Information for Exchange students — University of Liechtenstein

 exchange Information for exchange students

www.uni.li

Member of

Contents

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Welcome students

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About the University of Liechtenstein

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How to apply

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Institutes

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Introduction Week

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Portals for students

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Dormitory and accommodation

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Information on Liechtenstein

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Visa and residence permit

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Arrival

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First steps

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Leisure time

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We are happy . . .

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Welcome students We are delighted that you are considering the University of Liechtenstein as the destination for your exchange period.

This guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information on living and studying in Liechtenstein and to ease the application process.

If you have any further questions, our staff at the International Office will be happy to help you.

We hope to see you soon on campus!

Trudi Ackermann Director International Office

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About the University of Liechtenstein Status – Mandate – Mission Statement

Status – Mandate – Mission Statement The University of Liechtenstein is an internationally recognized public university, funded by the state and industry. A better future through knowledge – The University of Liechtenstein helps building the country`s future and enables people to develop an independent perspective. The University of Liechtenstein generates new knowledge in its areas of expertise and, thanks to the proximity between research and teaching, is a well-known centre for education and further training. This forms the foundation for an excellent reputation.

Personalities that do not simply search for answers but rather actively develop their abilities to think and assume responsibility, meet at the University of Liechtenstein. Through the strong identification of alumni with their alma mater, the University of Liechtenstein is a central hub in a vibrant network of people and institutions.

Mission statement We shape the future especially through: >> Personalities with an outstanding education who bring their competencies to the economy and society (brain gain). >> Research and transfer projects, which lead to innovation and make the region more competitive.

We work on international problems and challenges, which are of particular importance to the business location, financial centre and living environment Liechtenstein – today and tomorrow.

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The principles of our work >> Entrepreneurial thinking and behaviour at all levels The further development and ensuring of quality in teaching and research needs long-term planning security. We expand our academic and strategic scope through a high and sustainable proportion of third-party funds and sponsoring. >> Innovative planning and realisation We ensure high acceptance by and attractiveness to students and alumni through a continued innovative further development of our study programmes regarding their quality and the needs of science as well as the regional and global job market.

Through research in relevant niches, we make a considerable contribution to the solution of current economic and social issues. >> Regional anchorage and internationality From our region, we position the University of Liechtenstein in the global university landscape through the diversity of our students, lecturers and researchers as well as the international reach of our research and teaching. This corresponds with the regional need for international establishment and networking.

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Beatriz Sippach Vasconcellos Brazil

“I came to Liechtenstein as an exchange student and planned to stay one semester. In the end, my exchange was extended by one year, and some months later, I became a regular student of the MSc programme in Architecture. The time I spent studying in this unique country played a major role not only in my career but also in my life as a whole.

I come from a metropolitan, hectic and very diverse city but it was in little Liechtenstein that I could really broaden my knowledge and vision and see things from other perspectives. The experiences I had, will always be with me, and therefore, I am very grateful that this part of my journey took place in Liechtenstein!�

About the University of Liechtenstein How to apply

How to apply Giorgi Vardanashvili Georgia

“Studying in Liechtenstein was a life changing experience for me. Suddenly, I found myself in a completely different environment and in just a short while I fell in love with this place. During my exchange semester I studied urban architecture and sustainable design. I gained valuable experience on this programme, and not least because of this I won the first prize in an international architecture competition in 2016. The University of Liechtenstein provided a perfect work environment. Located in the heart of Europe it was also great to have so many interesting places within reach. It is very hard to say which moment was the best because there were so many of them!”

Dear student On the next few pages we will guide you through the application process you should follow when applying to our university. We kindly ask you to adhere to the guidelines in order to ensure that we can provide you with the best service possible.

General information provided by the University of Liechtenstein We provide you with information about our degree programmes and modules. This includes general information about living in Liechtenstein, the cost of living, culture, etc.

Nomination by your university and application Once you have been selected by your university, please register using our mobility online tool: www.uni.li/application-process. The programme will automatically guide you through the application process.

