FAQ

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

• _{How many courses may I take at NJC?}

  NJC is a semestered school (September-January & February-June). Students take a minimum of three and a maximum of four courses each semester. The school day is divided into five teaching blocks so students will have one or two spare blocks, plus a lunch break, in addition to their classes.

• _{How many students attend NJC? What is the ratio of students to faculty?}

  The Junior College is intentionally small, with an annual enrollment of between 60 and 80 students. The ratio of students to faculty is 14:1. Classes are generally small, averaging 15 students.

• _{How far away from the school do students live?}

  A few pensions are centrally located within Neuchâtel, but most are located in the outlying villages, where the homes tend to be more spacious. Most students will take a short train, tram or bus ride from their pensions to the College as part of their daily routine. Commute times vary from 15 minutes to 45minutes with the average being 20 minutes. Transportation passes for travelling to and from school are included in tuition fees. The public transportation system in Switzerland is world-renowned for its efficiency, safety, punctuality and reliability, so students undoubtedly become used to being on time, as is the Swiss custom. 
  

• _{Do I need to speak French to apply to NJC?}

  Many students who attend NJC do not speak French fluently beforehand. Some can only say bonjour, while others are already fluent. All students are required to study French while at NJC. Students choose to take either a credit course (Core, Extended or Immersion) or a non-credit French Communication & Culture class (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced). Being immersed in a French environment, our students quickly improve their French language abilities.

• _{With so much travel offered, when do students actually attend school?}

  Students attend school Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The longer school day is due to the Swiss custom of a longer lunch break (which students spend in Neuchâtel rather than travelling back to their pensions). Trips take place on the weekends, with a Friday or Monday occasionally being added to a school-organized trip when there is a long weekend. Students are not permitted to miss class for the purpose of independent travel.

• _{Is NJC co-educational?}

  NJC has always been a co-educational institution. The ratio of girls to boys varies, but it has been 2:1 in recent years.