department of informatics

FAQ : About Bilingualism

Why do you only propose bilingual studies ? What does that bring me?

Fribourg is situated on the lingual border between French-speaking and German-speaking regions of Switzerland, and is naturally influenced by both cultures. The University is thus well placed to transmit this cultural diversity that is so important for the cohesion of the country.
This bilingualism enriches studies by giving students the possibility of improving and employing another language. This skill is much sought after in the job market.

 

Are bilingual studies difficult?

For Swiss students, the proficiency attained for the advanced general school leaving certificate (Maturité/Maturität) is adequate for understanding the course work. You don’t have to be bilingual in order to be able to follow the study courses.

 

I don’t speak German very well, can I follow the lectures all the same?

In the Department of Informatics courses are taught in part in French and in part in German. Students thus follow their lectures in both languages. Students can always ask questions, submit exercises, present projects and pass exams in the language of their choice (French, German or English). There is no real need to be able to speak the other main national language,  passive understanding it is sufficient.

 

I fear that my knowledge of French/German/English is not enough to able to study in a bilingual institution. Is there a possibility of improving my proficiency?

The Centre d'enseignement et de recherche en langues étrangères (CERLE) offers interested students language courses in French, German, English and Italian.  You can have access to the language laboratory which disposes of a large choice of self-learning resources.
 

Do I need to be able to understand English? 

Durant the Bachelor studies, French or German are the main languages. It is, however, useful to have a school-level knowledge of English. Once again, you have the possibility of attending courses at the Centre d'enseignement et de recherche en langues étrangères (CERLE). For the Master, understanding English is mandatory since the majority of the courses, the books and the  web sites are in English.