Language proficiency A good command of the language of instruction is required. All students whose mother tongue is not German or English must enclose proof of their skills in one of these languages. An upper-intermediate level B2 (+) is required. You can submit any diploma or certificate. Certificates of attainment are also accepted.

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Credit system The University of Liechtenstein uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). The ECTS was developed by the European Commission to provide common procedures that guarantee the full transfer of credits for studies abroad towards the final qualification in the home country. ECTS credits are a value allocated to course units, and they describe the workload required to complete the course/module. In the ECTS, 60Â credits represent the workload of one year of full-time studies and 30 credits of one semester.

Exchange students receive ECTS credits for all completed academic work.

ECTS learning agreement As an applying exchange student, you are required to fill in an ECTS learning agreement. This preliminary study plan serves to inform our departments about your course choices at the University of Liechtenstein. When you arrive in Liechtenstein, you should complete, if necessary, an updated ECTS learning agreement, which will be signed by our departmental and institutional coordinators. Changes to the learning agreement form have to be made during the first four weeks after your arrival. A signed learning agreement approves the study plan, i.e. the courses you wish to take. Please save your final transcript as it will be an important document when you discuss the recognition of studies at your home university.

Please note that courses are normally arranged either in the winter or the summer semester only. Make sure that your learning agreement contains courses which are available during the time period you are here.

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About the University of Liechtenstein Institutes

Institute of Architecture and Planning The Institute of Architecture and Planning at the University of Liechtenstein can look back on a tradition of more than half a century. This means that the Institute benefits from continuity and from a multifarious global network, which is reflected in the international composition of the student body. In recent decades the role of the architect and with it architectural education has undergone a radical shift; architects are no longer responsible for ‘mere’ building, but are socially engaged and act with an entrepreneurial spirit to change our environment for the better. This results in project-based research and teaching that focuses on themes emerging from the given Alpine context, in particular the relationship between landscape and settlement, craft and renewable architecture.

The university aspires to develop the personality, creativity and expressiveness of its students. To this end, students should be taught relevant skills while boosting their critical rationality and arousing their enthusiasm for a career in architecture.

Study programmes The Institute of Architecture and Planning offers the following study programmes:

www.uni.li/architecture

>> Bachelor’s degree programme in Architecture (BSc Arch.) >> Master’s degree programme in Architecture (MSc Arch.) >> Doctoral degree programme in Architecture and Planning (PhD)

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Institute for Finance The Institute is concerned with central questions and problems in the field of private and public wealth management. Our consecutive study programmes focus on asset and risk management as well as on international finance and offer numerous advantages such as cooperation with CFA and GARP, educational journeys, projects with local businesses, and networking opportunities with financial services companies.

The excellent quality of teaching and strong focus on methodology prepare students for demanding activities in the financial sector or for a PhD degree in Finance. The international group of the students encourages intercultural exchanges.

Study programmes The Institute for Finance offers the following study programmes: >> Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Major in International Financial Services) >> Master of Science in Finance >> PhD in Business Economics

www.uni.li/financialservices

About the University of Liechtenstein Institutes

Institute of Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurial thinking and activity are central to the Institute of Entrepreneurship.

Essentially it is a matter of discovering entrepreneurial opportunities, developing innovative business ideas and realising them on the international markets. This vision can be traced through all the Institute’s areas of activity – teaching, continuing education, knowledge and technology transfer and research.

We analyse questions of entrepreneurship and innovation on well-grounded theoretical foundations, and work out concrete strategic recommendations for business practice.

Our core competence fields include Strategy, Leadership, Technology Management and Innovation, Corporate Entrepreneurship, Internationalisation and Business Growth.

Studies offer practice-oriented preparation for professional activities demanding the application of scientific insights and methods. Particular emphasis is placed on decisionmaking and responsibility. Also promoted are analytical and social skills, commitment and engagement, and the willingness to tackle unfamiliar tasks.

