Erasmus Experience in Zurich, Switzerland by Michelle

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Why did you choose to go to Zurich, Switzerland?

Zurich is the business centre of Switzerland, supported and surrounded by ideal infrastructure, hotels and attractions. As a hospitality student studying in french part of Switzerland, I pushed myself ahead to apply internship in Zurich. One hand I could pick up German day by day, on the other hand, I benefit from the friendly environment which especially important for students like me.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The Bachelor degree takes 3 years to complete. As I am now studying in a private school, therefore there are no budget to offer students' living costs. I basically count on the salary to afford accommodation, transportation and food such daily expenses.

What is the student lifestyle like in Zurich?

I somehow managed to apply a 2 month contract in WOKO, so there were days that I spent in dormitory with students in Zurich. I personally find that they are even more friendly and open-minded than hospitality students, 'Work hard, Play hard' would be how I describe the student lifestyle.

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Zurich to other students?

Definitely, Zurich is a good place to study and have fun peacefully, most importantly learn to be independent under an environment where different official languages.

What is the food like?

There are variety of cuisine around the city, from local to international, western to eastern and budget to haut. For instant, fondue, fine dining, Turkish kebab, Japanese sushi.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Zurich?

This is a critical issue to deal with, as I am staying half year time. It was extremely difficult and challenging to receive every single offer, not to mention choosing a place that perfectly fit into my preference. However, what is important is to be aware of scammers and fraud during the process, it is necessary to view the place meanwhile key receiving and deposit payment should happen at the same time.

How much does it cost to live in Zurich?

The first two months cost CHF$1, 080, the following 4 months cost CHF$590. As I mentioned above, it is hard to find a short contract accommodation in downtown therefore I pay CHF$173 for transportation which included unlimited access on the respective network. Last but not lease, it costs comparatively high to eat out, but it is affordable and controllable to shop in supermarket like Coop, Migros, Denner and Aldi.

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What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Zurich from your city?

Renting a car from an agency if you have international driving license.

Apply for half prize card and after 7 card then purchased monthly ticket from SBB for the correspondent zone if you make round trips very frequently.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Zurich?

No idea. Club in Hardbrücke perhaps.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Zurich?

As an Asian I like Brezelkönig and Conditorei Schober (Bakery) is also famous.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Christmas market in every canton is the only thing popped in my mind.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Zurich in the future?

Enjoy and have fun!

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