JEDDAH, 28 January 2008 — Switzerland, which has some of the world’s best-known hotel management schools, is seeking an increasing number of Saudi students to seek higher education in its established institutions.

“Thousands of Saudi students have graduated from various Swiss schools and universities over the years and the trend continues; we expect many more to come this year,” Christophe Xavier Clivaz of the Geneva-based Swiss Learning told Arab News at the Swiss consulate on Saturday.

Swiss Learning, which represents a group of 12 schools and 12 universities, hopes to find local partners in the education field. “My mission is also to meet with Saudi students who have graduated from Swiss educational institutions with high school diplomas or postgraduate degrees,” Clivaz said.

A Swiss diploma opens many doors to the business world. And this is what convinces students form the world over to pursue higher learning in Switzerland. The country excels in science and education and offers attractive locations for the best researchers. It currently invests around 2.96 percent of its GDP in education and research, according to Doris Leuthard, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs.

“On order to maintain our leading position, we have topped up the credit for education, research and innovation by a further six percent over the next four years. Over the next few years, we also want to reform the Swiss university system so as to coordinate it more efficiently, while granting the universities greater autonomy. That should make us more competitive internationally,” says Doris in the latest issue of Swiss Learning.

The opportunity to get to know Switzerland with its four language regions and high standard of living is a special experience for any foreign student. “Switzerland is a safe and politically stable country. What is more, our universities of applied sciences and traditional universities enjoy an excellent reputation. A Swiss diploma or study visit opens many doors to the business world,” Doris added.

According to her, Private schools have a long tradition in Switzerland. These schools have an impact on the image of Switzerland abroad and on its appeal as a business location.

“We strive to ensure that such schools have a good framework within which to operate and maintain their high level of quality.