From Toronto to Winterthur - An exchange semester at the ZHAW School of Engineering
For one semester, Nidhi Modi swapped the campus of York University in Toronto for the ZHAW School of Engineering in Winterthur. In this interview, she explains why she chose the ZHAW, what impressed her about the practice-orientated degree program and what she took away from her time in Switzerland.
Exchange student: Nidhi Madi
Place of residence: Toronto, Kanada
Home university: York University, Lassonde School of Engineering
Study program: Bachelor's degree Computer Science
Nidhi, you are one of the students who attended the ZHAW School of Engineering for a semester abroad. How did you like your stay at the ZHAW School of Engineering?
I really enjoyed my stay at the ZHAW School of Engineering. The professors were approachable, have great expertise and are always willing to help and inspire the students. One aspect that I particularly appreciated was the smaller classes. This also made contact with the professors more personal. This more personal learning environment made it easy to interact with others and I felt encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in discussions. In addition to the academic aspects, the friendly atmosphere at the ZHAW also made it easier to adapt to my new environment. I appreciated that the semester was well structured and offered many opportunities to exchange ideas with my peers and explore Switzerland.
Why did you choose the ZHAW School of Engineering?
I chose to study at the ZHAW School of Engineering because I wanted to experience education at a globally recognised technical university and immerse myself in Switzerland's innovative learning environment. The ZHAW's focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning and exceptional engineering programmes matched my academic goals perfectly. Another key factor was the opportunity to gain academic and cultural experience in Europe, which I believe is invaluable in today's globalised world. As Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe, I was able to travel to neighbouring countries such as Germany, France and Italy at weekends and during the semester break, allowing me to experience new cultures, traditions and landscapes.
How did you find your way around the class and how were you received?
To be honest, it took me some time to get used to the teaching style and structures at ZHAW, but my social environment made the transition much smoother. The professors were understanding and willing to explain concepts, while the small classes encouraged active participation and made it easier to build connections with both lecturers and fellow students. Working on group projects and in-class discussions helped me to integrate quickly and feel part of the ZHAW.
How was the exchange with the other international students?
The exchange with other international students was one of the highlights of my stay. It was fascinating to meet other exchange students from different cultural and academic backgrounds, all of whom brought unique perspectives to discussions and projects. The ZHAW also organised several special programmes for exchange students, such as cultural integration activities and social events. These initiatives and the ESN excursions not only helped me to make friends, but also to gain insights into Swiss culture and way of life. Overall, I can say that the exchange gave me the opportunity to collaborate with others, explore new ideas and step out of my comfort zone, which made it an unforgettable experience.
What is different here than at York University?
One major difference is the practical approach at the ZHAW. The curriculum places a stronger emphasis on applied learning, with practical projects and real-life problem solving integrated into the coursework. Another important difference, as already mentioned, was the smaller class size, which enabled closer contact with the professors and fellow students. At my home university, there are often several assessments, such as tests, mid-term exams and quizzes, which result in an even distribution of grades. At the ZHAW, the majority of grades are determined by the final exams. This required me to adjust my study habits and focus on long-term preparation. The cultural aspect of studying in Switzerland was also unique. I was impressed by the diversity of the students and the emphasis on a healthy work-life balance.
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt here?
I think I have not only learnt a lot of technical know-how here, but also other important skills that will definitely help me in my career. For example, I have also broadened my perspective as an engineer through practical projects and working with peers from different backgrounds. On a personal level, I had the wonderful experience of making new friends from all over the world. As I didn't understand the local language well at the beginning, I had to adapt how I communicated. I had to communicate a little differently and more imaginatively, which certainly helped my interpersonal skills.
What advice would you give to students who are considering a semester abroad?
My advice would be to fully embrace the experience. It is certainly good to be open to new learning methods and cultural differences. You should also make the most of the opportunity to make lots of different contacts.
Anything else you want to say?
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study at the ZHAW School of Engineering. It was a valuable experience. I not only learnt new technical skills, but also personal ones. The friendships I made, the places I explored and the challenges I overcame will stay with me for a long time and help me for the future. I can highly recommend a semester abroad to anyone who has the opportunity.