Switzerland Beyond Bollywood: Experiencing culture, food and discovering HIM campus | Life in a Foreign University

The idea quickly grew on me. Studying in one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the world felt like the perfect fit. That’s when I discovered the Hotel Institute of Montreux (HIM), which offered a programme in hospitality and, more importantly, promised international exposure that I knew would shape me both academically and personally.

I completed my Class 10 and 12 at Vibgyor High. In Class 10 (ICSE), I scored 91 per cent, while in A-Levels for Class 11 and 12, I secured 3 A’s and 2 B’s. I wouldn’t call myself a “bright” student in the traditional sense, however, I never really struggled with studies and actually enjoyed learning.

Application, Visa and admission process

I didn’t apply anywhere else. The first and only application I submitted was to HIM, and fortunately, that’s where I completed my undergraduate. However, I did attend numerous online seminars from other universities, which were informative but at times overwhelming.

I worked with a counselor who guided me through the admission process for HIM. The procedure itself felt quite streamlined, something anyone could manage with patience. What I found more challenging, however, was the visa process, which required much more time and effort.

The most important things to prepare for university applications are your academic transcripts and a strong motivation letter. Staying in regular touch with the admissions or accounts department also helps smoothen the process.

The visa procedure, on the other hand, was far more tedious. I had to travel to Delhi to visit the Swiss Embassy, and securing an appointment itself required weeks, sometimes months, of advance booking. It’s crucial to carry multiple copies of your original documents along with the required visa forms to avoid any last-minute hurdles.

I received a 30 per cent scholarship on my tuition fees based on my Class 10 and 12 marks. The scholarship was granted by the university itself. The remaining costs were financed by my family.

My time in Switzerland

Landing in Switzerland without my parents for the very first time was nerve-racking. Everything felt unfamiliar — the people, the language, even the calmness of the airport compared to the hustle and bustle I was used to in India. I had arranged a transfer through my university, and that’s when I met my first friend, a student from Hong Kong. It was my first real face-to-face conversation with someone from abroad, and to my surprise, it felt comfortable and reassuring.

When I reached the university, I noticed there were no other Indian students around. While that was intimidating at first, it turned into an opportunity. It pushed me to expand my social circle and network with people from all over the world. It was both exciting and slightly frightening, but in hindsight, it shaped my confidence in navigating diverse environments.

Luckily, I didn’t struggle much with basic needs. The university provided accommodation and meals, and there were plenty of supermarkets nearby where staff were always willing to help. I didn’t take up part-time work because my schedule was packed, but in Montreux, most part-time jobs required French, as it’s a French-speaking region.

The biggest change in academics was going completely digital. Instead of relying on heavy textbooks, all of our study material was on an iPad. At first, this was a huge shift for me, as I had always been comfortable with books back in India. But over time, it became incredibly convenient and efficient.

Classes were intimate, usually with 20–25 students, which made it easy to interact with professors. What stood out the most was how approachable and friendly they were. They taught concepts through real-life applications, which made lessons engaging and practical rather than purely theoretical.

My campus was unique; it was actually a hotel converted into a university. For my first two terms, I lived, studied, and ate in the same building. The accommodation was excellent, and we had a student lounge with a pool table, table tennis, board games, and even video games. It felt less like a traditional campus and more like a second home.

For me, the highlight has always been the people — friends and staff alike. Their constant support and presence made my time at HIM unforgettable. They were the reason I felt so at home despite being far away from India.

One memory that stands out is the first Ice-Breaker event at HIM. It is a tradition where students and staff come together, share drinks, break the ice with a hammer. That event laid the foundation for some of my closest friendships and remains one of my most cherished experiences.

Daily schedule, hobby, internships

My daily schedule varied each term, but mornings were reserved for classes. If I wanted breakfast, I’d wake up earlier. Classes usually ended by 3–5 pm, after which I would head to the gym. Dinner was served at 5:30 pm, and evenings were often spent either in the student lounge or hanging out in friends’ rooms.

I didn’t stick to one hobby, but I occasionally played volleyball. My main focus, though, was consistently on the gym, which became an important part of my lifestyle.

We had a few favourite spots — the Irish Bar in town, or simply the lakefront, where we would often sit, talk, and even swim when the weather allowed.

YouTube was my go-to for entertainment. I loved watching a wide mix of content, from gaming videos to history and political discussions.

Most of my living costs were covered by the university since accommodation, three meals a day, and the gym were included in my fees. For extras and outings, I managed with pocket money from my parents.

Absolutely, studying abroad made me far more outspoken and independent than before. The exposure gave me a real understanding of the world, beyond the protective bubble of home. It also helped me build connections with people from diverse backgrounds, which has been invaluable both personally and professionally.

During my time at HIM, I completed two internships abroad, one in Dubai and another in Portugal, which gave me invaluable exposure to different work cultures and global hospitality practices. Even though I’ve interned in two different countries, I believe every region has its own unique way of doing business. My goal is to gain practical, grassroots knowledge here in India before eventually starting something of my own in the near future.

Interestingly, for most of my university journey, I was the only Indian student in my batch. It was only during the final months that a few others joined, but by then I had already built strong friendships with people from across the globe: Vietnam, France, Indonesia, Sweden, Romania, Russia, China, Myanmar, and the Philippines, to name a few. This diversity taught me to appreciate different cultures, languages, and perspectives in a way I could never have experienced back home.

Life in the city of Montreux

Montreux isn’t really a “city” by Indian standards — it’s small and picturesque. The highlight is the lake, which looks magical at sunset. Montreux is also famous for hosting one of the biggest Christmas markets in Switzerland, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Switzerland is stunning, but it’s also expensive. Unlike some other European countries, the cost of living here can be overwhelming. People are friendly but value their privacy and punctuality, so respecting those cultural aspects is key to fitting in.

Next innings

I completed my BBA at HIM Business School in Geneva, Switzerland, this June and have since returned to my hometown in India – Pune. Right now, I am learning the ropes of business from my father and elder brother. My father, once an architect, is now retired and devotes his time to real estate as well as agriculture, focusing mainly on sugarcane cultivation. My mother, who is a homemaker, has always been the steady support system of our family.

One of the toughest adjustments was the food. European dining often included a cold section, which was difficult to get used to at first. For vegetarians, survival can be especially challenging, as meals often rely on simple steamed vegetables or pre-packaged items. Being non-vegetarian made it easier for me, but I still missed the taste and comfort of freshly cooked meals from home — nothing compares to your mother’s cooking.

Another challenge was being away from family for an entire year at a stretch. While making friends helped ease the loneliness, moments like falling sick or celebrating festivals made me deeply aware of the distance from home. Over time, however, I grew stronger, more independent, and learned how to take care of myself in ways I never had to before.

Studying abroad is not just about academics; it’s about building resilience, adapting to new cultures, and finding your own identity in a foreign land. That, I believe, has been the most transformative part of my journey in Switzerland.