Swiss Schools Abroad Face Funding Crisis

Government austerity measures threaten Swiss international schools with potential CHF7.9 million budget cut, risking Switzerland's cultural and educational influence abroad.

Key Takeaways

Swiss schools abroad are threatened by government austerity measures with potential CHF7.9 million budget cuts
There are 17 Swiss schools abroad spread across 10 countries and 3 continents
Swiss schools abroad were originally founded by German-speaking Swiss Abroad
80% of current students in Swiss schools abroad are non-Swiss nationals

By The Numbers

CHF7.9 million

Proposed budget cut for Swiss schools abroad

CHF18.4 million

Total cultural funding cut by 2028

20%

Federal support coverage of schools' expenditure

8,000

Approximate total number of students

They Said

"These cuts hit Swiss schools abroad hard and would affect them disproportionately"
— Serge Künzler, director of educationsuisse

"We can expect some schools to close, or lose their Swissness"
— Serge Künzler

Crisis Overview

Historical Context

Current Challenges

Impact and Implications

Future Outlook

Sources & References

Swiss schools abroad threatened by government cuts

SWI swissinfo.ch