INCOMING mobility

Pontifica Universidade Católica do Paranà, Curitibia, Brésil

It seems like it was just yesterday when I filled out my first form for my studies in Switzerland. What felt like a distant dream is now coming to an end. Studying in such an international city, home to various world organizations, embraced by the Alps and Lac Le Man, was the perfect experience to share knowledge, perspectives, and dreams.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Stéphanie, Nicole, and the entire International Relations team for all the support provided during this incredible semester. HEG is a spectacular university. From the beginning, I was captivated by the innovative and practical approach of the management and business courses. The professors, true experts in their fields, not only conveyed knowledge but also shared their professional experiences, providing valuable insights. Team projects at HEG were a living testament to its practical approach. Collaborating with peers from different nationalities and backgrounds was not just a task but an opportunity to apply theories in real-world scenarios.

As I bid farewell to this university, my heart is filled with mixed emotions, yet I am overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude for having gained the most from this enriching experience. I made a conscious effort to take advantage of the opportunity to attend engaging classes with renowned professors at HEG, going beyond the credit requirements of my Brazilian university to dive even more deeply into learning. During my stay here, I not only refined my French but also improved a lot my English, expanding not only my academic knowledge but also my language skills. Thinking about the challenges I've faced during my time at HEG, I see that every obstacle has helped build my resilience and adaptability. These experiences have become an important part of my educational journey, adding depth to my overall understanding. Additionally, the impactful teaching approach of the professors at HEG has greatly influenced my ability to handle and overcome these challenges. Their insightful methods and hands-on guidance have left a lasting impression on my academic and personal growth.

It's not a permanent farewell, but a temporary goodbye. Leaving Geneva, I am filled with gratitude and newfound insights, excitedly looking forward to coming back soon. The HEG has earned my respect and affinity, emerging as a perfect option for future studies, perhaps even for pursuing my master's degree. I hope that I also left a good impression for the university. May the connections formed here, the lessons learned, and the moments shared be part of an ongoing journey. I look forward to returning to Geneva to contribute and learn even more. Until soon, with the hope of encountering this welcoming city and the inspiring HEG community once more.

Giovanna Pissetti Muniz IBM, 2023/2024

Kozminski University Varsovie, Pologne

In 2022 I officially became a student of Kozminski University in Poland, but this year I was given an unimaginable opportunity to try myself in other country and other university – to participate in Erasmus exchange program. Having applied to HEG university I spent six months as an exchange student in such a wonderful university and country and this period really helped me to develop my skills as well as to gain an amazing experience. University itself is very beautiful, large and modern. All classrooms are very well equipped and there are projectors and TVs in each class. Also, I would like to note the main hall of the university, which has a very pleasant area for students to relax, where they can either play table football or gather and study together. I’ll mention the library in the same way, since there is a huge number of books or materials and separate rooms for “quiet” study, where you can also use computers. But the most delicious part of the university is the canteen. There were always very fresh and tasty dishes, as well as a wide variety of Swiss desserts.

Speaking of the teachers, all are competent teachers with a lot of experience and real internships in very large companies. As an Erasmus student, I was interested to learn from other teachers and see what teaching methods are applied in Switzerland. During the semester there were a large number of interesting and practical projects, both in groups and individually. It was difficult sometimes and there was not always enough time due to the amount of work, but we were always able to freely turn to the teacher and ask for his advice or help.

Also, on my own behalf, I would like to say a huge thank you to the organizational team of HEG University for the super interesting events for us as an exchange students, which diversified our staying in the new country as well as to make studying interesting and inspiring! On the first day, we had a wonderful welcome day, where we were shown the university and the library, we were introduced to each other and given branded gifts and badges. Afterwards we had a delicious lunch together at a restaurant and a 2-hour tour of Geneva which was very exciting. Also, during the semester, we were invited to many events, both traditional Swiss and entertaining for students.

I fell endlessly in love with Geneva and the HEG University itself, as it will forever be a part of my life. Here I met many interesting people as teachers and students both from Switzerland and from different countries. University disciplines and attitude, as well as all professors and their teaching methods gave a huge experience to me not only as a future specialist but pervades me with unforgettable memories as a student!

Kandratsyeva Ahata IBM, 2023/2024

My personal experience during all these 5 months at Geneva has been great. This program has completely surpassed all my expectations and I feel I have learned so much both professionally and personally.

I am very surprised with the level and quality of the courses. All the teachers have the best formation and a ton of experience with which they delight students. They are also always open to answer all your questions and doubts which is really helpful for foreign students. Lessons are very practical and focused on real life situations which is certainly a positive thing for us students to learn. The education at HEG is less focused on exams and much more focused on group works, I think this is a very positive part of this university as students become able to understand how real life works. Moreover, this university offers a very wide range of subjects upon which to choose, in order for you to freely choose what you would like to learn.

The other thing that impacted me was the excellent atmosphere there is within the university. The HEG has a perfect equilibrium between internationals and Swiss people. They provide a very good attention to Erasmus students which we really appreciate. Swiss people are also very welcoming, kind and helpful. The HEG puts a lot of effort in the integration of every student, due to the numerous events the university has prepared. A welcoming and goodbye lunch, a city tour where we first got to know the Erasmus students, as well as trips to beautiful Swiss cities and chocolate factories. This experience has allowed me to meet people from all around the world which I never thought I could get to know without this Erasmus program.

I would really recommend this university and this experience to anyone who asks me, I am very thankful for everything I have learned. What I liked the most was the perfect equilibrium between the educational part and the personal part of this semester. I believe doing an Erasmus can only benefit oneself and it’s such an enriching experience I will never forget.

Lucia Maria Pérez Yañez IBM, 2021/2022