Peak experiences in Switzerland
From exploring the Alps to discovering a love of cheese fondue, Anmol Saini loved studying at OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences.
Anmol Saini
Why I chose my host uni:
Honestly, there weren’t that many options available for my Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences, and I wanted to experience living in a country where English isn’t the first language. That’s why I chose Switzerland – it felt like the perfect place to challenge myself and immerse in a different culture.
How I found applying to my host uni:
Things were very easy and AUT helped me at each step.
The visa process for Switzerland is a bit complicated. First, the host university sends you the invitation letter and you need to send your documents along with the letter to the Swiss embassy in Wellington. Then, the Swiss embassy gives you visa approval (a stamp) in your passport. When you arrive in Switzerland, you need to go to the Stadtverwaltung (the local immigration office) and bring some Swiss documents (the host university provides that). The Stadtverwaltung will then send you a letter invitation to go to a main immigration office where they take your photo and then you get resident permit delivered to your address. The permit type is Bewilligung L or short-term residence permit.
How I found learning in a different academic system:
The course I chose to do at my host university was at a much more advanced level than what I had previously done, so to keep up with my lecture I really had to do a lot of self-study, about 70 to 80 hours a week. To be fair, that was a special case. I saw many other exchange students taking more basic courses and managing just fine with minimal study.
One key difference I noticed was how much I relied on online books and extra resources in addition to lecture slides but this is because I really want to go much deeper into my topics, so I guess lecture notes are usually enough for most students.
What I gained from this experience:
Academically, I learned to adapt to a new system, manage advanced coursework and push myself through intense self-study. Living in a different culture, meeting people from around the world and navigating everyday life abroad truly changed my perspective, even if it was challenging at times.
Top tips for other students
- Join student groups (ESN is best), attend events, learn a bit of German if you can (super effective) and definitely just start up a conversation
- Have heaps of savings before heading off to Switzerland as things are super expensive
- I feel Lidl is best to buy groceries, and Saily is best to buy data plans and you can buy a half-fare Swiss pass
About Anmol and his student exchange
AUT degree:
Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
Host uni:
OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences
Host country:
Switzerland
5 favourite things
Favourite place in my host city:
Jungfrau, also known as the Top of Europe. Honestly, I thought I’d just go up, take a few pictures and come back down. Instead, I ended up breathless – partly from the view, mostly from the altitude
Best dish/food I tried:
Cheese fondue. It’s basically a national treasure in a pot. I thought, how special can melted cheese really be? Turns out, very. I finally understood why the Swiss take their cheese so seriously
Most useful thing I packed to take with me:
Super warm jacket. It was freezing the moment I landed. Hiking gear is a must if you love the outdoors. Don’t forget an umbrella as the rain comes out of nowhere, and bring many Swiss plug adapters (they’re different from EU adapters)
Favourite thing about my host uni:
Friends, friends, friends! I met so many amazing people The campus was perfectly located right next to a lake – you can’t beat those views between classes! And I got lucky enough to experience one of the biggest festivals of the year (Rattenfest) in town; a highlight of my exchange
Best trip I took outside of my host city:
I joined a student group named ESN. On the first day, we stopped by Interlaken and went on a crazy but beautiful hike to Oeschinensee. The next day, we visited Jungfrau, which was absolutely breathtaking. On the way back, we even had time to stop at Lauterbrunnen, which felt like something out of the real world. Honestly, it was the best trip I’ve ever had!