UQ Program: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
Having spent my childhood living around the world, I have an enormous passion for travelling and learning about different cultures. So, when the chance came to complete part of my French major abroad, I didn’t hesitate.
“Why Switzerland?” you are probably asking. And I don’t blame you. Lausanne is often sadly overshadowed by more popular choices such as Paris and Lyon. But when you can wake up to the sun rising over the Swiss Alps outside your bedroom window, enjoy endless bonfires and barbeques by the stunning Lac Leman and of course, participate in a brilliant university program dedicated to studying the French language, the question should be “why not Switzerland?” I should also remind you that this is a land overflowing with chocolate, cheese and wine...
During my semester at the University of Lausanne, I took courses in French Songs, Linguistics, Intercultural Communication, Translation, Human Rights, Literature and Discourse. It was a lot of work (I read four classical novels for just one class), but incredibly rewarding. Plus, I had the best chocolate in the world to help me through it! I made an effort to speak to my friends only in French, hang out with the locals and watch French TV programs, which boosted my comprehension to a level I could not have dreamt of achieving back in Australia.
If you need any more convincing, Switzerland’s central location in Europe meant that I was not only enjoying the lakeside of Montreux, the Carnival at Basel, the mountains in Interlaken and the river in Bern, I was also only a few hours away from France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic and Austria. I even made it to Athens for a week for less than it takes for me to fly home to Melbourne from Brisbane... So, what are you waiting for? Time to perfect you French and fondue-eating skills in Switzerland. And don’t be late, the Swiss never are!
1) A perfect winter's day, Lac Leman.
2) Making cheese the traditional way, Gruyeres.
3) On top of the world, Swiss Alps.
4) "Ma guimauve, elle brûle!"
