Until the Exchange programme, I had never been outside India. Naturally, I had the worries of being an outsider in a foreign land. How would the food be? The people? The climate? The “punctual” Swiss life………..There was a lot running through my head.
Firstly, everyone thinks that Switzerland is really cold. But personally I never felt so. It may be because we went in October or during autumn when it was only starting to get cold. With a decent jacket, one can easily handle the cold. The air is really fresh and not at all polluted, and contrary to most Indian streets you won’t find any rubbish on their streets. One peculiar thing is the water quality. You can drink water even from most public fountains, without the risk of getting ill. There is very little traffic, and people prefer to use public transport, especially trains. Though a majority of the population speak French or German, they also speak English. The punctuality and cleanliness that the Swiss people maintain are really noteworthy.
This write-up would be incomplete if I did not mention my wonderful host family. They treated me as a part of their own family and made me feel at home. From day 1 to day 12 they took care of all my needs and I never felt any discomfort. We always ate together and they also allowed me to cook for them. They were really interested to know about India, its culture, spices, etc. Luckily for me, my hosts’ parents Jurg and Bettina, had been to India before. Hiking and outdoor activities like cycling are a craze for most Swiss people. For instance, Jurg uncle cycles 60 km daily, from Fribourg to Bern and back. He works with the Swiss railways in Bern. He even took me and my friend on a cycle tour around Fribourg and one day we all went on a hike. Food will not be a problem if you are not selective. Swiss people usually eat salads before lunch and dinner and do use spices, except chilly. Breakfast normally is bread, butter, jam, yogurt, cheese, etc. They also eat a lot of chocolate.
The relatively high cost may keep you from buying, but if you feel something is at a reasonable price you won’t regret buying it. Chocolates, bells and Swiss army knife are “must buy” things.
To conclude, the Swiss Exchange Programme is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity, and if you don’t go, you will regret it. The best thing is that you get to be part of another family, and no other tour programme can provide such a wonderful experience.
