Lasers abroad: Postcard from Switzerland

Jacob poses at a cow parade in Wassen, Switzerland. Photo courtesy of Jacob Lustig

Junior applied math major Jacob Lustig is studying abroad in Switzerland this semester. This is their postcard from Franklin University:

My semester abroad with Franklin University Switzerland has been a dream so far! Over the past month, I have had the pleasure of making new connections with students from all over the globe, learning about the local culture of Lugano, Switzerland and taking new and exciting classes that are exclusive to this university. 

I chose Franklin University Switzerland specifically for the Academic Travel opportunity that allows students to take a course with a travel period in the middle of the semester, which is my Venice trip. When deciding on the country to study in, I chose Switzerland due to its location in a central area of Europe, allowing easier travel to surrounding locations.

A view of downtown Lugano. Photo courtesy of Jacob Lustig

A few highlights of my semester so far include going to Wassen, Switzerland to experience a local tradition known as a cow parade, as well as a trip to a waterfall in Locarno, Switzerland, called Valle Verzasca and spending a weekend in Genova, Italy, with my new friends.

I am taking all elective classes while abroad; Introduction to Sociology (Travel to Venice), Introduction to International Relations, Introduction to Art History and Introduction to Italian. 

Living abroad has been great so far, but the culture has definitely been something I have had to adapt to. Simple things like going to the supermarket or public transportation are completely different from home.

A sunset in Lugano. Photo courtesy of Jacob Lustig

My favorite part of Switzerland is the beauty of my location. Lugano is something right out of a dream, and the views here are incredible. 

I have slowly been starting to learn the local language of Lugano, which is Italian, because we are in the Italian region of Switzerland. Due to immersion in the culture and my language class, I have learned a good amount so far. 

I am looking forward to the rest of the semester, especially for my Sociology course that will be traveling to Venice for a week at the end of October. I am incredibly thankful to Maria Adkins, Lasell’s director of international student services and study abroad, for all of her support in the application process and adjustment to Franklin.