The challenge of integration

Prepare administrative matters

• Check your visa, international health insurance, validity of your passport (depending on the country, it must be valid for up to 6 months after the return), and the documents required by your host university.
• Find out about course equivalencies, ECTS or local credits, and get your study plan approved (Learning agreement). 

Learn about the country and culture

• Research cultural norms, social habits, etiquette rules, and local customs.
• Learn a few key phrases in the local language, even if your courses are in English.
• If you’re leaving Switzerland, take note of the Swiss government’s recommendations for the country you’ll be visiting (FDFA: general recommendations for all travel).

Plan your budget

• Calculate your living expenses (housing, transport, food, leisure).
• Set aside a financial safety margin for unexpected costs.
• Look for financial support if needed. If you are coming to EPFL, here is some information about financing your studies.

Actively integrate

Take part in welcome events and student activities.

Join local clubs, associations, or groups (sports, culture, volunteering). If you are coming to EPFL, here are a few options:

• Get in touch with Agepoly, the EPFL General Student Association, and find out more about their activities.
• Take advantage of the numerous associations on campus and why not join one of them?
• If you’re an exchange student, Take part in Erasmus Student Network ESN EPFL activities.
• CMS or propaedeutic students, contact your coach: they are on hand to help you integrate into university social life.
• Play sport at the UNIL-EPFL sports service!
• Take advantage of the activities and get-togethers offered by the EPFL Chaplaincy.
• Discover the cultural offers provided by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences which aim is to serve as a bridge between scientists, intelligentsia, artists and the general public.

Balance study and exploration

• Stay organized to succeed academically while enjoying travel and cultural discoveries.
• Keep in regular contact with your teachers or program coordinators.

Take care of your mental and physical health

• Establish routines: sleep schedule, healthy eating, time to relax.
• Don’t hesitate to talk if you feel unwell (loneliness, culture shock): most universities offer mental health support for international students. At EPFL, the Trust Point is here for you.

Stay connected… but not too much

Stay in touch with loved ones, but avoid being constantly online with people from “back home” so you can better immerse yourself in your current experience.

Keep an open mind

Stay curious without being judgmental.

Reflect on your personal and academic journey

• Think about what you’ve learned, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the new skills you’ve developed.
• Highlight your experience in your CV, cover letter, or future interviews. At EPFL, you can contact the Transversal Skills and Career Center for advice.

Maintain your connections

• Stay in touch with the friends you met during your stay.
• Join alumni networks or become an ambassador for your exchange program.

Be curious, open-minded, organized, and adaptable.

Culture shock is normal — but it leads to deep personal and intercultural growth, as long as you approach it with a mindset ready to learn and adapt.

During the first stage, usually described as the “honeymoon,” most encounters are perceived as exciting and positive.

But in the second stage, known as “culture shock,” you begin to feel a sense of dislocation and general unease. Symptoms include:

• feelings of anger, discomfort, confusion, frustration or irritability and loss of sense of happiness;
• withdrawal, spending excessive amounts of time alone, spending time only with people of their community or other foreigners and avoiding contact with locals;
• negative feelings about the people and culture of the host country;
• compulsive eating and drinking or a need of a lot of sleep;
• tiredness, boredom, and an inability to concentrate or work effectively.

During the third and final stage, called “adjustment,” you start to accept your new surroundings and make a compromise between the “honeymoon” and “culture shock” phases.

Note that when you return, you may experience “reverse culture shock”, even though it may seem surprising!