Qualified students may apply to spend either the Fall or Spring semester at Franklin University Switzerland in Lugano or Zurich*.
Named after Benjamin Franklin, Franklin University Switzerland is the only higher education institution with dual US-Swiss accreditation and has been an educational staple in Switzerland for students from around the world for more than 50 years. Franklin prides itself on offering a robust suite of liberal arts courses taught all in English, ranging in subjects from literature and business to political science, communications/media, and visual/studio arts.
With a strong belief in the value of experiential learning, Franklin offers its students a truly immersive semester with a range of on-campus accommodations/dining options, student clubs and organizations, and the opportunity to travel with their peers and faculty on a specialized Academic Travel course.
Emerson students enrolled at Franklin are able to take courses that meet General Education requirements, Liberal Arts/Perspectives requirements, and may also progress towards their majors or minors by taking courses that are approved by their academic department. Additionally, Honors students may be able to satisfy requirements.
With a main campus located in the southern city of Lugano along the Italian border and another in the bustling capital of Zurich, Franklin is well connected regionally as well as to the rest of Europe.
Eligibility
The Franklin University Switzerland Exchange Program is open to qualified sophomores, juniors, and first semester seniors in good conduct and academic standing. The minimum cumulative grade point average requirement is 2.5.
NOTE* Franklin University’s campus in Zurich is only open to Honors Program students who are pursuing Franklin’s Sustainable Cities curriculum.
Academic Calendar
- Fall semester: Mid-August through mid-December
- Spring semester: Mid-January through early May
Exact dates can be found on the Franklin University website.
Application Deadlines
- Fall semester: March 15
- Spring semester: September 15
To learn more about the program, email the Education Abroad & Domestic Programs office at abroad [at] emerson.edu (abroad[at]emerson[dot]edu) or call us at 617-824-8567.