Program at UQ: Bachelor of Arts/Education
Studying abroad was something I had always planned to do but as a French major envisaged France as my destination. However, having already lived in France I decided I would put Lausanne in Switzerland as my first preference to try something new.
I couldn’t have been happier with the choice I made. My semester in Lausanne has been the most memorable and worthwhile part of my studies and provided me with so many opportunities to extend my knowledge of French and the world. The courses offered at the University of Lausanne are many and varied, and are some of the best French courses I have ever undertaken. I always found the professors understanding of Exchange Students and some were fascinated with Australians.
Living in Switzerland offers the unique opportunity to discover different cultures without even leaving the country (as there are four language groups that call Switzerland home) as well as providing a base to see surrounding countries.
The University itself as well as neighbouring EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) have great programs for exchange students which are a fantastic way to get to know people, but don’t neglect other opportunities to get to know some of the Swiss, whether it be through the Tandem program or your flatmates’ friends. Enjoy their culture of chocolate and cheese, but also appreciate the ‘Swiss Precision’. (Your train or metro will never be late!)
Wander about the town and along the lake. Lausanne may be a small city, but they are immensely proud of their cathedral, their Olympic Centre and the newly built Rolex Learning Centre (the pride and joy of EPFL, right next door to UNIL). And there is nothing quite like sitting by the lake at Ouchy or Vidy and enjoying a barbeque or taking a boat out with the majestic Alps towering in the background.
As much as I loved Switzerland, I believe going on exchange is an amazing experience no matter where you head. If your program allows you, apply for a year, 6 months is not enough. Be prepared for a challenge, and it’s not always smiles, but it is such an amazing experience. I can’t even begin to explain how worthwhile it is.