Showcase: Capturing Switzerland – An Exchange Student’s Journey Through Travel, Culture, and Social Media

Sixth Honors 
Experience

This past spring, I had the opportunity to study abroad at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur, Switzerland. It was my first extended academic experience outside the United States, and it challenged me to adapt not only to a different academic environment but to an entirely new way of life. At ZHAW, I pursued coursework in computer vision and deep learning, working alongside students from all over the world. The collaborative, discussion-driven classes encouraged me to think differently and approach problems from multiple angles, a shift from the more structured coursework I was used to.

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Outside of the classroom, immersion in Swiss culture taught me valuable lessons in communication, patience, and independence. Navigating daily life in a different language and building friendships across cultures reinforced the importance of adaptability, a skill that I believe is critical for anyone working in technology and global industries today.

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Beyond academics, the experience shifted my mindset about what it means to be a Global Citizen Scholar. It’s not just about studying abroad or traveling, it’s about building mutual understanding, embracing difference, and seeking out opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives. ZHAW gave me the chance to do that, both in academic spaces and in the daily, ordinary moments that made the semester so impactful.

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This experience has deepened my academic interests and broadened my personal goals. It confirmed my desire to work in globally connected fields, especially where technology and social good intersect. I plan to carry the lessons of this semester into my final year at UC and beyond, whether in research, graduate study, or professional work.