The up's and down's of living in Switzerland Past Review
By Elizabeth Q (Math, Birmingham-Southern College) for
University of Fribourg: Fribourg - American College Program
During my time studying abroad, there were many up's and down's. During my stay there, I had experiences of a life time and met people who changed my life. While I was there, I became friends with the ERASMUS group which is the study abroad program within Europe. This program allows people from any country to go to another country and study for free for up to a year. In this group, I met people from all over Europe. Because there were so many different cultures within our group of friends, we all learned from each other and actually became very close. While we were so different, we all had the desire to experience the world in common which brought us together. Besides the friends that I met, another great thing about Switzerland is the location. First of all, Fribourg is a beautiful city surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Living there was like a dream. Also, Switzerland as a country is magnificent. Each city has it's own special touch to it. Not only was Switzerland great, though, but the location of Switzerland allowed easy traveling to many different countries within Europe. One of the major down sides of Switzerland is the money. Though they are a wealthy and thriving country, it is tough for a college student to live on a budget. The price of living is just more expensive than it is here in the states, and that transition was tough. Another thing I had a problem with was adjusting to the Swiss culture. Though it was nice to have trains be on time and the people be straight forward, the idea that people should not question authority or try and make themselves known or noticed is very different from our culture here in America, and something I wasn't prepared for. For example, if an American student had a problem in a classroom, he might go to the professor and complain or even just ask for help. In Switzerland, it is looked down upon to question any type of authority. Also in America, we encourage people to stand out and be who they would like to be. This is also different in Switzerland, as they encourage people to fit into the mold and follow the rules in a way much stricter than here in the US.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics were great, much less strenuous than the work loads here in America. Much of the work was focused on conversation which helped a lot with learning the foreign language. However, had I taken courses which were applicable during my stay, I would now be behind in my studies. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very helpful in acclimating the students into the country. The land tour at the beginning of the program helped me feel comfortable in Switzerland because not only did I get to know the country, I got to know the other 4 American students who were going to be there studying with me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was great with few exceptions. The location was good, very close to class and convenient for living as a college student. However, the administration in the dorms was a bit too controlling and difficult to deal with. |
| * Food: |
The meal plan offered by the ACP really helped in rationing my money for food. It was also great because I could both dine out and also buy groceries. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The land tour at the beginning was a great way to start the trip. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Fribourg, Switzerland was one of the safest cities I have ever been to. I never once felt threatened or overwhelmed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people preferred to speak their native language which was either German or French. Personally, I used French in everyday interactions. I could practice language with friends, professors, and around the community. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who is not afraid of change and willing to try and understand another culture is the kind of student who should do the program. |
