My exchange semester in Switzerland has been a truly enriching experience. I have always been attracted by the beauty of the Swiss landscape. Chur is incredibly tidy and clean, a tiny town in the high mountains of the Alps. One of the highlights of my time here was the opportunity to hike in some of the most breathtaking places. I recently hiked Mittenberg and Rote Platte and the views were simply stunning. Both hikes were wonderful experiences, but I know there are many other towns and hiking spots I have yet to explore.
From an academic point of view, the Swiss exam system is quite strange for me, compared to the Austrian one. In Krems, the exams are more evenly spread, with one exam per week and a grading system from 1 to 5, whereas here in Switzerland the exam system is structured differently and the grading is on a different scale. This difference has taken some adjustment, but it provides an interesting insight into how education systems differ between countries.
One stereotype about the Swiss that I found to be true is their punctuality. The Swiss are always on time, which is impressive and something I am gradually getting used to. Another observation I have made is that the Swiss are generally more reserved than Austrians or Hungarians, who are typically more open and spontaneous in their interactions. Nevertheless, I enjoy meeting the locals and feel that their reticence reflects a deeper politeness.
Overall, the Swiss exchange experience is a mix of adventure, learning and cultural discovery. As I continue my exchange semester, I’m excited to explore even more of what this country has to offer. Every day brings something new, and I look forward to making more memories during my stay.
Márton Cseh is an incoming student from our partner university IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences. He is studying for one semester in the Creative Media & Digital Innovation Exchange Programme.