Study programmes The Institute of Entrepreneurship offers the following study programmes:

www.uni.li/entrepreneurship

>> Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Major in International Management and Entrepreneurship) >> Master of Science in Entrepreneurship >> PhD in Business Economics

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Institute of Information Systems Research and teaching at the Institute of Information Systems are focused on the design, implementation, use, and impact of digital technologies as well as their potential for innovation and transformation of business and society.

Key research topics include business process management, data science and digital innovation. The Institute is home to more than 30 information systems researchers, including six professors as well as renowned international visiting staff. We are dedicated to fostering knowledge transfer and to closely collaborating with industry partners.

We also offer various programmes that allow students to gain practical industry experience during their studies, for instance, the Hilti Fellowship and our Student Fellowship programme. Moreover, we offer a number of SAP’s eAcademy online courses as well as the TERP10-SAP ERP certification in cooperation with SAP. Study programmes The Institute of Information Systems offers the following study programmes and specialisations: >> Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Major in Information Management and Information Technology) >> Master of Science in Information Systems (Majors in Business Process Management and Data Science) >> PhD in Business Economics

www.uni.li/informationsystems

About the University of Liechtenstein Introduction Week

Introduction Week With our Introduction Week we would like to welcome you to the University of Liechtenstein. The Introduction Week takes place twice during the academic year, usually one week prior to the beginning of your study programme. It aims to familiarize you with your surroundings and helps you to meet other students. During this week you will: >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

meet other international students meet the International Office team find your way around the university familiarize yourself with your study programme find your way around the local area familiarize yourself with authorities and official institutions build a foundation level of a passive/active command of the German language get to know life and culture in the Liechtenstein region

Contents In addition to the core objectives mentioned above, this week offers German language courses as well as afternoon- and full-day activities that all aim at making you familiar with your new environment. We show you around the local area and depending on the season, we organize outdoor activities such as hiking excursions, sledging and barbecues. We also aim to arrange informative and cultural activities such as:

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Tour of Vaduz – scavenger hunt Find your way through the centre of our capital and become familiar with its most important places. Discover Liechtenstein, its capital Vaduz and the culture of its people by hunting for clues and by solving riddles. A fun afternoon is guaranteed!

Liechtenstein welcomes you Meet a government spokesperson who will provide information about Liechtenstein, its people and its culture.

Trip to Feldkirch in Austria and shopping A 20-minute bus ride takes us to Feldkirch, a picturesque medieval town situated in Austria. Its historic sites and charming cobbled streets make it a special place to visit.

After strolling along the small alleys and arcades, we will go shopping for our international dinner in the evening.

Welcome dinner Taste a world of food and sample typical alpine dishes. Join in and prepare a typical dish from your country. Chat with local and international students over good food and drink.

We hope you will have great fun exploring Liechtenstein – its culture, language and lifestyle!

See you at the Introduction Week!

www.uni.li/introweek

About the University of Liechtenstein Portals for students

Portals for students Find key information concerning study programmes, educational offers, course descriptions, registration deadlines, contacts to lecturers, students’ associations, and much more on our website: www.uni.li For specific information for international students visit: www.uni.li/international Facebook You can find us on Facebook. Sign up for the university group to meet other members or to keep informed about campus life: www.facebook.com/Universitaet.Liechtenstein Every academic year, we create a Facebook group for which the International Office provides updates on social events including barbecues, hiking excursions, trips and other events organized by the university or by the Vaduz authorities. All accepted guest-students receive the link to this Facebook group per email prior to semester start.

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) ESN Liechtenstein is part of one of the largest interdisciplinary student associations which is represented in 40 European countries with over 500 sections. It aims at providing help for international students coming to Liechtenstein as well as for students planning an exchange semester abroad. Furthermore it offers support for newcomers during the orientation phase and facilitates the integration process by organizing cultural events and excursions: www.facebook.com/ESN.li

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Buddy programme The buddy programme is run by ESN Liechtenstein. A “buddy student” is a regular University of Liechtenstein student who either has taken or is planning to take part in an exchange programme, or a person who enjoys meeting people from other cultures.

