- ZHdK International Dossier: How did you choose the place for your exchange semester?
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Yvonne Moriel: It happened by chance – I didn't even consciously consider Switzerland.
- What has been the biggest surprise at the new university?
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The openness and state of the art, the many interdisciplinary possibilities and the opportunity to organise studies individually. There's an incredible range of activities you can do if you take the initiative, and you get a lot of support, also from the teachers, which is great. I also like the high value of art and culture in Switzerland and the support within the music scene.
- What has been the biggest challenge of your semester abroad?
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A lot of time is needed for organisation. In the beginning, you drift around a bit lost until you find out how everything works, what interests you, who the right contact persons are, how the music scene works. It's not so easy to balance practising, project work and concerts. Only now I feel like having settled in. I would have to extend my studies again.
- What do you wish you’d known before leaving for your exchange?
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That it would be good to choose a place where you already know people you can relate to. It's much easier to find your groove and get to know other people. At the same time, you develop tremendously through the new environment and the people you meet – no matter where you go. You simply grow.
- Was hat dir am besten gefallen?
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Die Möglichkeit zu bekommen, auch in der Schweiz Konzerte zu spielen und die Szene kennenzulernen. Zum Beispiel habe ich unter anderem beim Swiss Jazz Orchestra und beim Zurich Jazz Orchestra mitgespielt und dadurch viele tolle Musiker:innen kennengelernt. Es ist schon super, nicht nur den Kosmos der Hochschule zu erleben.
- What is your favorite learning so far?
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To get the opportunity to play concerts in Switzerland and to get to know the scene. For example, I played with the Swiss Jazz Orchestra and the Zurich Jazz Orchestra and met a lot of great musicians. It's amazing not only to experience the cosmos of the university.
- What is your motivation for continuing your education?
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My motivation for further education comes from an intrinsic motivation. The more I learn, the more opportunities I discover. There are so many exciting fields I want to be good at and things I want to be able to do. Further education also helps me not to get stuck in patterns.