"Getting to know another part of the world" – why spending time abroad is worthwhile
A conversation with Claude Schärer
For Claude Schärer, research associate at the FHNW School of Life Sciences, it was a first: supervising students who were writing their final theses abroad. "I was excited by the idea of giving students the opportunity to open up new perspectives – professionally, culturally and personally – by spending time abroad" he says. It was important to him that the students not only work on their academic projects but also experience a new environment that would benefit them, both in their future careers and as people.
He finds the experience that students gain in the process particularly valuable: they learn about different ways of working, how to find their way in a new environment and how to work with people from a different culture. "All of this strengthens not only their professional skills, but also their independence, adaptability and intercultural skills – qualities that employers value highly."
He found the collaboration with the partner university to be straightforward. The students received support from both the official authorities and the working group. The International Office also played an important role, supporting the students in particular with their applications for SEMP (Swiss-European Mobility Programme) funding.
Pia Masero, a Bachelor's student in Chemistry, and Dominik Müller, a Master's student in Life Sciences, both wrote their theses at Monash University in Melbourne.
"Write your thesis abroad? Definitely! Of course, there are uncertainties at the beginning – but that's exactly what helps you grow. You'll come back not only with an exciting thesis but also with friendships and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime."
