“My internship at ETH got off to a great start. In the very first week, the Erasmus Student Network organized an introductory week full of activities and parties. Within no time I had met a large group of other exchange students, which made me feel at home almost immediately. The large student housing complexes also makes it incredibly easy to meet people, and there is always something going on. During the week there are parties, and in the weekends we head out together — skiing, hiking, city trips, or just doing something spontaneous. The best part? Within an hour you can be right in the middle of the Alps.”

"I am doing my internship with the Magnetism and Interfacial Physics research group at ETH. One thing that immediately stands out in the workplace is how different the daily rhythm is compared to the Netherlands. Late lunches and warm meals are very common, often with delicious, hearty food. Working hours are also flexible and personal: some days I start later, other days earlier."

“What I probably enjoy most is that it is completely normal here to go for a workout together during the day when the sun is shining. You simply make up that hour of work later in the evening — and with the later dinner times, that is no problem at all. On top of that, the team consists of people from many different backgrounds, so you end up learning something new every day. The Swiss themselves are quite similar to the Dutch: a comparable sense of humor and similar social norms, which makes it easy to feel at home here.”

“Spring has only just begun, but it already feels like a completely different world is opening up. The snowy Alps, where we are still skiing now, are slowly transforming into mountains with turquoise lakes — perfect for swimming or going on beautiful hikes. Italy is also on the list, by train you can get there surprisingly quickly. Plenty to look forward to!”

“The biggest downside is the prices when going out. Eating at restaurants or even grabbing a beer can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, there are also plenty of affordable options. You can make use of the university’s free sports facilities, and there are discount travel cards for young people on public transport. Supermarket prices are also roughly comparable to those in the Netherlands."

"At the same time, you can really feel that Zurich is an economic hub. Supercars, luxury shops, and designer brands are everywhere. Walking through the city on a weekend can sometimes feel like stepping into a world of bankers, fur coats, Rolex watches, and expensive cars. It is a world of its own — but definitely an interesting one to experience.”

“Arranging an internship abroad may take a bit more effort than staying in the Netherlands, but it is absolutely worth it. You step into a completely different environment, and it has genuinely changed how I look at the workplace. It also opens doors you might not even have known existed before. For me, it is also nice not to be too far from home: from Zurich, you can take a direct train and be back in Amsterdam overnight.”