Carlson School Exchange in Switzerland: University of St. Gallen
Graduate Global ImmersionProgram Dates:
The academic calendar at St. Gallen will differ from the University of Minnesota and all exchange students are expected to be at their host campus on the first day of orientation and through the last day of final exams.
Fall Semester 2023: Students may either study at St. Gallen for a full semester or participate in a 10 week ISP cohort program. Optional German Language Program (full semester): September 6 - 15, 2023 Orientation (full semester): September 14, 2023 Course Dates (full semester): September 18 - December 23, 2023 ISP Dates (partial semester): September 12 - November 23, 2023 | Spring Semester 2024: Students may either study at St. Gallen for a full semester or participate in a 10 week ISP cohort program. Optional German Language Program (full semester): February 7 - 16, 2024 Orientation (full semester): February 15, 2024 Course Dates (full semester): February 19 - May 25, 2024 ISP Dates (partial semester): January 9 - March 14, 2024 |
The priority deadline for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 is February 1st, 2023 at noon.
Program Details
- Successful exchange students demonstrate a high degree of independence, adaptability, and flexibility because support and services will be different from a US university
- You are enrolled as an exchange student at a host university and take business courses in English
- You take courses with students from the host university as well as other exchange students from around the world
- You attend the host university according to their term dates which differ from the University of Minnesota
- A small group of Carlson students are selected to study at each partner university per semester and are fully immersed in another country, culture, and education system
- You will work closely with both Carlson School advisers and advisers from the host university for support pre-departure and during your semester abroad
What is a Business Exchange Program?
- Recently ranked among the top European business schools by the Financial Times, the University of St. Gallen is driven to expand its global interconnectedness through continuous and systematic internationalization. The school is committed to instructing students in entrepreneurship, service, and adding value—a study experience rich in both theory and application.
- St. Gallen is a city with approx. 80,000 inhabitants, giving it a small town feel, in the eastern, German-speaking part of Switzerland, close to the Austrian and German border.
- The narrow streets of the old town provide an excellent place to wander, with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. The modern city of St. Gallen also has rich cultural offerings with theaters, museums, and concert halls.
- The Carlson Global Institute strongly encourages students to live in the on-campus housing options as those are affiliated with and vetted by the partner institutions.
- Students should check the host university website and fact sheet for specific accommodations information including on-campus and off-campus options, application process and deadline, and cost information.
- All exchange students who wish to apply for housing must complete the housing application on the St. Gallen website and pay the application fee
- Most students are assigned rooms in apartments shared with other university students or rooms sub-let from local students who have gone on exchange
- All rooms are for single occupancy only
- Students may also choose to arrange their own housing on the private market
- St. Gallen is one of the most academically rigorous exchange programs
- Graduate exchange students must enroll in the minimum number of credits outlined by the host university. The UMN does not have a minimum course requirement for graduate students on semester exchange.
- Courses transfer back as S/N on UMN transcripts
- Business courses taught in English and German are available to exchange students
- For information about specific courses available to exchange students please meet with an adviser.
- 10-week intensive cohort programme taught in English
- Class size ranges from 30-40 students
- Minimum course load of 8 UMN credits; maximum course load of 13.5 UMN credits
- Includes 5-7 company visits
Full Semester
ISP (International Study Programme)
- Currently enrolled in a Carlson School graduate program
- In good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.5
- Additional criteria may apply
- The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
- All Carlson students are responsible for obtaining a passport before they participate on a study abroad program
- All students participating on an exchange program will be responsible for obtaining a visa or residence permit if required by their host country. The Carlson Global Institute will not process visa applications for students participating on exchange programs and are not visa experts.
- The Carlson Global Institute and the host university will provide resources for visa and residence permit applications if necessary, but students will need to work with the consulate and/or visa processing company directly as well.
- Students participating on ISP are not required to obtain a visa
To apply for an exchange program you must first apply through the Carlson Global Institute on the Apply page. You will be charged a $50 application fee for each term that you apply for a program. If you apply for two programs in Fall semester you will be charged $50. If you apply for one program in Fall semester and one in Spring semester you will be charged $100. The priority deadline for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 is February 1, 2023 at noon. Applications will open during the Fall 2021 semester. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full. Applications will be reviewed and students will be informed of their status within 6 weeks of the priority deadline. Once accepted into an exchange program, you will also complete an application to the host university.
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. Carlson School graduate students are eligible for Education Abroad Fellowships. Please visit "financial aid" and "Fellowships" for more information.
Cost Estimate (Summary)
These estimates will vary based on student preference and exchange rates. All details subject to change based on economic and international factors. Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs. Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad. Visa and passport costs are subject to change. Please verify current documentation costs with the Consulate.
The below cost table includes estimated expenses based on a full semester (approximately 15 weeks). Accepted students may contact the CGI office to receive a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) form reflecting partial semester costs.
| Estimated Expenses 2023-2024: ISP Partial Semester | |
| Carlson School Tuition (charged to UMN student account) | UMN Per-credit rate (varies by credit load and UMN degree program) |
| Airfare (to and from program site) | $1,200 |
| Documentation (passport, visa, immunization) | $165 |
| Books and Materials | $430 |
| Accommodations & Meals | $4,075 |
| Essential Daily Living Expenses | $1,800 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 |
| Total | $8,070 + tuition costs |
| Estimated Expenses 2023-2024: Full Semester | |
| Carlson School Tuition (charged to UMN student account) | UMN Per-credit rate (varies by credit load and UMN degree program) |
| Airfare (to and from program site) | $1,200 |
| Documentation (passport, visa, immunization) | $250 |
| Books and Materials | $430 |
| Accommodations & Meals | $5,480 |
| Essential Daily Living Expenses | $2,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 |
| Total | $9,860 + tuition costs |