Swiss exchange: Memorable 2 Weeks

Introduction:
The two-week exchange to Switzerland marked a remarkable chapter in my life. It felt like I’d entered a whole new world, one filled with breathtaking sights and enriching experiences waiting to be discovered. In this report all the wonderful moments that defined this unforgettable journey and provide a glimpse into the captivating world of Switzerland that we had the privilege to explore are discussed by Giulia T. and Nora T. from the 6L (2023/4).

Cultural Immersion:
Our exchange program began with a warm welcome from our Swiss host families, providing us with a rare opportunity to experience Swiss culture firsthand. Living with a local family allowed us to immerse ourselves in their daily routines, Swiss cuisine and improve our language skills. This exchange also helped us in understanding Swiss traditions because we even went to local village festivals, concerts etc.

Exploration of Swiss Landscapes, Sites and Cities:
Switzerland’s mountains are incredibly beautiful and left a lasting impression on both of us. The Swiss Alps, with their snow-covered tips and glaciers, crystal-clear lakes painted unforgettable pictures in our hearts. We went hiking a couple of times near the Lack Leman and in Chamonix (France), where the view was breathtaking. But we did not only go hiking but also visited the most famous cities like Geneva, Bern, Lausanne and Zürich. Exploring these urban centers allowed us to appreciate the country’s beautiful architecture, history and modernity. Museums, galleries, chocolate and cheese factories were also a big part of our journey. These trips were arranged and financed by the host family.

New friendships:
One of the most rewarding aspects of the exchange program was the friendships we made. Bonding with our host families was hard at first, due to the accent or language being hard to understand, getting used to the living environment and more, but after a few days they started feeling like a second family and it felt hard leaving and going back home. We exchanged stories, ideas, perspectives, broadening our horizons and creating lifelong memories. We are still in contact with our exchange students and planning on visiting them together next summer.

Conclusion:
The two weeks we spent in Switzerland changed us as people and were truly a gift. The memories we created and the friendships we formed will undoubtedly last a lifetime, making this Swiss adventure an enriching and unforgettable experience. To us it became clear that an exchange is not only about learning the language and culture, but also learning how to integrate in a family, make friends and have fun with people who you barely know.

Report written by: Giulia Tilling & Nora Truttenberger (6L)