Program Overview

Osteuropastudien (BA), Internationale Osteuropastudien (MA)

The Osteuropastudien program is an interdisciplinary study program at the BA and MA levels, focusing on the history, languages, literatures, films, and art of Eastern Europe, as well as current political developments. The program explores questions such as: Why, how, and since when has "Eastern Europe" been discussed? How is Eastern Europe intertwined with global developments, such as migration, translation, or trade? What does the world look like from an Eastern European perspective? How much of Eastern Europe is present in Switzerland?

Osteuropa in der Schweiz

For some, Eastern Europe begins in Berlin, for others in Vienna, and for us in Zurich. Between 2017 and 2019, approximately 30,000 people in the city of Zurich reported speaking one of the languages of Eastern Europe (11,560 Serbo-Croatian, 7,340 Albanian, 2,900 Russian, 2,680 Polish, 2,060 Hungarian, 1,310 Romanian, 1,270 Slovak, 1,030 Czech, 660 Bulgarian).

The Osteuropastudien program at the University of Zurich utilizes this Eastern European competence in Switzerland. We find numerous institutions here that store and convey knowledge about Eastern Europe: archives, museums, libraries, collections, and political institutions, such as the Swiss Social Archives with the "Russlandschweizer-Archiv," the Kunstmuseum in Susch with works by contemporary Polish artists, or the artasfoundation, which carries out projects with young people in the Caucasus. We aim to utilize this knowledge in our studies and consider the connections between Switzerland and Eastern Europe, such as the history of migration, flight, exile, and multilingualism.

Osteuropa "erfahren"

The Osteuropastudien program offers the opportunity to gain personal experiences in Eastern Europe. We regularly organize excursions that are either part of language instruction or serve as research trips as part of academic seminars and exercises. This allows students to conduct research and implement projects on-site. Additionally, we participate in international Zoom seminars, arrange study stays and internships at our partner universities or institutions abroad, and provide opportunities for students to study at renowned institutions, such as the Karsluni in Prague.

Osteuropa erforschen

The Osteuropastudien program provides access to diverse Eastern European research at the University of Zurich. We explore questions such as: What role does multilingualism play in Eastern Europe and Switzerland? What are the historical, social, literary, and individual impacts of migration? Is the discussion about sexuality and gender different in Eastern Europe? What is life like in Russian villages? What did it mean to live in a dictatorship? How does disinformation differ in the Cold War and today? An essential interface for research is the Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES), which serves as a point of contact and information for current questions about Eastern Europe at the University of Zurich and also sets its own priorities, such as in the Caucasus region.

Osteuropa zum Beruf machen

Knowledge about Eastern Europe is in demand not only in Switzerland. Our graduates work in various fields: journalism, libraries, archives, and museums, publishing, culture, public administration, NGOs, banks, or private businesses – and, of course, in academia. We regularly organize meetings with alumni, allowing students to establish contacts and learn about possible career paths.

Studieren in Osteuropa

Students share their experiences studying in Eastern Europe, providing insights into their daily lives and academic experiences abroad. Due to the Russian war against Ukraine, opportunities for study abroad are currently partially restricted. We advise students on which foreign universities they can attend and where exchange programs already exist. Important information can be found here.

Solidarität mit der Ukraine

The university expresses solidarity with Ukraine, and more information can be found on the relevant webpage.