Illia, how did you come to study in German in Switzerland?

During my school years in Kiev, I regularly took part in youth conferences where UN issues were discussed. This brought me into contact with international affairs early on, which sparked my interest in international relations. In addition, I have always liked languages and learned English and German as well as Ukrainian and Russian. I attribute my interest in the German language to my school days at a German-speaking school and to my father, who lived in East Germany during the German-Soviet relationship. In 2021, I started my Bachelor's degree at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Fortunately, I was one of the few students who were able to secure a scholarship due to their outstanding performance. Unfortunately, my good fortune was not to last long, as the war broke out again just one semester after I started my studies, bringing everything to a standstill. Various support agencies offered me the opportunity to come to Switzerland, and I finally found myself in Lucerne. Although my original path changed, I remained determined to stay true to my goal. I quickly began to look for opportunities to resume my studies. The ZHAW offered a special program for students from Ukraine, which made it possible to apply for studies. Initially, I started as a visiting student and was able to continue my studies in parallel in Kiev until I was finally enrolled as a full student at the ZHAW in spring 2023.

How different do you find everyday life as a student in Switzerland compared to Ukraine?

There are fundamental differences between the education systems in Western and Eastern Europe. This became particularly clear to me when comparing the practical and theoretical orientation. At my previous university, there was a strong focus on theoretical approaches, whereas at the ZHAW there is a strong emphasis on practical applications. Here, students are taught the necessary soft skills for their future professional life. This was one of the main reasons why I chose the ZHAW rather than another college or university. The professors' commitment to the professional development of each individual student is clearly noticeable and particularly appeals to me.

Other socio-cultural changes also became apparent as you settled in Switzerland. What culture shock did you experience?

One of the first things I noticed was the difference in working hours in Switzerland and probably in Western Europe in general. I found it particularly difficult to adapt to store opening hours. The idea of stores being closed on Sundays seemed unreal to me at first, as I was used to being able to shop on this day in Ukraine. Fortunately, I've now got used to it. I was also struck by the way people treat privacy, for example in banks. I was impressed by the respectful way in which people interact with each other.

You are involved in the organization of the summer schools within the International Office of ZHAW. Could you tell us more about it?

The Summer Schools offer an opportunity for a short exchange outside of the regular semester as an alternative to a whole semester abroad. This offer is particularly attractive for students studying part-time or with a part-time job alongside their studies. During the stay of several weeks in a country of their choice, participants can study and at the same time receive a dispensation for the modules at the ZHAW, which they now complete at the partner university. As someone who works and studies myself, I am very aware of the challenges of combining studies, work and a stay abroad. However, the summer schools allow students to gain similar experience to a full semester abroad while being able to compromise with their work commitments.

Will you be attending a summer school yourself? If so, where would you like to go and why?

I would love to take part in a summer school next year. Although I have already officially completed a semester abroad during my Bachelor's degree in Kiev through my guest studies at the ZHAW, I still long for the authentic experience of a stay abroad. It is important to me to experience the carefree feeling of such a stay. If the opportunity arises to join a summer school, I would particularly like to go to France. French culture is a true work of art for me. Not only am I interested in the history of France, especially how it intertwines with the history of England, but also the unique charm that the country exudes. I also love traveling as it gives me a sense of vibrancy. It's amazing that I've traveled more in the last two years than in my entire previous life. I'm not referring to trips to other countries, but to discoveries within the individual Swiss cantons, each of which has its own unique flair. The beauty of nature can only be fully appreciated by exploring it while traveling.