If you have questions concerning life in Vaduz or studying at the University of Liechtenstein, you may choose to get in touch with a “buddy” before arrival.

Students’ associations There are various students’ associations at the University of Liechtenstein: >> Spinnerei . . . is the student office at the University of Liechtenstein. On the Spinnerei website you can find information about current events (sports events, parties), the dormitory and other campus matters: www.uni.li/spinnerei >> START Liechtenstein . . . is a student initiative at the University of Liechtenstein and part of the international START global network. Motivation meets innovation!

Its most important task can be described as passing on the philosophy of gaining, exchanging and perfecting the knowledge about both entre- and intrapreneurship: www.uni.li/start >> University of Liechtenstein Alumni (ULA) . . . maintains contact with former University of Liechtenstein students. The alumni constitute an important pillar of our future.

Whether as ambassadors for the university or as a link with industry, politics and society, the alumni contribute to the shaping of our still young university long after they have completed their studies: www.uni.li/alumni

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About the University of Liechtenstein Dormitory and accommodation

Dormitory and accommodation The dormitory consists of two three-storey buildings. Buildings A and B are laterally reversed. There are six single and three double rooms on every level, a large shared kitchen/living room area, a laundry room and three shared bathrooms. The individual rooms (18 square metres) are equipped with a bed, a wardrobe, a bookshelf, a desk (with lockable drawer), a chair and a rubbish bin. Curtains, as well as sheets, pillows and duvets are provided. Extra heaters, radiators, fridges or cooking plates are not permitted in individual rooms, due to the house rules.

In the shared kitchen you will find a microwave, a stove with an oven, and a fridge with a freezer. Kitchens are furnished with a dining table and chairs. Storage shelves in the fridge and wall cupboards are provided for each student. In the living room there is a sofa, an armchair and a TV set. The laundry room features a washing and drying machine (coin-operated). This is also where you can leave your clothes to dry. Bathrooms are shared between three or four persons and contain a toilet, a shower and a washbasin.

Check this link to a student-made video-clip about our dormitory: “Living in a box” Producer: Jiri Herzan (MSc Information Systems): www.uni.li/studentdormitory Room booking Your acceptance as an exchange or regular student will grant you access to the online booking system. You can book your room yourself using your personal login and password.

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To make your reservation for a room at the dormitory, a deposit of CHF 1,000.00 needs to be issued to the university within three days after booking. Otherwise your reservation will be cancelled.

Arrival at the dormitory In case you are arriving from the Feldkirch, Schaan or Buchs railway stations, take a bus (“Liechtenstein Bus” – green) and get off at the Ebenholz/Universität bus stop. It is a two-minute uphill walk to the dormitory (behind the white church). The dormitory is located on the same street as the University of Liechtenstein. It takes 2 to 3 minutes to get to the university on foot. Walking to Vaduz’s town centre takes about 10 to 15 minutes, while a bus ride takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Address Fürst-Franz-Josef-Strasse 15 (for building A) and 17 (for building B) 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein More information concerning accommodation (private rooms and free housing market) is available on our website: www.uni.li/living We have also created a Facebook group called “uni.li living”, helping students to find a place to stay or new flatmates: FB group: uni.li living

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About the University of Liechtenstein Information on Liechtenstein

Information on Liechtenstein Facts and figures about Liechtenstein The Principality of Liechtenstein is located in the heart of Europe in the Alpine Rhine Valley, surrounded by its neighbouring countries, Switzerland and Austria.

Constitution Liechtenstein is a constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis. The power of the state is vested in the Prince and the people and is exercised by both, according to the requirements of the constitutional provisions (article 2 of the Constitution of 1921).

Head of State Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, Count of Rietberg, is the current head of Liechtenstein. On 13 November 1989, upon the death of his father, Prince Franz Josef II, Hereditary Prince Hans-Adam assumed the regency as Prince Hans-Adam II. On 15 August 2004, His Serene Highness Prince Hans-Adam II appointed his son, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois, as his permanent representative, and conferred upon him the mandate to administer the business of the state in accordance with the constitution.

