ichadd1219

It definitely helps to see that there are Swiss Economists working abroad. Does anyone have any specific experience with a European PhD and gaining employment in the US?

I've taken a look at a number of rating systems and it seems that Zurich is rated in the top five (usually around #2) in the areas of Cognitive/Behavioral, Experimental, and Neuroeconomics. One aspect I am weighing is that, even if I attended a school in the US, it may not be a top 10 school. I have heard that you are "equally screwed" regardless of where you go, once you aren't accepted by a top 10 or 20 school. Not sure how much weight to place on that, though. I am really just looking for an excellent experimental program where I would still get a decent general econ graduate education.

No I don't know any German, but the program is taught entirely in English. I would plan on learning German over the next few years to open up TA opportunities during the program (most of their undergrad courses are taught in German). I was just hoping someone would know a little about the prestige of phd programs in continental Europe in general.

I've started looking at phd programs in neuroconomics, experimental economics, and cognitive/behavioral economics. One program that stands out is Zurich's PhD in Econ and Neuro. Would attending this program harm my chances on employment in the US following graduation? I am certainly open to several years of post-doc work prior to getting a TT position somewhere. Does anyone have experience with European / non-UK programs in economics?