Museum, the only one of its kind, which was
inaugurated in 1993.
Lausanne enjoys a moderate climate, without excessive heat,
cold or humidity. In winter, the average daytime temperatures
range from –1 to 5 °C and in summer from 18 to 30 °C. There is some snow, of varying amounts, usually from December to February.
The Old Town is clustered around its Gothic cathedral on one
of Lausanne’s hills. This part of town, built between the 12th
and 13th centuries, is impressive yet welcoming. It also provides
extraordinary vantage points from which to admire the rest
of the city, the lake and the Alps. The Old Town is a place where
time seems to stand still, but during the Festival de la Cité
in July, the old streets resound with live music, avant-garde
theatre and an array of street entertainment.
For exchange students who wish to explore Europe, Lausanne
is ideally located. Switzerland’s neighbours, France, Italy and
Germany, all offer wonderful opportunities for trips by car or train. Getting to Paris by train is possible in 3 hours and
40 minutes. If you wish to visit Italy, you can get to Milan in
less than 4 hours, and from there trains connect to Rome,
Venice, Florence and a number of sea resorts.
You can find more information about Lausanne at :
The main shopping district, which is nearby, is very pleasant
because of its extensive pedestrian zones. It has something
to cater to every taste, and you’ll find small boutiques as well as
department stores, elegant restaurants as well as cosy bistros.
Twice a week the stalls of the farmer’s market fill the
cobblestoned streets with fresh flowers and vegetables, and
in the summer months street musicians and performers abound.
Down by the lake, you can walk along the magnificent
waterside promenade, lined with trees and flowerbeds for over
a kilometre, and take in the sight of a splendid Alpine backdrop.
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
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Practical information
Living in Lausanne is less expensive than you might think.
Students can find reasonably priced housing in Lausanne and
its suburbs, either by living in one of the off-campus halls of
residence or by sharing a flat with other students (about
CHF 600 per month, i.e. USD 550). They usually benefit
from reduced prices in bookshops and campus restaurants,
and in the summer they get a special discount
on local transport.
The average monthly budget is CHF 1800 (about USD 1650).
For more information about practical matters, please see
the Students’ Handbook or the Bienvenue web site.
www.unil.ch/bienvenue
Contact
For practical information and to register for one
of the proposed Student exchange programmes,
please contact :
Mrs Gilberte Isler
Socio-cultural Affairs
Unicentre
University of Lausanne
CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
Tel. +41 21 692 21 14
Fax +41 21 692 21 15
Email : [email protected]
For other questions, please contact Mr Marc Pilloud :
[email protected]
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Impressum
This publication was prepared by the International Relations Office,
in collaboration with the Office for Social and Cultural Affairs
and the faculties and schools of the University of Lausanne.
Production
Marc Pilloud (International Relations Office)
Translation
Interserv S.A.
Graphic Design
Unicom
Impression
500 ex. Artgraphic Cavin SA
February 2008