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Capital Vaduz Parliament The Liechtenstein Parliament consists of 25 members. It exercises its rights in the full parliament. Liechtenstein has a small parliament by international comparison.

Government In accordance with the constitution, the government is a collegial authority and consists of the prime minister and four additional ministers. The Reigning Prince appoints the prime minister and the additional ministers on the recommendation of the Liechtenstein Parliament.

Administration of justice Jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters is exercised in the first instance by the Court of Justice, in the second instance by the Court of Appeal and in the third and final instance by the Supreme Court. Administrative jurisdiction is exercised by the Administrative Court and by the Constitutional Court. The courts are located in Vaduz.

Further information: www.liechtenstein.li www.tourismus.li

Population 37,686 (30 June 2016) ; of which 34% are foreign nationals, primarily Swiss, Austrian and German citizens.

Language The official language is German. The spoken language is an Alemannic dialect.

Religion 75.9% of the population is Roman Catholic, 8.5% is Protestant, and 15.6% belong to other faiths.

State celebration 15 August Currency Swiss franc (CHF) Area 160 square kilometres/61.8 square miles

About the University of Liechtenstein Visa and residence permit

Visa and residence permit Information regarding residence permit application procedures and all related required documents: Initial application for non-EU/EEA citizens (visa requirement) Initial applications from non-EU/EEA countries (visa requirement) entail two separate procedures (visa and short-term residence permit). Different documents and verifications are required for the two procedures. The visa is the basic prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit for Liechtenstein.

1. Visa application (required for entry into Liechtenstein) Non-EU/EEA passport-holders are required to apply for a student visa from the appropriate Swiss representation (embassy/consulate) responsible for their native country.

The student must obtain information about the required documents and verifications directly from the Swiss representation (embassy/consulate), since the requirements vary from country to country.

The student must submit these documents and verifications personally to the Swiss representative (embassy/consulate) . The documents are then examined and forwarded to the Immigration and Passport Office of Liechtenstein. If the application is approved, the University of Liechtenstein receives a letter confirming “Authorization to Issue a Visa”, which is then forwarded to the student.

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2. Residence permit for Liechtenstein (required for short-term residence in Liechtenstein) All students, regardless of their citizenship, are required to apply for a short-term residence permit (L permit) in Liechtenstein. Application forms will be sent automatically to admitted students by the Coordination Centre for Permits at the University of Liechtenstein.

Required documents >> Application form – will be sent to you during the application process >> Police record not older than one month (Non-EU/EEA citizens only) >> Copy of passport >> Copy of health and accident insurance Non-EU/EEA citizens are required to have a health and accident insurance from a Swiss or Liechtenstein insurance provider! We recommend the student insurance packages from SwissCare. The Coordination Centre for Permits at the University of Liechtenstein provides you with more information.

Fees for EU/EEA citizens Confirmation CHF 60.00 plus permit CHF 80.00 to be paid after arrival.

Fees for non-EU/EEA citizens Confirmation CHF 60.00 plus permit CHF 120.00 to be paid after arrival. (additional costs for express delivery may apply)

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Janne Toppinen Finland

“For me, my exchange semester in Liechtenstein meant both great personal and academic growth. I instantly felt welcome in this beautiful country with its friendly people located in the alpine valley next to the river Rhine. Despite being a small country, Liechtenstein provides plenty of possibilities for big adventures and exciting experiences.

