2023-08-14 07:18:00
Célia, 21, is a freshly graduated primary school teacher. During her studies, she had the opportunity to do an internship abroad. The young woman opted for Switzerland, a country she wanted to know better. “Initially, I wanted to go further, why not to Canada. Above all, I was looking for an internship where I could speak French. The language barrier scared me for my internship. To teach in English or Spanish, it almost takes to be a native. So I finally chose Lausanne.”
During these five months abroad, Célia claims to have discovered herself like never before. “I have always lived with my parents. During my Erasmus, I was able to be independent and get out of my comfort zone. Five months may not be anything in a lifetime, but it is a lot for discovering myself. I’ve done things I never thought I’d do.”
What marked her during her Erasmus in Switzerland?
Célia was conquered by the landscapes and the hike. “I was struck by how different Switzerland is from one place to another. In a few kilometers, you can come across radically different landscapes and atmosphere. I had never really been to the mountains, so I was able to do some very nice hikes. I love Belgium, but the mountain air in Switzerland brings something different. I discovered a passion for hiking and sport in general.”
The young woman also discovered some differences in the studies. “In Belgium, we had our internships as a whole. In Switzerland, I was able to do a spun internship, so I had one day a week of internship and the rest of the time I had lessons. In Switzerland, when a teacher was sick, students could replace it and be paid. In Belgium, we could only do it in the third year and it was free. I also had the opportunity to teach sport while in Belgium, it would not have been possible.”
One of the hikes made by Célia during her Erasmus in Switzerland. ©dr
What are the highlights of your Erasmus in Switzerland?
Célia’s worst memory concerns the housing scam she suffered before she left. “I had found a super nice apartment. The owner asked me to pay a deposit of 850 euros and explained to me that he would send me all the papers when he received it. Unfortunately, I didn’t I never saw the color of the papers. I later realized that the offer was in fact too good to be true and that this kind of apartment cost double. Fortunately, I was able to be reimbursed by my bank. But everything this happened two weeks before I left, so I had to find another accommodation in a hurry.”
How to avoid scams by renting a kot
Another memorable memory will remain for her of her visit to the Christmas market in Zurich. “We went back to a chalet with some friends. We sat down and suddenly some Swiss people started singing and dancing to traditional German music. They were really partying hard. It was very surprising At first, we wondered what we were doing there. But we finally tried to dance with them. It was really fun.”
What advice for an Erasmus in Switzerland?
As Célia explains, life is expensive in Switzerland. Since the country is outside the Eurozone, additional fees apply when making payments or withdrawing. “I had taken Swiss francs before leaving but I ran out. I learned of the existence of bank cards which made it possible to avoid transaction costs (note: N26 or Revolut for example). was very helpful.”
She also advises, as with all destinations, to be well informed about apps. “There are apps, such as Mobile CFF, which allow you to keep up to date with transport timetables. It is often advantageous to book your ticket in advance. This is what I did with a friend. By booking in advance, we were able to save a few euros and we visited five different cities in the day, leaving at 4 a.m. and returning at 10 p.m. There is also a hiking app called Swisstopo.”
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