WORKING AT AMI
Ideally located at the center of Europe, AMI gathers outstanding scientists from around the world and is a mosaic of cultures, a meeting place for scientists who are driven by the same enthusiasm and have the same goal: namely pushing back the existing boundaries of knowledge.
Researchers from 16 different countries work "hand-in-glove" with each other in our laboratories. During "Cafés Scientifiques", you can hear them debate not only in English, German and French, but also in Dutch, Indian, Russian and Arabic. Openness and sharing are central to the ideals of the Institute. Passionate discussions take place not only at organized events such as Café Scientifique, Journal club or during group meetings and workshops, but also on a daily basis in the hallways and offices.
Students and faculty intermingle in a stimulating environment where open discussions and the exchange of scientific ideas are strongly advocated. Additionally, all researchers are encouraged to participate in international conferences at least once a year, to present scientific findings and to establish contacts with fellow scientists. We also regularly welcome scientists working at other research institutions or companies who collaborate actively with AMI laboratories. Currently, AMI comprises currently more than 50 people, with the ultimate goal of hosting between 120 and 160 people (95% scientists).
LIFE IN FRIBOURG
The central position of Switzerland is the ideal starting point for trips all over Europe. In four hours or less you can be by train in Milan, Paris or Munich. All big cities in Switzerland can be reached in one and a half hour. Fribourg is the capital of the canton, a university town in Western Switzerland with nearly 35,000 habitants and a picturesque Old Town next to the river Sarine.
A landmark of the town is the St. Nicholas Cathedral, at the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). One possibility to discover the most beautiful places in Fribourg is to play a game of unique city golf. For an overview over the whole city you can climb up the tower of the cathedral or have a walk up to the chapel of Lorette on the other side of the Sarine. Once a year the international cycling stars make a stop in Fribourg during the "Tour de Romandie". In Fribourg, you can find many treasures from earlier periods like various fountains and the "Berner Bridge", the last covered wooden bridge. The university consists of five faculties, five campuses and is bilingual (German and French) like the whole canton.
COST OF LIVING FOR STUDENTS:
To get an overview over the average costs of living in Fribourg please have a look at the calculation on university page
POINTS OF INTEREST / PLACES TO VISIT:
Have a look at the web-site of the local tourist information.
Murten is a small mediaeval town near Fribourg and directly located at a lake. There are various offers for watersports, cycling, skating and hiking in this area. This is expressed by hosting the SlowUp every year at the end of April, where the entire roads around the lake are blocked for the traffic and reserved for cyclists and skaters for one day. Also you have a lot of restaurants with a terrace near the lake, beer gardens and the possibility to make a boat tour through one or three lakes. In the summer time you have also the opportunity to go swimming in the lake with a wonderful view on the mountain Mont Vully on the other side of the lake.
Avenches is a historical site where remains from the capital of Roman Helvetia can be visited. There are ruins from for example towers, the "Cigognier"-column and a theatre. For further information a short side trip in the Roman Museum is recommended. During the summer, there are two festivals in the well-preserved amphitheatre, an opera festival and "Rock Oz'Arènes", a rock festival.
In the region of Gruyère, there are various opportunities for trips to historical sites, mountains and sports. For relaxing afterwards a visit of the La Gruyère bath is recommended. This area is common as one of the tourism objects in Switzerland. Gruyères is a traffic-free, medieval town at the foot of the Pre-Alps. It is very famous for its castle at the top of the hill with a wonderful view over the neighboring lake and its award-winning cheese (world champion 2008).
Chocolate factories Switzerland is famous for its chocolate. A visit in the chocolate factory of Cailler in Broc in a great experience and Fribourg has its own chocolate factory named Villars. The second product Switzerland is famous for is cheese. You can observe the cheese production in demonstration cheese diaries in Gruyères.
POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES
- University sport
- Hiking & Winter sports (30 minutes to the next skiing area)
- Cycling, skating
- Canyoning