The people in the student dormitories were like a second family to me, and I found many lifelong friends during my stay. Studying in University of Liechtenstein was interesting and the atmosphere was innovative as well as academically supporting. What I enjoyed the most was the combination of theory and practice in our studies which greatly supports the learning experience. I will forever remember my time in Liechtenstein fondly and truly wouldn’t change a thing even if I had the chance!�

About the University of Liechtenstein Arrival

Arrival The campus, located above Vaduz at the site of the former Spoerry cotton mill, is easily accessed by using public or private transport. . . . by air The closest large international airport is situated in Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland (approximately 115 kilometres). Regional airports are located in St. Gallen-Altenrhein, Switzerland (approximately 40 kilometres), in Friedrichshafen, Germany (approximately 80 kilometres) and in Innsbruck, Austria (approximately 200 kilometres). Public transport connections run between these regional airports and international hubs in Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin), Austria (Vienna) and other European countries. . . . by train EuroCity, intercity and regional train services operated by the Swiss and Austrian railway systems stop at railway stations close to the Liechtenstein border (Buchs and Sargans in Switzerland, Feldkirch in Austria) and at the railway station in Schaan (Liechtenstein).

Trains from the airports in Zurich-Kloten, Rorschach/Altenrhein (St. Gallen), Friedrichshafen (Germany) and Vienna/Innsbruck (Austria) travel to Buchs, Sargans and Feldkirch.

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB): www.sbb.ch Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB): www.oebb.at German Railways (DB): www.db.de

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. . . by bus The LIECHTENSTEINmobil (LIEmobil) runs a regular bus service to all points in Liechtenstein from the railway stations in Buchs and Sargans (Switzerland), Schaan (Liechtenstein) and Feldkirch (Austria). On foot, the University of Liechtenstein is located 3 to 4 minutes uphill from the bus stop “Ebenholz/Universität” on the Schaan – Vaduz bus route.

Travel times from the various train stations are as follows: >> Buchs – Vaduz (Ebenholz/Universität): approximately 20 minutes >> Sargans – Vaduz (Ebenholz/Universität): approximately 40 minutes >> Feldkirch – Vaduz (Ebenholz/Universität): approximately 30 minutes A timetable (and prices) can be found here: www.liemobil.li With LIEmobil you can travel between three countries: Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. Students can buy an annual ticket at a discounted rate, which is worth buying even if you only stay for one semester. The town hall partly reimburses the expense (after visa or residence permit application procedures have been completed).

Tickets can be bought at any post office. One-way or return tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver.

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. . . by car Drive towards Vaduz along the main connecting road between Schaan and Vaduz. Leave Schaan, turn left after the overflow viaduct (at the entrance to Vaduz) onto Fürst-Franz-JosefStrasse an continue towards the castle (“Zum Schloss”) . The campus is located approximately 500 metres farther on the left. Follow the signs to the parking areas. >> from St. Gallen via the A 13 motorway (approximately 45 minutes) >> from Zurich via the A 3 to Sargans, then via the A 13 (approximately 1.25 hours) >> from Munich via the A 96, in Austria via the A 14 (approximately 2.5 hours) >> from Innsbruck via the A 12, S 16 and then the A 14 (approximately 2.5 hours)

About the University of Liechtenstein First steps

First steps Paulina Frankowska Poland

To be arranged by the student before arriving in Liechtenstein: Cost of living In order to give you an orientation about the monthly costs of living, we have set up a table with approximate values. Please consider that cost of living is very individual and therefore may vary.

“University of Liechtenstein is a place where I experienced a new type of education. The small amount of students and the impressive commitment of the university’s team provide a special atmosphere, where the process of gaining knowledge becomes easier and more efficient. I appreciate being known by all the people and I get support from all sides - teachers and students. What makes my studies even more interesting is the open workspace in the Department of Architecture, where I spend most of my time. It is a place where I feel safe and creative, a perfect environment for project- and teamwork together with my colleagues!”

>> Rent including utilities: CHF 560 >> Telephone/mobile: CHF 50 >> Food: CHF 350

>> Health insurance/insurance: CHF 100 >> Clothing, laundry, hygiene: CHF 90 >> Leisure, extra costs: CHF 150

Cost of living for students at the University of Liechtenstein can be expected to total approximately CHF 1,300.00 per month. Exchange students pay tuition at their home university.

Bank Students may open an account at one of the bank institutes in Liechtenstein.

Required documents are a passport and student ID. The best solution is to open a student account free of charge.

