Lirong Yang

Exchange

Switzerland - ETH (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule) Zurich

Fall 2016 Exchange - 3B

Combinatorics & Optimization, Honours
Pure Mathematics, Honours

I went on an exchange to Switzerland in my 3B term. Switzerland is a beautiful country with extraordinary mountain views. I was studying at ETH Zürich. Zürich is a cute city with a historical city center. The first photo is Zurich main train station, called Zürich HB among local people. The second photo is the river Limmat across the city. ETH is a long-established and prestigious university. Studying there can be difficult.

Zurich main train station, called Zürich HB among local people

The math courses I took were excitingly fast-paced. I learned extensively through the lectures from the knowledgeable professors. As these lectures were also challenging, I found it difficult to absorb the knowledge taught in each class comprehensively. Regarding the non-math courses, I experienced, they were taught by more than one professors, so I put extra effort to integrate the different teaching styles in the course of study. In addition, I really enjoyed the first time taking oral exams in mathematics. Through a conversation, the professors kept my thoughts active and it helped me tackle problems in the exams. I managed to pass all my exams, but I think it would take more than one term to be on top of the coursework at ETH.

Side of the Limmat River, reflects its history in Zurich
Side of the Limmat River, reflects its history in Zurich

I was glad to meet my flat mates. They were friendly and tidy. We shared fun experience about our home countries and we sometimes had Swiss food or cooked dishes from our own countries together. Confusion sometimes arose due to languages in daily life. I explored the stunning nature in Switzerland in my leisure time. I also enjoyed attending tango dance lessons offered by ASVZ and the tango events in the city of Zürich.

I went to ETH in a good time to attend their annual traditional event, called Polyball. It is a student organized ball that last the whole night. One can find a variety of bands to dance to inside the oldest building at ETH, where math lectures take place daily.
At that night, the building is well-decorated with the theme of the year and it was just a magnificent night. 

This photo is the main building at ETH in the afternoon before the festive night and I also found an official video about it in the link provided. 
the main building at ETH in the afternoon before the annual traditional Polyball event
video about Polyball https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXIcu1l4qXQ

Best regards

Lirong