Study in one of Europe’s top business hubs—two blocks from Lake Zürich, minutes from the Alps, and surrounded by a vibrant mix of cafés, shops, and festivals.
Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to salt independence isn’t just a point of national pride—it’s a powerful case study in resource strategy, government planning, and economic foresight. That’s exactly why we include the Bex Salt Mines in our Foundation Program.
Students journeyed deep into the Alps by train and mining cart to explore one of the country’s oldest industrial operations, where salt has been extracted since the 17th century. Inside those narrow, damp tunnels, they encountered the realities of energy costs, extraction methods, labor conditions, and sustainability challenges. It’s an unforgettable lesson in turning raw materials into strategic assets—and in understanding how policy, history, and business intersect.
We explored questions of innovation and tradition, of long-term planning versus short-term gain. The tools are basic. The outcomes are national.
This wasn’t a passive learning moment. Students engaged, asked sharp questions, and drew connections to real-world challenges. They debated the need for national self-reliance, while weighing the costs and risks of importing and foreign reliance. And yes—trekking hundreds of meters into the depths of the mountain, takes a bit of courage, too.
At Weinberg, these experiences are part of Practical Experiential Learning™—where business education begins with understanding the world.
Get information about our Foundation Program.
You can also learn more about the Bex Salt Mines, or book a tour.