From Germany to Switzerland
Xenia Unruh travelled from Harz to Olten to study for a semester at the FHNW. In doing so, she not only got to know a new university, but also Swiss nature.
- Degree: Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- University: Harz University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- Semester abroad at the FHNW School of Applied Psychology (February to June 2023)
Xenia, why did you decide to spend a semester abroad at the FHNW School of Applied Psychology?
I had already completed a semester abroad during my bachelor's degree and quickly realised that I wanted to do the same during my master's degree. When I was researching possible partner universities, I came across Olten. I had always wanted to visit Switzerland and get to know the country, its people and its nature.
I was also impressed by the modules – there was a wide selection and many new modules that I hadn't come across before. When choosing a university, it was important to me that the semester abroad would also add value to my studies.
How does everyday student life at FHNW differ from that at your university in Germany?
At my German university, we had shorter blocks of 90 minutes each. Here, a lecture with breaks lasts a whole morning or afternoon. Another difference is the amount of group work: especially at the beginning, the lectures here were much more interactive.
How did you prepare for your semester abroad?
I generally found out what documents I needed for Switzerland. The FHNW provided me with excellent support and the International Office gave me all the important information and documents I needed to get started. This meant that the preparation work was kept to a minimum.
How did you settle in here?
Settling in went pretty well. I was given a warm welcome right away and assigned a buddy I could turn to. At the beginning of the semester, there were ‘welcome days’ with a comprehensive programme for Erasmus students. It was immediately clear that it was important to the FHNW that we all settled in well, got to know each other and simply had fun. I really appreciated that.
Xenia sits on steps by the banks of the Aare. In the background, you can see a wooden bridge and the old town centre of Olten.
What do you do in your free time?
I meet up with friends and other Erasmus students. And I enjoy travelling around Switzerland and exploring the countryside here. I've bought a rail pass, which means I can spontaneously hop on a train for two hours and explore a new place – Olten is an ideal starting point for this.
Was there anything you were struggling with?
Depending on the dialect, Swiss German caused me a few problems at first. However, I am making steady progress and now I no longer have to ask during lectures to speak standard German instead of Swiss German.
Where do you live while studying at FHNW?
I am a subtenant a flat in Olten. I also had the opportunity to move into the staff house, but I work from home alongside my studies and need sufficient peace and quiet to do so. The flat is very nice, large and quiet. So it was the right decision for me.
What do you think is the advantage of spending a semester abroad?
You gain wonderful new experiences. Of course, there are also difficulties to overcome, but these always help you to progress. A semester abroad enriches both your studies and your personal life! And personally, I just love visiting other countries and getting to know the people there. You can do this much more deeply during an experience like this than during a week-long holiday.
Another advantage is that you can do it as part of your studies. This means you don't have to interrupt your studies or quit your job. And in Germany, you also receive financial support for a semester abroad.
A stay abroad offers a unique opportunity to deepen your specialist knowledge in a different university environment during your studies and to expand your linguistic and intercultural skills. All information can be found on the website.