Switzerland: J'adore! The most rewarding, tranquil lifestyle that changed my life & opened my eyes! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The school I attended was a intensive language study school. All homework, grading system, and workload was dependent upon what you as a student chose to take on. I participated in class very often and practiced my french as often as I could because I wanted to gain as much knowledge of the new language as fast as I could due to the amount of time I was actually abroad. I didn't often do homework at home though because like I said it was optional. I took 2 extra hours of study per day and by the time I had finished school I didn't want to go home and do more homework when I knew I was heading home to speak more french with my host family. I suppose if I had lived in the student housing that I would have chosen to do the homework to practice more, but overall I was entirely immersed in the language and at times doing homework too was a massive overload.

On-site administration of your program

I absolutely loved the staff and teachers at ESL. They were so amazing. They would help with whatever was within their power to get you what you needed. Everyone in the office could speak at least 2 to 3 of the official languages in Switzerland so there was hardly ever a misunderstanding. It was completely comforting when I had a problem and could confront them with that problem.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I brought a towel with me, but didn't need to. I had one of the best host families out of all of the students in my school. They were so generous with everything. My host mom made all of my meals if I was home even though she was only required to feed me 2x per day. She helped me when I was sick if she wasn't on vacation. I was treated like a family member when I wanted to be, but as a guest when I chose to be as well. When I first arrived my host family (the lady I lived with) was on vacation quite a bit (I would say for a third of my study abroad). So I would eat with the host grandma who lived just next door. It was a bit lonely at first, but I made friends who would hang out with me after school and I would be home for dinner and to sleep. As far as convenience to the city center, I would say it wasn't totally convenient based on the fact that my house was a 10 minute bus ride from school and then I had to hike a massive hill/mountain to get to it. I knew people who lived closer, but I wouldn't change that based on the experience I had with my family and the amazing shape I got into from hiking to my house. There are positives and negatives to every situation, but I don't consider the distance a major factor in my satisfaction about where I lived.

I miss Suisse food!! I buy Gruyere cheese here very often and eat anything Suisse that I can find. I have had the joy of sharing this with many neighbors, family, and friends. The food truly was remarkable. My host family fed me the best food. It was like eating a 5 star meal every night. So amazing. If you're a future student in Montreux, I would suggest eating at all the restaurants that the school has deals with. There are updated lists in the office of their affiliated businesses and places to go for discounts. Take full advantage of it and don't be afraid to ask for a discount because Montreux is run by international students. There are so many schools in the area, and students keep their doors open. they know that and are always friendly if you try to speak their language.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I used to play Volleyball with other students after school in Clarens (a little city next to Montreux), I went to Chateau de Chillon with the school a few times, Spent time with students at both student apartments, visited the Christmas Market in Montreux, Went out to clubs a few times, bowling in Martigny. It was a matter of finding people who shared common interests with you and suggesting something to do or tagging along to a school planned event. As a student, you have to be proactive about going out with people from school. Stay positive and be open to new ideas even if it's something you never picutred yourself doing in a million years.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I would say Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. You could walk home at 3 in the morning (which I did once) and no one will bother you. I never saw any crime related events there. It was much safer than I expected. I did get really really sick in Switzerland and called my school. They found a Dr. for me who spoke english (he spoke 9 languages really - Dr. Adam Darmal). He was very helpful and always fit me into his schedule when I had a very serious viral infection of my organs. The insurance program I had required that I pay my bill to the doctor out of pocket first. Then upon return I submitted the bill to the insurance company for reimbursement. Healthcare in Switzerland is much more expensive than it is here in the U.S. so don't go unless you are very ill. I didn't need any specific vaccines to study here.

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

I lived with a host family and when I first arrived, I knew the basics of how to speak in french (name, where I lived, age, general information), but I had a massive overload when I first arrived so I spoke english the first day with my host family and got by just fine. However, after that first day I requested that my host family only speak to me in french. It was so difficult, but I am thankful I made that demand because I learned so much more than my other friends who didn't demand the same thing. The biggest problem I found was that the international students all spoke english and they all wanted to practice with me and have me correct their english which I did at first because it was a way for me to fit in better, but over time I think it started to hurt me because I would speak with them in english instead of french. Toward the end of my stay I responded in french even if they asked something in english. At the gym, restaurants, movies, bars, and clubs, I spoke solely french to communicate with the locals. While I always found everyday super challenging (like trying to explain to my cell phone carrier why I wanted a different plan in a foreign language), I felt so proud of myself and accomplished when I muddled through it. Yes it was hard, but it was worth every struggle.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• The interaction with a different language/culture
• Being forced to learn the language living with a host family instead of other students

• Number of connections to other students who know your native language (could benefit your or hurt you)
• Location of school (Bigger)