Scotland, BSc Bioanalytics and Cell Biology, FHNW School of Life Sciences

What made you decide, what motivated you to go abroad?
There are many reasons, including cultural curiosity, networking opportunities, gaining experience in an academic institution, personal development, and the appeal of living in a beautiful city and country.

Why did you choose your host institution/country?
I had personal connections from my time working at ETH Zurich. One of the students I worked with had studied in this research group and often told me how nice the people are and how beautiful the city is.

What is your everyday life like?
I woke up, did my workout/running, went to work, had lunch with the group, went back to work, got home, and either cooked at home or went out with friends.

Tell us about your research findings during your residency.
The overuse of antibiotics has led to many drug-resistant strains, highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatments for bacterial infections. Probiotics (living organisms) have already been shown to be beneficial when administered, as they alter the microbiome in the gut and lead to positive disease outcomes. My main focus was on whether metabolites from nasal commensal bacteria have a beneficial impact on pathogenic growth in the respiratory tract. The goal in the near future is to administer specific beneficial bacteria as probiotics to cure respiratory infections.

What surprised you the most about your stay abroad?
Cultural differences and weather conditions 😊

What tips would you give to future exchange students?
It takes a lot of planning and communication when organizing a trip to a country or institution that is not (yet) a partner school. Be aware that the various application processes and other requirements can take a lot of time!

Is there anything else you would like to share?
DO IT!