Zug AT A GLANCE

ZUG AT A GLANCE

With a population of nearly 31,000 people, Zug is the capital and the biggest city in the canton of Zug, Central Switzerland. The city’s name might be linked to its location on the Lake Zug, since in Middle Ages the word ‘’zug’’ was used to indicate the action of pulling fishing nets from the water. The beautiful city may be somewhat small in size but it is actually an ideal location for living and studying as it boasts a perfect combination of low tax rates, good connection to some of the bigger Swiss cities, and last but not least, a great higher education. The latter is provided by the University of Teacher Education located just above the city with a magnificent view over the lake and mountains. The climate in Zug is classified as oceanic, with warm and humid summers and cold dry winters. Due to its location on the Lake Zug, the city might experience foggy days throughout the year. Summer months are sunny with an average temperature of 21 °C to 23 °C, whereas winters are quite cold and dry with temperatures dropping below 0 °C and reaching -2 °C to -3 °C in January. Zug has an extensive public transport network with buses circulating frequently around all districts. Located in Central Switzerland, Zug is well-linked to other bigger cities like Luzern and Zurich that can be reached by train within less than an hour.

Academic Year

Spring Semester: February – June (full semester) / February – May (half semester) / Autumn Semester: September – February (full semester) September – December (half semester)

Official Language

German, French

Higher Education Institutions

Population

30535

Living Costs

1500 CHF

STUDYING IN ZUG

Zug is home to the University of Teacher Education (PH) Zug, a modern and internationally oriented higher education institution. PH Zug offers Bachelor’s studies, Advanced studies, and In-Service Teacher trainings for everyone who wishes to become a teacher at pre-primary/lower primary level. Currently the university is attended by approximately 370 students, which allows a unique and very special culture of co-operation as well as a rather personal atmosphere. Students who choose to study here will be able to implement in their future work academic knowledge and various approaches obtained through innovative practical and teacher training received here at PH Zug. Students coming to Zug for the first time will need to find their own accommodation since unfortunately such is not provided by the university. However, there are multiple opportunities for finding a room in a shared flat or house or individual studio apartments on the private housing market in the city. With the help of online renting websites or advertisements published in newspapers, students can find comfortable accommodation even prior to their arrival. The price of the monthly rent might vary between 400 CHF for a single room to nearly 2,000 CHF for a two- or three-bedroom apartment, depending on the type and location of the accommodation.

ZUG LIFESTYLE

The city might be small in size but it offers a high-quality lifestyle with various leisure and cultural activities. It is very compact and convenient to live in since everything is within walking or cycling distance. Furthermore, its layout on the Lake Zug creates a nice feeling of freedom and an excellent opportunity to enjoy stunning sunsets. Those who wish to know the local culture and traditions can enjoy different activities such as taking a tour of the Public Kirsch Distillery, or attending one of the fun festivals and fairs where locals gather to celebrate. The city is also perfect for young adults as there are lots of leisure activities such as going to the movies or a game of bowling at the Cherry Bowl Center. When the night falls, people like to meet at one of the local bars and pubs where they can enjoy a cold beer or a fancy cocktail to the sounds of good music, attend a live performance, or play a game of billiard. The beautiful country side, which is characterized by picturesque lakes, mountains and green landscapes, is ideal for those who wish to spend some time in the midst of nature, especially at the end of a busy week. Various outdoor sports can be easily practiced in parks and wooded areas as well as on the lake where many people like to hang out in summer. Staying active during the colder months is also possible with the abundance of winter sports, such as winter walking, sledding, skiing, snowshoe hiking, and more. In addition, Zug has also five indoor public swimming pools where people can relax or practice swimming. Those who wish to explore the region can easily travel across the country and reach larger cities like Luzern and Zurich in no time.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ZUG

Young and ambitious people striving to pursue a successful career as a teacher can most certainly find their way after their graduation. Degrees obtained at PH Zug are recognized globally, allowing young adults to pursue a career within Switzerland or abroad. Furthermore, Zug has some great opportunities for practicing while studying with an internship at one of the kindergartens or primary schools in town. The university is also working closely with approximately 30 partner institutes in Switzerland and 19 in other countries. The International Office on campus can also be of help to anyone who wishes to receive more information on a potential career development. In terms of working while studying, some students might need to find a part-time job since living in Switzerland might be quite expensive. The PH Zug certainly thinks of its students and wishes to ease the whole experience as much as possible. Therefore incoming students from Erasmus+ program countries will be able to receive a grant of 380 to 440 CHF per month for a fixed duration of five months per semester as additional help from the university. Everyone else who wants to find part-time employment during their lecture periods or semester breaks can visit the “Career” section on universitaet.com where current job offers in Zug and other Swiss cities are published.

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