Features Reporter
Photo by Brian Wise
Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland
Studying: English
School: University of Zurich
Why did you choose CMU?
I like the compactness of it. I intentionally chose a school that’s smaller in a town that’s smaller because I wanted to see that part of America. I didn’t want to see the big cities because I can always go visit them.
What do you want to do with your degree?
What I would love to do is become a car journalist, like for a car magazine. That would be my uber goal. I think I would work more on a freelance basis.
What languages do you speak?
My first language is Swiss-German, my second is German. Then I had to learn French, so English is my fourth. But I’m really bad at French. I understand more than I speak.
Where have you traveled to?
I spent two summers in Vancouver working on my English. My biggest traveling part I did last year. I flew into Vancouver, went down to Seattle, bought a car there and did the whole west coast down to San Diego. I was on the road for four weeks. I haven’t really been to a lot of places in Europe because I’m not really interested in Europe. But I’ve been to France, Paris, London and Italy.
What is your favorite thing about being a foreign exchange student?
I just really like the experience because it’s so completely different from back home. We don’t really have a campus. We have this one big main building in downtown Zurich on a hill overlooking the city. Around it are just random classroom buildings in the district. You just walk around town and go to classes. It’s really cool here, everything is in one place.
How do you feel about the meal plans?
I kind of appreciate the meal plan. You don’t really have to worry about food.
How does Swiss food compare to American food?
We are all about cheese. It might sound a bit harsh to say but I think the quality back home is higher because we have very strict rules when it comes to food in general. Everything’s more expensive because of that.
TV or movies?
TV. My favorite show is Friends, of course. It will never get old.
Who’s your favorite character?
Rachel. Who isn’t in love with her?
Magazines or newspapers?
It’s hard to say. I guess a good newspaper that has good news and some background info, I prefer that.
Favorite animal?
I have to go with jellyfish, because they’re just ridiculous animals.
Favorite band/artist?
Ratatat. And I’m seeing Ellie Goulding in May at Red Rocks.
If you had to live in any place for the rest of your life, where would you live?
I think I would have to go with Zurich, because that’s where I grew up. I know what to expect from the city.
arildefonso@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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