Connecting globally

Adaptability. Cultural awareness. Confidence. Tolerance of diversity.  These were but some of the attributes Year 3 student ZHANG Yuhui acquired when her exchange programme at ETH Zurich opened the door to a global learning experience for her. 

For Yuhui, who reads Double Majors in Quantitative Finance and Economics and Minors in German Language Studies and Business Analytics, the experience was absolutely worth her while.  

On campus, she worked with different academic communities and gained a better understanding of the differences between Europe’s and Asia’s educational systems. She says, “The curriculum at ETH Zurich focuses heavily on fundamental theories and the courses are more abstract.”

She adds, “The different teaching syllabus and graduation requirements also give students greater freedom to choose courses and decide when to take exams.”

In addition to spending time brushing up on her understanding of probability theory, she enrolled in a course beyond her disciplinary field – Nutrition and Performance – where she took away practical knowledge for daily application, such as the recommended intake of different nutrients. 

And by immersing in the local culture, traditions and customs in Switzerland, Yuhui got to experience a completely new way of life and make new friends, which enriched her personal development.

“Time flies, so cherish the opportunity to study abroad when you can,” she says.