Computer Science in Switzerland :: Summer 2010 :: July 5 to July 30
Today's scientists and engineers are increasingly working in international environments. Cultural diversity and communication in different languages are an enrichment of our work environment but they can also present challenges. The goal of the International Summer University is to allow students from Switzerland and the United States to work together in an international environment to:
The 2010 Summer marks the Fourth International Summer University in Computer Science. The Swiss Government has funded this summer program since its inception in 2007. The grant provides funding to promote interaction between Computer Science faculty and students from a select few of US universities and the faculty and students at HEIG-VD, a Swiss Engineering school. A limited number of students from CSULB will be selected to participate.
This year's summer program will build on the success of previous summers. Students will take a total of four courses, two courses in the first two weeks and the remaining two courses in the final two weeks of the program. All courses use a computer lab in which students, typically working in teams, complete assignments in which they apply concepts learned in the discussion section. Students will be placed in the courses according to stated preferences. The organizers will make efforts to have a diverse set of students in each of the courses in order to meet one of the goals of the program: international collaboration.
The program, rich in cultural and scientific exchange, is undoubtedly beneficial, even necessary for future engineers. In addition to the academic program, students and instructors will participate in cultural activities in order to foster cultural exchange between all participants.
Selected participants will receive a grant to cover part of the airfare (reimbursed up to $250 [update March 7 2010: I received information from the organizers that there's a $250 participation fee, so the reimbursed amount will be $250, not $500 as previously published]). The grant also covers all expenses associated with accommodations, public transportation within Switzerland (each participant will receive a Swiss travel pass), and activities that are part of the summer program. Thus, a student will need to pay for the rest of their airfare, travel insurance and any personal expenses for the four weeks of the summer program. Personal expenses that students should budget for include food and drinks and any out-of-pocket expenses made during the four weeks. Participants should expect to budget at least $100 per week. FYI: The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc and currently the exchange rate is $1 = CHF 1.07. Use a Currency Converter for more curent exchange rate.
CSULB has participated in all previous summer programs. As in previous years, ten students will be selected to participate in the program. Students need to complete and submit an application by 5pm on Friday March 19th.
With 1,600 students, HEIG-VD is the largest partner within the University of Applied Sciences Of Western Switzerland (HES-SO). The HEIG-VD is ideally located on an urban campus in the town of Yverdon-les-Bains, which fosters its integration into the network of the economy as well as individual companies.
The 2010 summer program is organized by HEIG-VD (Switzerland) and will have faculty and students participating from HEIG-VD, California State University Long Beach, San Jose State University, and Arizona State University. It will be held during 4 weeks from July 5 to July 30 at HEIG-VD in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland offering courses in areas such as Computer Networks, Web Technologies, Software Engineering, and Computer Security.
The goal of this summer university is to provide an opportunity for international collaboration and cultural exchange between American and Swiss students and faculty. Students from Switzerland and the US will attend courses taught in English by lecturers from all participating universities.
More information will be posted in this web site as soon as it is provided by the program organizers.
The following is a list of courses that will be offered. A full schedule has not been determined yet.
For more information contact Dr. Alvaro Monge: amonge at csulb dot edu who will be one of the instructors and will be reviewing all applications and making the final selection.
Students are encouraged to inquire about the program in person or via e-mail.