A review of my stay abroad in academic terms
This semester was the best semester in my study time so far. I am a person who likes to learn new things which are somehow challenging. This school gives the incoming students many opportunities to participate in different courses. They also offer extra courses to improve for example for English skills, or debating skills. Most of the courses were in English, and some in German. To follow courses which are not given in your mother tongue, makes it even more challenging.
Some courses I found interesting were: Human Rights Education, psycholinguistics and the mind, Cultures of the English speaking world and the charm of the unfamiliar.
Especially Human Rights Education was an eye-opener. I only knew the basics, but this subject gave me a deeper insight on what it exactly is, where they fight for, what the struggles in the world they face and the most important part; how to teach the children about this. Because everyone should know their rights.
Then the subject cultures of the English speaking world. We got to learn how the English language came to the language we speak nowadays. This was very interesting. I learned the history and the reasons for the pronunciation etc., The history was about England and Europe, linked to the present.
The charm of the unfamiliar was a colloquiem module. I got to hear about the language stays people fulfilled. They had to link their language stays to a certain theme and theory. I had to do a presentation about my year in America, and I linked it to racial discrimination. I had to do research about it, search for many theory sources, but at the end, the outcome was worth it!
Next to all these subjects I participated in an extra English course: CAE. This was for improving my English skills to a C1 / 2 level. I also participated in a German course and in a debating group. These were all extra courses. I found it nice, that they offered this to the students.
The school also offered trips to make. I went to Zürich to see some special private schools, very interesting to see!! Plus it was a cosy group, and I couldn't wish for better teachers!
Speaking about the teachers, I have to say, they are so kind to you and willing to help you out anytime. This is in real life, but also by email.
I really cannot say anything bad about the PH. It was one good experience!
Review of my stay abroad in cultural terms
In the first two weeks I got my first impression of the Swiss people. Unfortunately I had a bad start because of the host family. This made me think a little negative about the Swiss. After a while a changed my family and saw the positive side! I think that the Swiss people are kind of patriotic(which is a good thing), they love their own country and want to live and achieve the perfect live. They eat healthy and workout more than we do on average in the Netherlands. Maybe I am stereotyping a bit, but this is what some international friends and I discovered.
Although it is hard to get contact with Swiss people, this counts more for the older people than the younger ones. The younger/students are more international focused and have an open vision. But to drink a coffee by your nieghbour without an appointment, is a 'no-go'.
The last thing I want to say is that 'Time'' is very important. Being on time and always know what time it is, is another characteristic. I really liked this, because you know that when you have an appointment, they are always on time.
Review of the stay abroad in social terms
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