Summer School at PH Zurich
Content of this page
The next International Summer School at PH Zurich will take place in summer 2024.
| Dates and programme |
17 June to 28 June 2024 (2 weeks) 24 to 28 June 2024 (1 week) 1 to 5 July 2024 (1 week) |
|---|---|
| Duration | One to three weeks, depending on the combination of courses selected |
| Applications | 1 November to 15 March (the number of places is limited, early registration is recommended) |
| Fees | Nominated students from partner universities: CHF 180 (1 week) to CHF 510 (3 weeks) |
| Students from other universities and other interested parties: CHF 480 (1 week) to CHF 810 (3 weeks) |
Why choose the Summer School at PH Zurich
PH Zurich is one of the biggest teacher training universities in Switzerland. It is right at the heart of the city of Zurich, conveniently located next to the main train station.
At the International Summer School at PH Zurich, you will gain an interesting glimpse of the Swiss education system and cover topics related to teacher training. The modular structure of the short programme makes it possible to attend for one to three weeks.
The varied programme of social and cultural events gives you insights into the city of Zurich and the whole of Switzerland.
An image gallery with 6 images follows.
Course programme
The programme includes three courses that you can take consecutively or, in other words, combine with each other. The programme lasts a total of three weeks.
Two weeks, 17 to 28 June 2024
Like many other countries, Switzerland has moved towards greater inclusion of children and young people with special educational needs into regular schools. Switzerland and other countries are in the process of progressive realization towards an inclusive education system. While the vision is the same – a rights-based approach in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 4) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – the path towards that vision depends on the specific situation and context in each country.
During the two weeks, participants will explore concepts and practices aimed at making schools more inclusive. Participants will develop, discuss and share ideas based on inputs by PH Zurich faculty members and professionals working in various positions in the field. Participants will be encouraged and supported in reflecting on differences and similarities between the Swiss system and practices in their own countries as well as on different perspectives and solutions. Activities include lectures, self-study, interviews and discussions with stakeholders, field visits, and a personal exploration of a topic of interest.
Course dates: 17 to 28 June 2024 (two weeks)
Credits: 4 ECTS (2 US credit)
Language of instruction: English
Course no: BEI711/721
Course lecturers:
Credits are awarded for preparatory assignments, active participation in the programme (in class attendance, school visits, cultural and social activities) and a report/evaluation assignment at the end of the course. A transcript of records will be issued upon successful completion of the programme, after the final report has been handed in.
This course can be combined with course 3: Gamification in Education (one week, 1 to 5 July 2024).
One week, 24 to 28 June 2024
The successful launch of a harmonised curriculum in Switzerland and curriculum reforms in other countries, have highlighted the importance of the so called “soft skills” such as listening, collaborating, communicating, and demonstrating empathy. Not only are these interdisciplinary skills what future employers will be looking for, they are also the skills that we – and our students – should be cultivating in our classrooms.
Drama-based teaching and learning is an ideal approach for fostering interdisciplinary skills, as it comprises a holistic mode of learning in which students, pupils and teachers alike immerse themselves in fictional contexts to learn about the world, about themselves, and about each other. In this course, we will start with the basics and move towards longer immersive process dramas, in which the participants will problem-solve in both the real and in the imagined world.
This course is not about acting or acting skill; instead the focus is on experiencing embodied forms of teaching and learning in various subjects and topics across the curriculum. This hands-on course offers practical ideas for a wide range of teaching and learning contexts and classrooms.
Course dates: 24 to 28 June 2024 (one week)
Credits: 2 ECTS (1 US credit)
Language of instruction: English
Course no: BE.I770
Course lecturer:
Credits are awarded for participation in lectures, workshops and discussions, individual assignments and a report/evaluation assignment at the end of the week. A transcript of records will be issued upon successful completion of the programme, after the final report has been handed in.
This course can be combined with course 3: Gamification in Education (one week, 1 to 5 July 2024).
