Introduction

My name is Verena Handler, and I decided to do an internship abroad at the primary school in Steinen, Canton Schwyz in Switzerland. This two-week internship was not only one of the most enriching experiences of my life academically, but also culturally and socially. I was fortunate enough to be able to accompany the daily routine of a second-grade class, led by a young and highly motivated teacher. Additionally, I also took part in German as a Second Language (DaZ) lessons, where I could support the children’s language development in a playful way.

The teacher used a variety of modern and diverse teaching methods, and I could always rely on her valuable advice when planning individual lessons, sequences, materials, and in relation to my research focus. This collaboration allowed me to gain a broad repertoire of methods for my future career as a teacher. At the same time, my mentor benefited from my support during her often busy school day.

Photo is taken by Verena

The School System in Switzerland

Switzerland is a country with four official languages. In the canton of Schwyz, where I completed my internship, the language of instruction is Standard German. The education system in Switzerland is federal, meaning it is organized in a decentralized manner. Both the federal government and the cantons (as well as the municipalities that manage the school operations) share responsibility for the school system (EDK, 2020).

Unlike in Austria, compulsory education in Switzerland lasts 11 years. Children typically start school at the age of four, with primary education lasting eight years, which includes two kindergarten years. Another distinction I wasn’t aware of is the higher number of weekly lessons: students have about 28 hours per week, compared to around 20 in Austria. School thus lasted every day until 3 p.m., with a lunch break of nearly two hours.

At around 12 or 13 years old, students transition to lower secondary education (Sec. I), which lasts three years. During this time, they learn English and a second national language, such as French. After lower secondary education, they can move on to upper secondary education (Sec. II), which combines school and practical training (dual vocational education). Alternatively, students may attend a gymnasium, with the Matura graduation qualifying them for university studies, similar to Austria (EDK, 2020).

Source: Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). (2020). School and Education in Switzerland. Online: https://www.edk.ch/en/education-system/description.

Culture and Landscape

Switzerland not only impressed me academically but also culturally. The landscape is breathtaking, and there are countless opportunities to relax. I stayed in a small town in the canton of Schwyz. The apartment was only a three-minute walk from the school away. With around 3,000 residents, the town was quite manageable. There was a bakery, a supermarket, some small restaurants, and a kebab shop – everything needed for daily life. By bus, I could reach the town of Brunnen in about 30 minutes. Located on Lake Vierwaldstättersee, Brunnen offered a breathtaking and almost enchanting view. I visited the town twice, took a boat trip, and enjoyed a coffee with a beautiful lake view at 27 degrees.

Photo is taken by Verena

Another attraction was the town Goldau, where I visited the University of Teacher Education Schwyz. There, I was given a tour by Irma Schöpfer, who organized my stay. I also visited the Goldau Zoo, which is situated in the landscape shaped by the Goldau landslide. The zoo features a film that recalls the tragedy of 1806, where rocks buried the town of Goldau, killing more than 400 people.

Photo is taken by Verena

Photo is taken by Verena

The canton of Schwyz offered many tourist attractions, but the high cost of living should not be underestimated. I quickly realized this when I paid 13,50 swiss francs (about 14 euros) for a kebab. However, since I spent most of my time for school and with my host family, I didn’t go out much, which was good for my wallet.

Social Aspect

I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Swiss people. As this was my first solo trip abroad, I had some concerns about finding my way in a foreign country and, most importantly, feeling comfortable. But my host family and my teacher quickly allayed all my worries. I always felt welcome. The fact that Standard German or Swiss German was spoken in this part of Switzerland also helped me to find my way around quickly.

People were very friendly, and I was always greeted on the street with a “Grüezi” or “Hoi.” The cleanliness of the streets and the constant feeling of safety impressed me greatly. Children played happily in the residential areas, which gave me a warm and secure feeling – something I often miss in my town in Austria. In summary, I can say that my stay and internship positively impacted my personal development. I feel more open, confident, and I now realize that traveling alone offers many advantages.

Photo is taken by Verena

Photo is taken by Verena

Conclusion

I am very grateful that i had the opportunity to complete an internship abroad in Switzerland. I take with me beautiful memories of the Swiss landscape, valuable teaching methods, and many wonderful encounters with the children, my mentor, and my host family. I would recommend an internship abroad in Switzerland to anyone interested in experiencing new cultures, languages, and a different school system. The experiences gained there are not only enriching for personal growth but also invaluable for the future work as a teacher.