Founded in 1963, The American College of Switzerland was originally incorporated as a two-year institution, designed to accommodate the needs of American families living in Europe, North Africa and the Near East. ACS made it possible for families to send their sons and daughters to an American modelled- college nearby and, at the same time, to expose them to the cultural advantages of the European milieu. The College also appealed to students in the USA who were interested in extensive language training in a multilingual atmosphere.

In 1968 The American College of Switzerland became a four-year institution of higher education offering the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Since that time, the College has evolved into an internationally diverse institution, attracting students from all over the world, as well as from the United States. Emphasis has always been placed on a curriculum capitalizing on the College’s central location in Western Europe. Over the 38 years of its existence the College has firmly distinguished itself by its international character and perspective.

The American College of Switzerland moved into the former Grand Hotel de Leysin in 1981 from its temporary home of Les Avants, above Montreux. ACS had originally been situated in Les Frenes, Leysin. The Grand Hotel dates back to 1892 and is located in the spectacular “Balcony of the Vaudoise Alps” overlooking the picturesque village and ski resort of Leysin in the French speaking part of the country. “The Magic Mountain”, a film based on Thomas Mann’s novel of the same name, was filmed at the Grand Hotel in 1980.

The American College of Switzerland purchased the Grand Hotel complex in 1987. In July 1991 ACS became a campus of Schiller International University. Schiller then repurchased the building in January 1994. The Grand Hotel marked its centennial year in 1992.

Our Student Body

SIU The American College of Switzerland registers students from at least 30 nationalities in any given year. Among the nations currently represented are the USA, the UK, China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Libya, France, Switzerland, Columbia, Mexico, Cameroon, Zambia and Albania.

Transfer Opportunities and Credits

As a branch of Schiller International University, ACS offers its students the unique opportunity of being able to transfer to any of the other Schiller campuses located in the United States and five European countries. Each SIU campus specializes in specific academic areas and emphasizes studies appropriate to its geographical location. Nevertheless, Schiller International University functions as one institution with standardized degree requirements, admissions procedures, and academic regulations throughout. The language of instruction on all university campuses is English.

Students wishing to transfer from the Leysin campus to another SIU campus should see the Registrar to fill out an inter- campus application form. Students who have completed one year’s study at SIU ACS and are of good academic standing, can transfer to another Schiller campus without loss of time or credit, provided they can obtain the necessary visa for the country of choice.