Insights exchange students
They come to Zurich from all over the world – young talents with passion and visions for their future in the professional field of music. Why they chose ZHdK and what moves them in their studies, they tell here in their own words and give insight into their work.
Testimonials
The Welcome Days were a great start to the semester, where I was able to make contacts right away. Right from the start, I was impressed by the Toni-Areal with all the different departments, the exhibitions and concert opportunities, the library, the architecture, the Kaskade as a student meeting place, and the many common rooms. None of that exists at my home university.
The decisive reason for this semester abroad was the classes with my major professor, Wies de Boevé. The organized master class with a solo bassist from the Berlin Philharmonic was also enriching. I also played in an orchestra project, where I discovered interesting new repertoire and the Tonhalle Zurich.
Eva Brockhaus, exchange student from Germany, spring semester 2024
This experience has proven to be extremely enriching and formative, both on a personal and artistic level. The ZHdK is a state-of-the-art institution that impresses in many ways. Particularly noteworthy is the multicultural atmosphere that characterizes this university. Students and teachers from all over the world come together here, which promotes exchange and mutual inspiration. Thanks to the excellently equipped facilities and the numerous resources available to students, the quality of education is of the highest standard. This infrastructure allows students to concentrate fully on their artistic development.
In addition, there is a climate of tolerance and respect at the ZHdK that ensures an open and creative learning atmosphere. It is a place where individual strengths are valued and encouraged, which contributes to a fruitful collaboration.
Christian Camino, exchange student from Germany, academic year 2023/24
I am very happy to be here. In my studies in elementary music education, theory and practice are very closely linked. We teach directly in a class and analyze the lessons together with the professors. I have benefited greatly from this process and was able to apply what I learned in my internship. I also have a mentor who gives me additional feedback and advice. This has been very rewarding and has given me more confidence in my teaching and in the right teaching methods.
I am also enthusiastic about the diversity of the school. The ASVZ (Academic Sports Association Zurich) is worth mentioning, as I found its opportunities simply fantastic as a sports enthusiast. In addition to campus life, I also liked the city of Zurich.
Cui Xi, exchange student from China, spring semester 2024
Being able to study one year at such a school has been a dream coming true. It brought a lot of new exciting experiences that I will never forget. It has been a real pleasure to live in such a nice city that is so beautiful and has so much oppertunities for a musician. Furthermore, I could not imagine a better school than this one. All the lessons are overflowing with quality. The teachers where directly involved and interested to teach me and they made the students feel like they were part of a family. There is a really nice atmosphere in the group.
What I also enjoyed a lot has been the school projects. – being able to play in a high level orchestra is such a fun experience. Playing in a orchestra is what I want to do in the future as a professional musician. To able to gain experience in the school is the perfect way to practice.
I learned so much that I believe I could not have done it in a better place other than Zurich. I made friends for life here and made a lot of valuable contacts.
Joep de Mooij, Austauschstudent aus den Niederlanden, Frühlingssemester 2024
“...Is this all real or am I still dreaming?” During my exchange program, I felt understood by the teachers. They helped me improve my skills. I tried many new things, visited many beautiful places in Zurich and the surrounding area, and met many wonderful people and talented musicians with whom I am still in contact and will perhaps remain so for the rest of my life. I am happy that exchange semesters are available for us musicians and other art students at this university, where we feel so comfortable, safe, supported, and motivated to reach new heights.
Daria Fedorova, exchange student from Russia, spring semester 2024
The technology that is available to us around the clock is unimaginable in my country and other European countries.
We composition students (for film, theater, and media) have always collaborated with others, both inside and outside of school. I have collaborated on the music for almost 10 video games, written music for documentaries and two animated videos, composed and recorded a jazz piece for big band and strings, and even had the chance to travel to Vienna and record strings in one of the best studios in the world, Syncron Stage.
Through the school, I received my first composition commission and am writing music for a dance project that will be performed at the opera house. All of this was unthinkable 12 months ago.
Alberto Mancini, exchange student from Italy, academic year 2023/24
The Welcome Days were a great help in finding my way around the university and making initial contacts. Soon I attended my first concert at the Tonhalle and was more than impressed by the Tonhalle Orchestra and the venue.
Interacting with the many international students broadened my horizons. My fondest memories are of the rehearsals and concerts with the Zurich Saxophone Collective.
The Zurich Saxfest was also a highlight. It was the first time I had not only been able to attend a festival, but also help organize it. I learned a lot for my own future projects. During my two semesters, I was able to play in over 10 podium performances (note: concerts by the instrumental and vocal classes).It was stressful, but towards the end of my exchange, I noticed that I had become much more confident in performance situations.
I can say that I have grown as a musician and as a person, and I will always look back on this time with a smile.
Anna Nalter, exchange student from Austria, academic year 2023/24
ZHdK is an excellent place for personal and professional development. It is an incredibly inspiring environment where students can draw on other art disciplines and receive support from outstanding teachers. From my very first contact with the ZHdK, my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive – clear communication, excellent organization, and well-designed systems/platforms.
I also really appreciate the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses. The university's infrastructure is fantastic: excellently equipped classrooms, outstanding concert halls, a modern and extensive library, and plenty of practice rooms in the basement!
I find Zurich a fascinating and beautiful city that offers students many opportunities to engage with art.
Karol Mastalerz, exchange student from Poland, academic year 2023/24
When I first came to Toni-Areal, my initial reaction was: “Wow!” From the design museum to the library, the cinema, and the fantastic concert halls, right up to the roof terrace, where I spent most of my time practicing.
At ZHdK, you find so many different art forms in one place, which I found very fascinating and inspiring. I met many great students from all over the world. I also improved my German skills in an A2 course at ZHdK, so I can now hold simple conversations in German. I feel like I'm in the right place and I really enjoyed the whole experience. Overall, I couldn't be happier with how the year has gone and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Prof. Anders Miolin and Prof. Vojin Kocić, two excellent professors who have taught me so much this year.
Jaka Škoberne, exchange student from Slovenia, academic year 2023/24