ping1 wrote:
I have another question regarding the language proficiency requirements: As it appears to me, one is required to speak two different foreign languages.
You need to speak one foreign language at level one and another one at level two. English will not count, and I am still confused as to how your mother tongue is counted. This level one/two depends on the language. For example: level two German and French (and maybe even Italian) is C2, which is the closest you can get to fluency. Level two Chinese, however, is A2, which is quite basic. The website for the language center is rather poorly designed, so what you could do is ask what classes are given by shooting them an e-mail at "sprachenzentrum@unisg.ch". They should answer in a day or two. I think classes are given in about 12 languages at beginner level, and maybe 6-7 up to fairly advanced level.
ping1 wrote:
Is it possible to learn a second foreign language from scratch at the university, i.e. do they offer beginner's courses to SIM students?
The only SIM-only language classes available now are three intensive German classes covering A1-A2, A2-B1, B2-C1 levels. They're not that intensive, but you're like 4-6 with one professor so you get a fairly decent amount of face time. A lot of SIM students continue learning a language, either by using university resources or by combining them with their own program and whatnot.
ping1 wrote:
Is it even possible to attend additional courses regarding the already dense curriculum?
It is definitely possible. The core classes (1st semester) are not usually just two/four hours every week on the same day; they tend to be bigger blocks spread out (somewhat randomly, in my opinion) over the semester. You might have a clash once or twice in the semester between a core class and a language class, but I would not worry about that. In addition to classes, there is a "self-service" system where (I think) you can just pop-up and do a language module at the language center. If you miss a class or have to do something else for some time, you can always come there later and catch up.
ping1 wrote:
Moreover, do you have any information on the exchange opportunities during the program? Of course, I have seen the impressive list of partner universities. However, in my experience it frequently happens that there are only very few, if any exchange slots that are really offered to the students. Do you have any insights into this issue?
From what I gather, most of the partner universities allocate slots for HSG students. Some "exceptions" are certain schools only offering exchange opportunities in the spring semester, while fall is usually the semester of choice for most students. There sure is competition for certain universities (the better US schools and Hong Kong from what I hear) but most people seem to be happy with the options. One thing to note is that a majority of US and Canadian schools offer exchanges through their MBA program and ask for a minimum of two years of work experience. Although these regular exchanges are open to practically everybody, the competitive nature favors SIM and MBF students as your bachelor grade is the most important criterion, and having a decent GMAT and cool ECs make you a better sell (officially "ambassador"). In addition to these, the SIM offers double degrees with certain schools such as HEC, ESADE, INCAE (MBA, Costa Rica), and NBS (MBA, Singapore), but I am not really that knowledgeable regarding these options.
Hope that helped