From Switzerland to Arizona: An Exchange of Culture and Lifetime Friendships
As part of Scottsdale Sister Cities student exchange program, eight Gymnasium
Interlaken, Switzerland College Prep high school students participated in a two-week
student exchange program with Saguaro High School. The Swiss students are all in an
English immersion program at the Gymnasium.
All students participated in the Eighteenth Annual Scottsdale Sister Cities Student
Leadership Conference held at Scottsdale Community College. The conference, Global
Conversations, included a panel of the Interlaken students and networking. The student
panel offered Scottsdale students a unique opportunity to learn about Switzerland
through the perspectives and experiences of their visiting peers from Gymnasium
Interlaken.
The Swiss students shared insights into Interlaken, a picturesque
community nestled in the Swiss Alps, as well as Switzerland's culture, educational
system, traditions, and lifestyle. This panel also provides a wonderful opportunity to
emphasize the value of international student exchanges in building cultural awareness,
friendships, and a greater understanding of different countries and perspectives.
Other student activities included shopping, a tour of Old Town Scottsdale, shadow host
day at their respective high school, Arizona State University campus tour, Grand
Canyon/Sedona trip, visiting local museums, hiking, Coronado homecoming Friday
night football game, among other activities.
For Jasmin Fankhauser, a high school student from Gymnasium Interlaken, spending
two weeks in Arizona was about more than visiting a new place. It was an opportunity to
experience another culture.
When asked why she chose to take part in the exchange, Jasmin emphasized the value
of new experiences and connections. "It is an opportunity to meet people from other
countries and make new friends as well as a new family," she said. "It is important to
leave your comfort zone and do things that you never thought you would do." She also
welcomed the opportunity to improve her English skills.
The differences between Arizona and Switzerland quickly became apparent. Jasmin
described Arizona as a very different environment from her small European home
country. In fact, she noted that Switzerland could fit into Arizona approximately seven
times.
"Everything is much bigger: the streets, the cars, the houses, and, of course, the food
portions," she observed.
Arizona's distinctive landscape also made a lasting impression. Accustomed to green
grass and grayish mountains, she was fascinated by the enormous cacti and striking
red rock formations. Although she expected to see cacti, she was surprised to discover
that some can grow as large as 100-year-old trees.
Jasmin also enjoyed learning more about Arizona's history and culture, particularly
Native American heritage and the Wild West. She was fascinated by the craftsmanship
of Native American jewelry and enjoyed seeing shops filled with cowboy boots and hats.
Trying prickly pear-flavored treats and other local foods was another highlight for the
food enthusiast.
Although this was her sixth time traveling overseas, the exchange offered a different
perspective on American life. She noted that the United States is so geographically
large that its culture and people vary considerably from state to state. She also noticed
Arizona's strong Mexican cultural influences and the number of Mexican shops
throughout the area.
When asked about her favorite part of the experience, Jasmin returned to what she
considered the most meaningful aspect of the exchange: living with an American host
family. "The experience of living for two weeks with another family is more important for
our lives than anything else," she said.
For Jasmin, the exchange was ultimately about discovering similarities and differences,
experiencing everyday American life, and forming connections that extend beyond
national borders. Her experience reflects the value of international student exchanges in
creating friendships, broadening perspectives, and building a greater appreciation for
other cultures.
Scottsdale students will travel to Interlaken, Switzerland in March of 2027 for the second part of the exchange.
Scottsdale Sister Cities provides opportunities for citizens to experience the unique
cultures of eight countries, one of which is Interlaken. Other Sister Cities include
Alamos Sonora, Mexico, Cairns Queensland, Australia, Kingston Ontario, Canada,
Haikou Hainan, China, Marrakech Morocco, Uasin Gishu Kenya, and Killarney, Ireland.
Through its many annual events, citizens can meet be part of building bridges of
friendship with the people of international cities. For more information on Scottsdale
Sister Cities Association (SSCA) events and Scottsdale’s sister cities, visit:
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