Mobile phone connections Special student offers with favourable conditions (20% discount) regarding telephone and internet services in Liechtenstein, Switzerland and the EU are available for our students at the Liechtenstein mobile phone operator FL1: www.fl1.li

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Anna Strizhkova Russia

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“Last year I decided to come to the University of Liechtenstein for an exchange semester on the master programme in finance and this place stole my heart in such a way that I applied for the exchange extension! Amazing people, unforgettable meetings, highly professional training, excellent conditions for self-development and self-realization (OMG, the projects we were working on!..), improving the language skills and the establishment of personal and business contacts! And another pleasant bonus is the awesome nature – Liechtenstein is located 100% in Alpine region. So, within the last year I did not only acquire knowledge, but also got charged with positive energy, had great experiences and made lots of new friends from all over the world!�

About the University of Liechtenstein Leisure time

Leisure time UniSport To stay fit through the semester, UniSport keeps you moving. We offer continuous training in many team sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball. There are courses for your personal fitness and work-life-balance as well, for example Pilates, Yoga and body toning.

Furthermore, uni.li students participate in several regional sport competitions such as, for example, the SOLA Stafette in Zurich and the Liechtensteiner soccer cup. We also cooperate with many Liechtenstein sport associations in the area of tennis, fitness or squash courts. Besides, our students benefit from reduced entry fees for open air pools nearby.

Sports Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledging, ice skating and ice hockey. Ski tours and snow hikes are also very popular. For ambitious sports advocates, there is also the après-ski option.

In summer there is a wide range of options available, from football and boccia to paragliding over the Rhine Valley. Liechtenstein also offers ideal settings and facilities for taking part in activities such as biking, in-line skating, hiking, jogging, swimming, climbing, golfing, riding and archery www.galina.li. Liechtenstein provides more than 400 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails.

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Further information and links:

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Eva Kukurite Latvia

>> UniSport: www.uni.li/unisport >> Sports in the principality: www.liechtenstein.li/sport/sportland-liechtenstein >> University Sports Federation of Liechtenstein: www.lhsv.li Cultural events in Liechtenstein >> National Day, 15 August: huge firework display and festival. >> Funken: a regional tradition where a huge stack of wood is burnt.

This festival symbolizes the end of the winter.

Theatre/Cinema Those interested in culture can visit the Liechtenstein theatre TAK: www.tak.li or the Bregenz Festival on the floating stage located on the lake. In Zurich there are diverse cultural attractions.

There are several small cinemas in Liechtenstein, e. g. in Schaan: www.filmclub.li Several show films in their original language with subtitles. The closest major cinemas are in Austria (30 minutes by car) or in Switzerland, Buchs (10 minutes by car). There is also a large cinema in Balzers.

“In contrast to most Erasmus students that are heading for a European metropolis, I decided to spend my Erasmus semester in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. It can be characterized by its spectacular scenery, local traditions and a wide range of international students Teaching methods at the University of Liechtenstein differed from the ones I was used to. For instance, in the design studio, students from all semesters worked together on the same topic. This allows younger students to learn from the more experienced ones. My studies and personal development got a great lift from my Erasmus exchange. It was an amazing cultural experience that was shared with people from all over the world!”

About the University of Liechtenstein Leisure time

Museums/Concerts In the Principality of Liechtenstein you can find interesting places related to history or art. Below are a few links: >> Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts: www.kunstmuseum.li >> Liechtenstein National Museum: www.landesmuseum.li >> Online events: www.veranstaltungen.li >> Eventix – events in the region: www.eventix.li Every year, especially during summer, lots of concerts take place in Liechtenstein.

In Vaduz, during June and July, a different concert is held every weekend next to the post office. In Eschen there is a very popular guitar event: www.ligita.li Events in Feldkirch (Austria) One week before Advent Sunday, the entire town centre is taken over by the “Blosengelmarkt”. Over 30 market stands offer a wide selection of original gift items and tastes of mulled wine or mulled cider and deep-fried apple rings, an almost forgotten Vorarlberg speciality. >> Gauklerfestival: 100 street performers take over the old town and transform Feldkirch into the largest open-air theatre in the country. Street performers from 10 nations turn the centre of Feldkirch into their stage.

