Struggled Sweetly in Switzerland Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigor was strong. Just recognize that the format is different; instead of having 3 or 4 midterms during the semester that add up to your final grade, you will have one grade for the entire class, which is the exam at the end. This means you need to keep up with studying on your own time. I enjoyed my courses. I felt less of an interpersonal relationship between my professors than I did in the United States. Study is mostly independent and self-driven. I recommend taking a language course during the semester if you can, because it is free (besides materials) and you are learning about the culture you are in.

On-site administration of your program

I didn't feel truly supported by the ETH Zürich staff. This isn't a reason not to go, but just know that things in Zürich are generally independently-driven. It is up to you to remember deadlines, send forms, and take care of administrative things.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

After I arrived in Zurich, I found out that I was victim to a housing scam. This housing listing was posted on the University housing portal for ETH and UZH. Yes, they send warnings, and this is another warning-- be careful! But there are measures that they could take to increase security, and I was left to find my own housing after this occurred.

The food quality of Switzerland is great. The variety in the cuisine is sort of bland-- expect mostly German food, like bratwurst and rosti. I mostly cooked for myself because eating out is incredibly expensive in Switzerland.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I understand the Swiss, but I will never feel like one of them. That is not bad; just a fact. Learning the language is difficult, because it is already so different from High German. I mostly connected with other exchange students, but had good Swiss friends as well. The Swiss people are welcoming if you keep an open and positive mind.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I attempted to get an appointment for a women's health doctor but the one that I approached was not taking new clients. I was too lazy to search for an available doctor, check if they worked with my insurance, and figure out how to use the insurance with my health needs. So, I waited until exchange was over to see the doctor. I also had Groupe Mutuel insurance, which I do not recommend, because they were incredibly slow to get back to me and I had to wait until the day before I left to pay off my bills because they could not set up direct debit. I would recommend a different insurance company.

Zürich is incredibly safe.

I would have avoided the housing scam and perhaps chosen a place with warmer people where I understood the culture more. That said, I wouldn't take it back. I made amazing friends, met amazing people, saw amazing places, and did amazing things.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

If you cook your own food and bring tupperware for lunch and all meals, expenses are not very high. Housing is affordable if you are given student housing. You should account for health care, which can be around 100 francs per month, and a train pass, which is around 60 francs per month.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The language course was free, excluding materials.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students
• Other

Select all that apply

• International Students
• Other

• Friends
• Beautiful places
• Growing as a person

• Housing opportunities
• Meal opportunities
• Student support from ETH/Austin

The Avid Adventurer