Hello, Fall 2015!
Driving near campus in Lugano.
Hello there and welcome back to Franklin! I certainly am feeling emotional about this being my fourth and last year here in Lugano. I remember distinctly how many people told me how quickly this time would pass, but of course I didn't believe them and now here we are. Franklin has been a whirlwind experience that has encompassed the highest highs and lowest lows of my life, and I'm grateful for all of it. I wanted to come back here early this fall and participate in Orientation and it was so lovely to get to meet all of the new students to listen to their fresh perspectives and be able to answer some of the many questions they had. It's a great group of adventurous, smart, and kind students and they are all a welcome addition to Franklin!
For me, this year will personally be a combination of finishing strong academically, going deeper with the relationships that have made Franklin the best years of my life, and hopefully finding a job in the Boston area to begin after I graduate in May. I'm terrified and excited to begin my career path, and left another excellent internship this summer feeling ready to take on full-time postgraduate work. But more on that later -- for now, please enjoy some photos from FUS Orientation!
The amazing group of Orientation Mentors this year, representing the US, