DISCOVER GOLDAU
FIND YOUR STUDY PROGRAM IN GOLDAU
GOLDAU AT A GLANCE
Goldau, or Arth-Goldau, is a town in the political community Arth SZ in the canton of Schwyz, central Switzerland. Goldau is located between Lakes Zug and Lauerz, and between two mountains, the Rigi (known as Queen of the Mountains) and the Rossberg. Goldau is a popular tourist destination, where hikers start their trip up the Rigi Mountain, or go on a boat cruise on Lake Zug. The town of Goldau has a population of just over 5,000 people, which significantly grew due to the construction of the railway. Today, Goldau is an important railway junction in Switzerland, where lines from Zurich, Lucerne and Pfäffikon meet. Apart from railway, the town is also easily accessible by car, and there is even a car rental service. For students, the best means of transportation is by bicycle. The official language in Goldau is German. The average annual temperature in the town is 6.8 °C, so the weather is considered fairly cold with significant amounts of rainfall. Goldau is located at the site of one of the most devastating natural disasters in Swiss history. About 200 years ago, a landslide, which completely destroyed the town, started in the Rossberg Mountain. Almost 500 people lost their lives and all of the houses were demolished. As a result, nowadays there are no buildings older than 200 years in town. Today, in Goldau there is a museum dedicated to the landslide.
Academic Year
Summer Semester: February – August / Winter Semester: October – February
Official Language
German
Higher Education Institutions
1
Population
5437
Living Costs
1500 – 2000 CHF
STUDYING IN GOLDAU
Founded in 2013, the Schwyz University of Teacher Education is a cantonal institution of higher education seated in Goldau. The University is especially dedicated to providing teacher education. Students there have the opportunity to choose between two Bachelor degree programs – Pre-Primary Level and Primary Level, which correspond to qualifications for kindergarten and primary school teacher. The Schwyz University of Teacher Education aims to provide a thorough knowledge of all necessary subjects taught at those levels, as well as an extensive skill set, which is necessary for working with children. The University currently accommodates about 300 students, which helps establish a tight community with a friendly atmosphere and staff that pays attention to every student’s needs. Programs are taught in German, but students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in foreign languages through conversational courses. The Schwyz University of Teacher Education gives students the chance to obtain their teacher’s qualifications through flexible study programs, which include full-time studies, part-time studies, and online courses. Degree programs usually last three years, but the study period can be extended up to six if students prefer to combine it with work. Accommodation in Goldau can be tricky to find, because the town is small. Offers for apartments up for rent can be found published on local websites and in newspapers. Monthly rent prices range between 900 (for single rooms) and 2000 CHF (for shared apartments), which amounts to 825 and 1,830 EUR. The Schwyz University of Teacher Education does not provide student accommodation.
GOLDAU LIFESTYLE
Goldau is a charming small town with picturesque views of the beautiful surrounding nature. It is the perfect location for nature lovers and seekers of peace and serenity. The excellent location provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, like hiking, cycling, boat rides, walks out in the sun and even picnics. The Goldau Nature and Animal Park, where rare mammals and birds are bred, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in town. Other interesting sights include the Tierpark Tower and the Landslide Museum. There are a few restaurants in Goldau which serve local dishes, as well as Asian and Italian cuisine. The nightlife is naturally not very busy, but there are still some trendy bars and nightclubs where students can enjoy themselves. The most popular places include Goldauerhof, Horseshoe, and Maharajah Shisha Lounge. Because the transport system in the region is so well-established, students can also go on day trips and spend their free times exploring bigger cities like Lucerne, Zug and even Zurich. Options for leisure activities in Goldau are manifold!
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN GOLDAU
Because the Schwyz University of Teacher Education specializes in preparing students for the roles of kindergarten and primary school teachers, it is natural that graduates go on to pursue those career paths. The University has established connections with school principals, education authorities, teaching professionals, educational administrators, and training professionals, and is ready to provide assistance for students in need of career guidance. Furthermore, additional courses are offered at Schwyz University of Teacher Education to help expand students’ portfolio and field of expertise.