Exchange students talk about their experience at USI

At the end of their exchange, incoming students are asked to write a report about their experience. These reports are published on our responsive portal and allow students from our partner universities  to gain some valuable insight into what it is like to be an exchange student in Lugano or in Mendrisio. The following are some excerpts from the reports compiled in the 2023-24 academic year.

Why did you choose to come to Switzerland/Ticino?

I chose to come to Switzerland as an exchange student because I was interested in Swiss education, culture and nature. I chose Lugano as my exchange destination because I found USI to be a small university and Lugano to be a very intimate and beautiful city where I could have a good time. I also liked the range of courses offered by the university and the fact that there would not be too many exchange students at the university and there was a greater chance to get to know everyone more intimately.

• Noora, Incoming student from Finland (University of Jyväskylä), Spring Semester 2024

I chose to come to Switzerland for a unique and enriching experience. I was drawn to Lugano by the excellent reputation of its university and the beautiful natural surroundings that make it such an attractive destination.

• Alessandro, incoming exchange student from Italy (Politecnico di Milano), Spring Semester 2024

I chose Ticino for its mix of cultures and different backgrounds as well as its beautiful surroundings.

• Giulia, incoming exchange student from Portugal (Universidade Católica Portuguesa), Autumn Semester 2023

Feedback on the teaching methods at USI

Professors at USI conduct interactive lectures that encourage student participation and engagement. These sessions often incorporate multimedia presentations, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions to enhance understanding and retention of the material.

• Dimitrios, incoming exchange student from Greece (University of Ioannina), Spring semester, Spring Semester 2024

I'm really grateful for all my teachers; they've all been very nice, and the classes have been great.

• Jamuna, incoming exchange student from Spain (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), Spring Semester 2024

I personally enjoyed the teaching method at USI. It combines a strong theoretical foundation with significant practical work, both individually and in teams. This structure enables students to apply lecture concepts to real-world situations effectively.

• Michele, incoming exchange student from Italy (Università degli Studi di Verona), Autumn Semester 2023

Feedback on the free of charge Italian language courses

Before the semester started, we had a two-week intensive Italian course for beginners. It was excellent from various aspects, being both educational and social. I met many fellow students there and enjoyed a great time.

• Premek, incoming exchange student from Czechia (Brno University of Technology), Autumn Semester 2023.

USI provides a pre-semester Italian course and a semester-long course. I did both and had the most fun. During the first two weeks before the semester starts, you get to know other Erasmus or international students, so it's a very easy way to make friends. If you want to continue learning, you can enroll in the semester course. It's not demanding in terms of workload, and if you stay focused during classes, you won't have extra work, but you can learn a lot. Doing both courses also helped me to get more in touch with Italian-speaking students in the atelier. Therefore, it's easier to meet local people and enhance your experience if you don't know the language well.

• Adriana, incoming exchange student at the Academy of Architecture from Spain (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), Spring semester 2024

Suggestions for future incoming students

If you're thinking about coming to USI as an exchange student, I'd say go for it! Lugano is a stunning city with so much to offer. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take advantage of the cultural experiences around you. Study hard too, to make the most of your classes and interact with your professors. It's all about balancing academics with exploring the city and making memories that'll stick with you long after your exchange ends.

• Ilaria, incoming exchange student from Italy (Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II), Spring semester 2024

If you're considering USI for your exchange, my advice is simple: stop hesitating and submit your application.

• Karolína, incoming exchange student from Czechia (Czech University of Life Sciences Prague), Spring semester 2024