Introduction to my Year Abroad

Hello, I’m Lucrezia, currently studying languages at King’s College London and on my year abroad to Geneva until January and Madrid for the second semester.

Many people asked me why. Why go to Geneva if you can go anywhere French speaking?! Geneva is boring, Geneva is expensive, why not Paris, etc. But I have always had so much love for Switzerland. I don’t know why, but I have always seen myself ending up here when I am older. I don’t know if it’s the tranquility, the breath-taking landscapes surrounding each city, the prosperous income, I am not entirely sure, however spending almost a semester here has certainly backed up my ideas.

Moving in day was the best; I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the city, I had never seen anything like it. I came to Geneva with my mother and stayed the night at the Tiffany Hotel, as I still had to collect the keys to my apartment. We explored the beautiful city during the day, and surprisingly I thought we saw most of what there was to see, but that was not true; Geneva is full of hidden treasures that are not always mentioned in tourist guides.

The Evening was when I really fell in love.

Having a job would have been a great opportunity for my French, so I got an interview at Bongenie, which was absolutely terrifying but it went well – apart from the fact that foreign students are only allowed to work 15H a week and this job was recruiting for slightly more hours. It was a shame but at least I can tick off “having an interview in a different language” off the list.

From the travel point of view I am stunned at the train prices here. If you stay a year it’s best to buy a half-fare card for 180 CHF a year, as it allows you to travel for half price. A two hour journey return starts at 80 CHF which is crazy, but there are always alternatives such as Blabla car, coach and car rental. I have also been told about “billets dégriffés”, which are super reduced, non-refundable tickets available to purchase.

The University of Geneva is so different to English universities. Firstly, I am stunned that lessons start at 8. 15AM – in London I struggle with 9AM’s! Secondly, we are allowed to chose our own timetables; therefore I only ended up in Uni two days a week, which is a big positive. Thirdly, the teachers are great, very friendly and helpful and have really helped me improve my French.

As a city Geneva has really exceeded my expectations. Of course it is slightly more expensive than London when it comes to eating out and drinking, but on other aspects it’s the same if not cheaper. Food shopping is around the same price and my monthly travel card is half the price of London! Also people here are so genuine and kind – even though you may not speak perfect French they will help you instead of jumping in and speaking to you in English. Travelling around the city is great, so easy in terms of understanding and it is always so punctual!

All in all my experiences here have been great, and I cannot wait to share them with you here – I have met incredible people, shared a flat with an amazing girl, eaten in some pretty interesting places and discovered a whole world of beauty when travelling, oh and of course enriched my French!

What to expect in my next posts: City Guides, Reviews, Where to go for food, Places to visit etc.

Photo gallery