The Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, DC, is moving as of August 24, 2020. Due to this move and ongoing renovations, we are temporarily unable to host student briefings at the Embassy building. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are also unable to accommodate requests for visits to local schools at this time. Depending on capacity and schedule we may be available to accommodate occasional requests for virtual student briefings. To inquire about a virtual briefing, please contact us at least three weeks in advance of the desired date at washington.events@eda.admin.ch.
Schools - Visits & Materials
School Visits to the Embassy
Scout troops, school classes, and other education minded groups are welcome to schedule a visit to the Embassy of Switzerland. The visit lasts roughly an hour and includes the viewing of a short DVD on Switzerland, a general briefing on Switzerland or a presentation on a specific topic (adapted to the students’ ages) and a question and answer period. Handouts can be provided upon request.
Examples of topics:
- Languages of Switzerland and Everyday Life in a Multilingual Country
- Direct Democracy and/or Federalism
- Popular Customs & Foods from the Four Regions of Switzerland
- Human Rights and International Law
- History of Switzerland
- Education in Switzerland
- Swiss in American Life
- Art and Architecture in Switzerland
- A Train Ride through Switzerland and its Diverse Geography
Do not hesitate to contact us with suggestions for topics that are of particular interest to your class or fit into your current curriculum. We ask that students have some basic knowledge of Switzerland and that you bring along a few specific questions you would like answered.
In general, the Cultural Section receives students ages 14 to 18 (high school). College and university students, model UN groups, and groups with a more specific economic and/or political focus can contact the Embassy’s Communication Section.
To find out more or to schedule a visit, you can send an email inquiry to: was.info@eda.admin.ch
Free Materials about Switzerland
Are you interested in Switzerland? Would you like to know more about its nature, history, population, democracy, foreign policy, economy, education, research, culture and media?
Contact the Consulate and we will gladly send you free leaflets, booklets, maps and posters.
Teaching Materials
Due to our move and Covid-19 restrictions, please find all learning materials about Switzerland online at www.aboutswitzerland.org.
For specific questions, please contact us at washington.events@eda.admin.ch.
Switzerland is an ideal topic to teach at school, e.g., in social studies or in foreign languages: With its four national languages, its direct democracy and diverse landscape, there’s a lot to explore and discuss.
The Cultural Section of the Embassy offers free teaching materials of outstanding quality in different languages.
Switzerland-in-sight: A collection of files, containing a teaching manual and a class set of five units devoted to landscape and habitat, economy and science, people and society and Federalism and Multilingualism. A very appropriate teaching material, including a manual, for foreign language teachers available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese.
Would you like to get in touch with a school/class from Switzerland? Contact us and we will try to help you find interested partners in Switzerland.