One week, 1 to 5 July 2024
Gamification enriches interactive settings in classrooms. In this course, gamification is meant as collaborative game-like experiences that connect through digital and analog activities for in- and outdoor settings of schools. We look at game features, take their traits and characteristics beyond badge and score systems and transfer them into real-life environments. Students gain an understanding of how to use various forms of play for learning purposes and how to design gamified lessons that support collaborative learning.
In order to achieve this goal, students will learn about and have hands-on experiences with diverse games such as inter-generational games that include senior people, how to turn a classroom or urban environment into a game and play games that facilitate life skills and mindfulness. As a final assignment, students will create their own gamified lesson.
Learning will happen through analysing, playing, and reflecting on games, looking into their own play culture, discussions and creating their own games. The course will take place in the classroom, the gym, the city, and on field trips.
Course dates: 1 to 5 July 2024 (one week)
Credits: 2 ECTS (1 US credit)
Language of instruction: English
Course no: BE.I780
Course lecturer:
Credits are awarded for active participation in the program (class attendance, field trips, discussions, assignments, presentations) and the final presentation of their course assignment at the end of the course. A transcript of records will be issued upon successful completion of the program, after the final report has been handed in.
This course can be combined with course 1: Needs and Inclusive Education in Switzerland and in a Global Context his course can be combined with course 1: Needs and Inclusive Education in Switzerland and in a Gobal Context (two weeks, 17 to 28 June 2024) or course 2: Into the Story: Teaching and Learning with Drama or course 2: Into the Story: Teaching and Learning with Drama (one week, 24 to 28 June 2024).
Fees
Students from partner universities of PH Zurich benefit from a reduced programme fee, provided they are nominated by their home university.
Fees for students at partner universities and other interested parties
| Number of weeks | Costs for nominated students from partner universities in CHF | Costs for other interested parties in CHF |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 180 | 480 |
| 2 | 390 | 890 |
| 3 | 510 | 1010 |
The programme fee includes:
- public transport in the city of Zurich for the duration of the stay
- weekly social and cultural programme with welcome and farewell get-togethers, chocolate or cheese events
- one day trip to the Swiss mountains at the weekend if you attend two weeks of classes or more
The programme fee does not include health, accident and travel insurance or the cost of visas, travel, medical treatment, meals, accommodation, optional events, additional individual excursions and personal expenses.
Admission and application
Swiss and international students from the fields of pedagogy, education sciences and/or teacher training (Bachelor and Master’s degree level) who have completed at least one year of full-time study by the start of the Summer School may apply to attend.
Courses at the Summer School are held in English. This requires your English skills to be at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Applicants from institutions which do not have an exchange agreement with PH Zurich must provide proof of language skills.
Applications
The application window is open from 1 November to 15 March. Places are limited: you increase your chances of obtaining a place by applying early. The nomination deadline for partner universities ends on 1 March.
Students who need to apply for a visa for their stay in Switzerland are advised to apply early.
Preparations for your stay
Before applying, please obtain information on travel requirements, insurance and liability as well as how to arrange accommodation.
Students coming from EU and EFTA countries do not need a visa for their time in Switzerland. You do need a valid passport to enter the country.
Students coming from non-EU/EFTA countries should contact the Swiss consulate or embassy in their home country to find out whether entry permits and visas are required.
Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. The website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) contains further information on travelling to and staying in Switzerland and requirements in terms of identification documents and visas by nationality.
Participants are responsible for taking out an international insurance policy. This could take the form of travel insurance, for example, which covers medical expenses, liability, accidents and repatriation to the country of origin in the event of an emergency. Liability insurance is also advisable. Make sure that your insurance policy covers your stay abroad.
PH Zurich is solely responsible for the quality of the programme. Participants are responsible for travel arrangements and their stay in Switzerland.
Participants are responsible for their own accommodation. PH Zurich has pre-reserved rooms in some places.