Swiss Bliss: Experiential Learning on Wentworth Trip to Switzerland
A New Year’s Day celebration on a 10,000 ft. mountain top. Tobogganing down a mountain. Making chocolate. These are just a few of the adventures experienced by the 14 students who explored Switzerland over the winter break on a trip run by Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Wellness team.
“I decided to go on the Switzerland trip because I wanted to explore a new country and all that it has to offer,” said Erin MacLean (SOAD). “Traveling with FitWell provided an opportunity to do this with a group of my peers, with an organized itinerary. This took the stress out of planning the trip, and brought a group of students together who likely wouldn't have met otherwise.”
Students flew to Zurich on December 28, 2023. Over the next nine days, they visited a variety of sites, from small mountain villages to large cities, frequently traveling on trains.
“Something interesting that I noticed the entire time was how clean everything was,” said Nick Palsi (SCDS). “Even in the main city of Zurich there was virtually zero trash on the ground, as well as the train stations being spotless.”
The trip gave students the opportunity to be active, outdoors, and exposed to different cultures and experiences. Students experienced the Swiss Italian culture in Lugano, the Swiss French culture in Lausanne, Swiss German in Zurich, and even a bit of Romansch in the countryside. Students also got first-hand exposure to Swiss engineering marvels, from the Gotthard tunnel, to the cliff-dangling bridges, to the cable cars that seem to rise into the clouds.
“I have never been over the water before,” said Joe Ercolini (SOE), “so this was going to be a great experience. We went tobogganing and that was such a rush. The mountains that we saw were massive and seemed to go in forever, plus from the train rides the sights were unbelievable.”
Students were accompanied on the trip by Mike Williams, CRSS, CPT, director of Fitness and Wellness. “This was my 13th year leading this particular trip,” commented Mike, “and every year fills me with joy as I get to watch students experience the magic of Switzerland through their lens and learn to navigate through a different culture. Being able to watch them go from nervous and unsure to confident travelers always makes me proud.”
“To anyone who is thinking of traveling or studying abroad,” said MacLean, “I would say absolutely do it. Not only do you learn so much about the new country, but you come home a different, more confident person. Studying abroad is an experience you don't get too many opportunities to do but it is absolutely worth it.”
“The experience I had in Switzerland was amazing,” added Ercolini. “We got to see so many places that I couldn’t believe. If someone else went on this trip, I can’t wait for them to experience what I did.”
And, Palsi added, “don't be afraid to try that country’s cuisine, because you most likely will end up really liking it.”
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