Pakomentē eseju

Why I want to study abroad

On the second year of a Master’s degree program in chemistry I have decided to continue studies as an exchange student in Switzerland. In addition to a spectacular geographic reference, a couple of reasons why I have made such a choice are to experience studies in one of the world’s top universities in natural sciences and to expand a personal contact network in the western Europe. In the following paragraphs I will motivate these arguments further.

First of all, both of my chosen destinations lies in Switzerland, on the foot tips of Alps, which are quickly reachable by train both from Zurich and Lausanne. I am highly passionate about mountains and winter sports, namely I enjoy hiking, trail running and skiing. Although I have visited Switzerland before (recently I took an internship in an agrochemical company in Basel), the impressions makes me want to return and travel around more in this scenery rich country. In addition, local student communities are another things I want to get acquainted with to meet new friends and broaden a cultural horizon.

Second, since the beginning of an undergraduate studies I have looked up to both Suisse polytehnik schools (ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne) as widely recognized higher education institutions, who provide a world class education and research. I believe a university that appears in top rows of yearly rankings are deeply engaged with an industry and possess more than just a high academic standard. In my opinion, study environment, for instance, motivated and inspiring class mates, course instructors, welcoming school facilities and decent living standards contribute significantly to a learning quality and attracts me the most. Acquaintances, who have spent a time of their carrier in one of the universities strongly recommended me to go there, especially for graduate studies compare to any other European university.

Lastly, it is apparent that a background in a world top university will noticeably brighten my career prospect. I see western European countries as the centre of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and, consequently, the largest job market for the field in Europe. The reason, why I want to spend more than one term there, is a research project in a second semester. This rather individual work will also be a perfect chance to showcase my skills and abilities in the eyes of a future employer in an industry or a supervisor for the PhD position. I also believe, an exchange programme will give an opportunity to meet people that would help me to accelerate a carrier in chemistry or at least expand a network of valuable contacts for collaborations in the future.

Overall, an exchange programme in Switzerland seems like a win-win opportunity for my Master’s education in chemistry – I will explore one of the highest regions in Europe and complement my knowledge in chemistry with a world-class education. No doubt, it will be another unforgettable adventure and turning point of my life.