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Experience Report – SIS Student Exchange Programme

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Nina from Brazil Talks About Her Stay in Switzerland with the SIS Student Exchange Programme

As part of the SIS Student Exchange Programme, Nina from ESB Rio de Janeiro spent January and February 2025 at SIS Basel. When we spoke with her, she was in her final week in Switzerland before heading back home. In this interview, she shares her experiences – from everyday life and personal challenges to her most memorable moments.

 

Why an Exchange Programme?
When she first heard about the SIS Student Exchange Programme, her decision was quick – it was something that she really wanted to do. The opportunity to live with a host family and attend school in a different country for two months matched her curiosity and love for exploring new cultures.

For her, this wasn’t just a trip abroad – it was a conscious decision to grow. She wanted to step out of her comfort zone, live independently, and see what everyday life in a new country feels like. In her own words: 

“I see learning about life abroad as an educational purpose, to learn to live without the comfort of my family – it's like stepping out of a bubble.”

 

Challenges & Learning Moments
The start wasn’t easy. Coming to a completely new environment felt overwhelming at first. Nina admits:

"The beginning was kind of scary, but I quickly made friends."

Nina far left on a Ski Trip with the school

Everything was unfamiliar – the language, the weather, new routines. But what made the difference was how welcoming people were. Her classmates were kind and open, and her host family made her feel comfortable right away. With four girls in the house, mornings were lively and warm.

Although most people were happy to speak English with her, Nina made the effort to learn some German – and was met with patience and understanding wherever she tried.

One day, she missed her tram stop and ended up in the wrong village – a moment of confusion that turned into a funny memory. Luckily, she still made it to school on time.


Favourite Moments
What Nina will remember most are the everyday experiences: walks along the Rhine, sunny afternoons with friends, and family trips to Bern, Lausanne, and Zürich.

 

Nina visiting Bern

She was fascinated by the Swiss winter – a weather condition she cannot experience in Brazil. Ski trips with the school and snowy days turned her stay into something truly special. She also quickly developed a love for Swiss food, especially cheese and chocolate, and joked that she’d be bringing plenty of both back home to Brazil.

Looking back, Nina says her two months in Switzerland helped her grow personally and even changed her plans for the future. Now, she can see herself studying abroad one day, something she had never seriously considered before.

Her advice to others thinking about joining the programme?


“Do it! It’s such a nice experience. Come open-minded and take in everything new!”

 

 

Interested in learning more about the SIS Exchange Programme?

 

SIS Student Exchange Programme

 

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