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 as exchange students and what moves them in their studies, they tell here in their own words.

"I really liked the campus and the whole atmosphere of the school. The campus was amazing, and I particularly enjoyed all the different events and parties organized at the school. Most of the professors and teachers I worked with were amazing. However, I would not change anything about my exchange and I’m very glad I did it! It was great to get to understand the culture and study and work environment in a different country. But the most important thing for me were the people I met; friends, colleagues, teachers and other. And I most certainly will visit Zurich again!"
Anna Ginström, exchange student from Finland, 2022/23

"During my exchange period, I experienced the most fulfilling and enriching time of my life. Besides my major courses, I had the flexibility to choose other classes I was interested in. The university offered many courses taught in English for exchange students. Before the start of the semester, the professors in charge of course selection would inquire about each exchange student's preferences, suggest suitable courses, and even help us contact professors. This was a great opportunity to get to know the university better."
Fan-Chieh Kao, exchange student from Taiwan, 2022/23

"In addition to composition, I did an improvisation course. Its leader really helped me during my exchange year, not just in his course. Because of him, I applied for three composition courses. I was in Lucerne, Ticino and Graz at academies for composition and contemporary music - a kind of extension of my exchange studies in Switzerland. It was new for me to live in a city where everything was close by. Skiing in the Alps was a highlight."
Julia Constance Wiger-Nordås, exchange student from Norway, autumn semester 2022/23

"I learned many styles of repertoires from my lecturer. However, other classes that I registered for were also interesting to me, especially for free improvisation lessons, it was the first time that I had a chance to improvise freely with an ensemble. I learned about how to produce different sound with my instrument, some sound that I never did it before, also learned how to play with good ensemble skill. Another class that I registered for was chamber music."
Janjao Nipbhaya, exchange student from Thailand, spring semester 2023

"It was an amazing experience, meeting a lot of amazing musicians from all over the world who became my friend. I was very surprised by the extremely positive vibe of the school. Everybody was so kind if I needed help, showed understanding if I made a mistake and most importantly supported me as a student and a human being. I cannot believe how much I learnt in less then a year."
Sara Köveš, exchange student from Slovenia, 2022/23

"Studying at Toni makes everyday’s work seem a little easier, since everywhere we go something is happening. The ZHdK is a remarkable place, with unbelievable work conditions, great people involved and many interesting projects and events going on all the time. I am particulary happy about my participation in activities of the Zurich Saxophone Collective, as we had the opportunity to perform many times this year and it was a great pleasure for me to share the stage with them and spend a lot of time together during rehearsals, projects and concerts."
Oskar Rzazewski, exchange student from Poland, 2022/23