Pitt Global Experiences

Sarah Grabowy, Healthcare Delivery in Switzerland, Summer 2026

I had an unforgettable time studying abroad in Switzerland. However, as someone who had never been to Europe, let alone Switzerland, it was hard to feel fully prepared. Here is the advice I would give future participants.

1. Switzerland is EXPENSIVE! So much so that many Swiss locals go to France and Germany just to buy groceries.
   1. Make sure to take advantage of any included meals, such as complimentary breakfast at the hotels. Many of us would save apples or a croissant in our bags or our rooms for later.
   2. Don’t go out to lunch or dinner all the time. We regularly went to Switzerland’s grocery stores, Coop and Migros, and bought bread, snacks, and pre-made meals. This saved us a LOT of money. The pre-made meals are pretty good in both stores, but most people on my trip agreed that they liked the selection at Migros better. The meals are restocked every day but they get picked over quickly, so it’s best to go as early as possible.
   3. Overall, save more money than you expect to need! But also, if you have the budget, don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a meal on occasion. My friends and I would treat ourselves to dinner at least once per city.

2. Packing is my worst nightmare. However, a lot of the advice previous participants gave really helped me.
   2. One of the small things I loved about Switzerland was its water fountains, which have fresh and clean water that is safe to drink (unless there is a warning sign that says otherwise). Definitely pack a water bottle! I packed a collapsible one but actually regretted not bringing my regular insulated bottle. The insulation was great for keeping the water cold!
   3. Pack a rain jacket and a small umbrella!! Our trip got a decent amount of rain and the people who forgot umbrellas paid a hefty price for one.
   4. As far as clothing, pack light layers! Many of our days started out chilly but ended hot. I loved my trench coat since it was great for business casual days but was still functional.
   5. Bring a tote bag for the many university and hospital visit days. I ended up buying a purse style tote bag so that I could bring a notepad & pen, snacks, a phone battery, and other necessities on long days.

3. Other tips I would give:
   3. Many stores in Switzerland close by 5-7 PM. After long days full of visits, we sometimes could not make it to Coop or Migros to buy dinner in time. We learned to start shopping in advance. Stores in the train station also stay open later, so we would go there if needed.
   4. Add the people you meet on LinkedIn! We met many amazing researchers, professors, and other impressive individuals throughout our visits and adding them is a great way to stay connected.
   5. Learn basic pleasantries in Swiss German and French! People really appreciated when we could say things like thank you.
   6. Give your hotel room a thorough check before you leave. This goes for any type of travel, but it’s a mistake I made on this trip. I left behind my toiletry bag behind when moving from Basel to Geneva because it was hanging on the bathroom door where I couldn’t see it when I glanced inside. It’s hard to be on the move every few days but give yourself plenty of time to pack!
   7. Take advantage of public transport! Switzerland has one of the best public transport systems in Europe and we got a pass in each city that covered a lot of it. Get the SBB Mobile app and explore!!

Overall, make the most of every day, get to know the people in your program, and take so many videos and pictures. My study abroad experience is something I will never forget.