Brief Review

General Language

The language which classes are taught in varies, based upon the canton in which the school is located. German-speaking cantons hold classes in German, French-speaking cantons in French, etc. If school-age children come to live in Switzerland and classes are taught in a language other than their first language, special classes are available.

Recently arrived foreign children are either integrated directly into the class corresponding to their school level or into an integration class in which they learn the local national language and improve their general knowledge before joining the mainstream school. Some cantons offer fast-track language courses alongside standard language classes.

Your cantonal and commune's integration offices offer various programmes and activities in home language and culture for immigrant children and their parents. The Federal Office for Migration also subsidises language courses for immigrant parents.