National exchange for prospective teachers

Complete an exchange semester or a teaching internship in another language region of Switzerland. You will improve your language skills, get to know new teaching methods and didactics, and expand your professional network.

What it's all about

Prospective teachers can complete an exchange semester and/or a teaching internship in another language region in Switzerland. During an exchange semester prospective teachers study for one or two semesters at a teacher training institution in another language region in Switzerland. During a teaching internship they teach at a school in another language region in Switzerland. Thus, not only do they broaden their specialized knowledge and develop their language skills, but they also immerse themselves in another cultural setting in Switzerland. A study semester and a teaching internship can also be combined.

  • For students at a teacher training institution in Switzerland (all subject profiles are permitted, including special needs education). Internships are also possible for prospective students and graduates no later than 12 months after graduation.

  • An internship lasts for 2 weeks up to 12 months. Exchange semesters last for one to two semesters. 

  • In another language region of Switzerland. Internships are also possible at Swiss schools abroad.

  • You are responsible for the organisation in cooperation with the mobility office of your institution.

  • Your university of teacher education submits the funding application on 1 March (annually). 

Testimonials

Nationales Praktikum für angehende Lehrpersonen

Leandra De Nardo und Lucia Boll haben im Rahmen ihrer Ausbildung an der PH Schaffhausen ein Praktikum in der französischsprachigen Schweiz absolviert und berichten über ihre Erfahrungen. Sie haben mehr Sicherheit in der Fremdsprache gewonnen, wertvolle Berufserfahrung gesammelt sowie frische Ideen für den Unterricht ausgetauscht.

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Prospective teachers benefit from an internship

Leandra and Lucia completed an internship in a host class in the French-speaking part of Switzerland during their studies at the University of Teacher Education. Not only did the two gain practical experience, but they also improved their French language skills.

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Added value

For participants: 

  • You improve your foreign language skills.
  • You gain professional and personal experience.
  • You will further develop your teaching methodology by gaining insights into another institution.
  • Exposure to a different culture and mentality in Switzerland strengthens your intercultural skills.
  • You build up a sustainable, professional network with colleagues from all over Switzerland.

For teacher training institutions:

  • You increase the attractiveness of your teaching programme for students.
  • You build up a network with other teacher training institution in Switzerland or expand your existing network. 
  • You benefit from synergies within the Swiss education system and strengthen national cohesion.

Options

  • National semester mobility for prospective teachers

    • Study programme at another teacher training institution in Switzerland

    • For prospective teachers

    • in another language region of Switzerland

    • Stay for one or two semesters 

    • You are enrolled at a teacher training institution

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  • National teaching internship for prospective teachers

    • Teaching internship at a school in Switzerland

    • For prospective teachers

    • In another language region of Switzerland or at a Swiss school abroad

    • Stay of two weeks up to 12 months

    • You are enrolled at a teacher training institution or have graduated no more than 12 months ago

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Similar funding opportunities

  • Gaining teaching experience

    Teaching in Spain, Colombia, or Switzerland? University students or graduates work as language assistants at a host school. The offer applies to Swiss students who go abroad as well as to foreign students who come to Switzerland.

    Learn more

  • Job shadowing and teaching assignment at other schools

    As a teacher, school principal or a member of the school staff, you will gain insights into the school practice from an other school.

    Learn more

  • Student exchange

    Students have the opportunity to spend time abroad during their studies. They can choose to do an exchange semester at another university or gain work experience with a traineeship. Financial support is available both for studying and for working abroad.

    Learn more
To all funding opportunities