If you’re considering studying in Switzerland and wondering whether your English skills will be enough to get by, I have good news: yes, English is widely spoken here. But like most things in life, the reality is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let me walk you through what you can actually expect.
English in Cities: Your Safe Zone
If you’re studying in major Swiss cities like Zurich, Basel, Bern, or Geneva, you’ll find English widely spoken. Universities have international offices where staff speak English fluently. Student services, libraries, and accommodation offices? All accustomed to English speakers. Your classmates, especially those studying at the graduate level, will likely speak English well. Many lectures and courses in Swiss universities are taught in English, particularly master’s programs.
During my visit to Zurich, I was genuinely impressed by how effortlessly the city accommodated English speakers. I stopped a young woman on the street to ask for directions, and she not only answered in perfect English but gave me detailed recommendations about where to get the best coffee nearby. That’s the Switzerland that international students typically experience in the cities.
Here’s the practical breakdown: young Swiss people (under 40) in urban areas almost always speak English. The percentage drops as you go to smaller towns and as you meet older generations. Tourism-related businesses — hotels, restaurants, museums — maintain decent English, though quality varies. And importantly, administrative services have English speakers or can direct you to someone who speaks your language.
The Regional Language Factor
Now, here’s where it gets important to understand Switzerland’s geography. Switzerland isn’t one linguistic zone. The north and central regions speak primarily German (Swiss German, to be specific, which is actually quite different from standard German). The west is French-speaking. The south is Italian. And each region has its own relationship with English.
Generally, French-speaking regions (like Geneva and parts of western Switzerland) have slightly lower English proficiency than German-speaking areas. Not because people are unfriendly or unwilling — it’s just demographics and economic factors. Italian-speaking regions in the south tend to fall somewhere in between. This doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck, but it does mean you’ll need a bit more patience in some areas.
If you’re learning some basic phrases in the local language — German, French, or Italian, depending on where you study — that’s genuinely appreciated. Swiss people respect the effort, and knowing “hello”, “thank you”, and “excuse me” in their language goes a long way. I cannot stress this enough: locals respond differently when they know you’re making an effort to learn their language, even if you immediately switch to English afterwards.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
University experience. That will likely be conducted partly or fully in English if you’re in an international program. Your lectures, your group projects, your academic support — all generally accessible in English.
Accommodations. Most rental platforms operate in English. Your landlord or roommates may speak English, though this depends on whether you’re in a city or a small town.
Social life. This is where English helps tremendously. International student groups communicate in English. Bars and cafes frequented by younger people are usually English-friendly. You’ll make friends among other international students easily. Making Swiss friends who only speak their local language? That requires more effort and stronger language skills, but it’s absolutely possible.
Going to the grocery store, opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, visiting the doctor — these are areas where you might encounter more Swiss German, French, or Italian, depending on your region. But most essential services will likely have enough English capability or multilingual staff to help you. It might take longer than if you spoke the local language, but you’ll manage.
The Real Consideration: Effort vs. Necessity
You can absolutely live your entire student years in Switzerland speaking only English. Some of the students at my English tutoring institute went this route, and they survived just fine — good grades, solid friendships, successful degrees. But the ones who’d invested even modest effort into learning French or German said the same thing: they felt like they’d actually lived in Switzerland, not just studied there.
The Swiss are generally understanding about the English language — they’re not xenophobic or unwilling to help. But they do notice, and they value, when foreigners make genuine attempts to learn their language. This isn’t political; it’s cultural. Learning to navigate life in another language, even partially, is what turns you from a visitor into someone who’s genuinely trying to integrate. And here’s the thing: the Swiss respect effort.
My Practical Recommendation
If you’re planning to study in Switzerland, here’s what I’d suggest based on both my teaching experience and my time in the country:
First, use English as your foundation. It will absolutely get you through. But invest time — even modest time — in learning the basics of the local language before you arrive. Duolingo for 15 minutes a day is better than nothing. YouTube videos are free. When you land in Switzerland, you’ll be grateful you did this.
Second, join international student communities immediately. You’ll naturally meet people who speak English, and many will be further along in learning the local language, so you can learn from them.
Third, don’t isolate yourself in English-only bubbles. Yes, it’s comfortable, but it limits your experience. Try the local café, not just the international one. Take a language course (many universities offer them free or cheap to international students). Attend local events, join Swiss clubs, get involved with things that require local language interaction.
Finally, be patient with yourself and others. If someone doesn’t speak English, they’re not being difficult — they’re just limited by their own linguistic background, just as you are. A smile, some hand gestures, and genuine politeness solve most problems.
About the author
Kamonwan Achjanis is the co-founder of BestKru, one of Thailand’s largest EdTech platforms. With over a decade of classroom experience, she has taught hundreds of students preparing for international education — from high school to university level. At BestKru, she works directly with hundreds of English teachers and tutors, helping them refine their teaching methods and develop effective English instruction programs.