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>> Montfort Spectacle: Every year at the end of May you can experience the Middle Ages in Feldkirch. More than 20,000 visitors attend this event every year. At the Feldkirch Montfort Spectacle, you are taken back to the time of the Count of Montfort to experience how people worked and, most of all, how they celebrated.

Pubs/Clubs There are several small clubs in Liechtenstein. However, most people generally go out in Feldkirch. >> Black Pearl Bar in Schaan: www.black-pearl.li >> Central Garage in Schaan: www.central-garage.li >> Esquire Bar in Vaduz: www.esquire.li >> Zwei Bar & Lounge in Vaduz: www.zwei.li Shopping In Vaduz there is the Mühleholz shopping mall, which is very close to the university, and in the town centre there is a small Coop supermarket where you can find the most important products. In case you intend to do a big shop, we recommend that you visit the closest Austrian town – Feldkirch. There you can find supermarkets such as: Hofer, Billa, Lidl, DM and Spar. For students who want to find some local ingredients, visiting InterSpar might be a good idea (it is located on the far side of Feldkirch and can be reached by car or by taking the Liechtenstein bus to the railway station in Feldkirch, and then switching to an Austrian bus).

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Altair Cerda Mexico

“Small without a doubt, but full of surprises. That has been Liechtenstein for me so far.

This past semester has been a rollercoaster of emotions, discoveries, joys, challenges and a lot of lovely new friends. When I arrived I was not sure what to expect. I had spent a year at the ETH, and was sure that it was going to be something similar! Oh boy, I was so wrong. First of all, the size of the school and the amount of nationalities. It is a surreal experience to have a normal chat with people from every continent in the world.

Some of them become friends for life, while others are simply people you know, with whom you can share a beer and a homemade pasta. Experience-wise, the University has given me access to new worlds, the scale of which I could only dream of before.

Being able to meet the curator of the art museum, work with refugees and organise a Food Festival that was even supported by the city of Vaduz has been amazing. I am writing this while travelling in the middle of Graubünden. In the housing market they say three things determine the price of a property: location, location, and location! That is certainly also true for the University. Located in the middle of the Alps, one has the feeling that it’s located at the centre of the world. In ancient times, people thought Rome was the centre of the civilised world, and Liechtenstein gives you exactly the same feeling. I could not be happier to be here. The standard of the design studios is pretty high, the mixture of cultures is surreal, the landscape is better than in the movies and we even have a castle and a prince. Not even Disney has been able to put so many amazing things together and show them off in a four month period. Without a doubt, studying at the University of Liechtenstein is a unique experience to cherish for life!”

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We are happy . . . . . . that you have chosen the University of Liechtenstein for your study abroad and hope that you will enjoy your studies and your time with us. There are many activities in this area and many places for you to visit during your stay in Liechtenstein. We hope that you will take the opportunity to discover this beautiful country and its neigh­ bouring regions.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our International Office staff if you have any questions or problems.

Trudi Ackermann Director International Office trudi.ackermann@uni.li Phone + 423 265 11 03 Simon Mittermeier Study Abroad Advisor simon.mittermeier@uni.li Phone + 423 265 11 16 Mirjana Matic-Schädler Study Abroad Advisor mirjana.matic@uni.li Phone + 423 265 11 07 International Office team international-office@uni.li

International Office Team international-office@uni.li

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© 0 9.2017 University of Liechtenstein. Subject to alterations. 500 copies.

Design: Leone Ming Est., Intensive Brand, Schaan; Photos: Sven Beham, Ruggell, Close up AG, Roland Korner, Triesen, Universität Liechtenstein; Print: BVD Druck + Verlag AG, Schaan

University of Liechtenstein Fürst-Franz-Josef-Strasse, 9490 Vaduz, Principality of Liechtenstein, Phone + 423 265 11 11, Fax + 423 265 11 12, international-office@uni.li