Studying Abroad in Switzerland: Sherry

''Studying abroad sometimes needs to be adventurous. Just reach out for the opportunity that comes to you!'' - Sherry from China

Why did you choose the program in the Switzerland?

At the end of my first semester, I had a Fika (Swedish-style coffee break) with my friend who is also the previous student of the same program as me in Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. I asked him for some advice about what I could do during the summer. He mentioned the summer program at the University of Basel in Switzerland that he took part in before. He said that the courses were highly recommended because the professors can always bring them diversified issues and insightful thinking during the courses.

Right after the fika, I searched the program by myself and contacted the admission officer because I noticed the summer program is only for their students and not for those outside. Fortunately, they replied my email directly and told me it should be possible if there were not enough students from their own university. Later I successfully got this chance and decided to study in this attracting program during the summer!

What were the best parts of being an international student in this summer program?

As I know, every summer many Swiss universities may have cooperation with United States universities. Thus, there are a lot of professionals and professors from Ivy League come to Switzerland and they do this kind of summer programs in universities, such as the University of Basel, University of Zurich, etc. I think it is a great opportunity for me to meet these distinguished professors and had American style classes in Europe.

How has studying abroad impacted your career?

Of course! I got to know a number of outstanding students there who major in the same field as me. I studied in Basel where is the center of life science in the whole Europe. During my study, I got a lot of contacts there with those who have worked in Roche or Novartis that are the world’s leading life science companies. Since they are also the students in this program, it is really easy to established networks with everyone. Even the professors are super nice and they would like to generously advise you on your future career.

Do you have any tips for international students to get involved in the same program?

My advice is that don ‘t be afraid to ask. If you find an interesting program, just write them an email to ask. It is always possible that you would be offered an opportunity if you have a try. Some tips for the preparation before you decided to go. Doing some research by yourself on the Internet, you can easily find amounts of useful information related to the program or experiences shared by the former students.

Since Switzerland locates at the border of Germany and France, people there usually have a good command of several languages.  However, for an international student, first, you only need good English because the courses are mostly taught in English like my professors are all from the US. Don’t worry too much about living in an unfamiliar place. Actually, it is always good to learn a new language, make friends from various countries or experience more different cultures when you study in Europe.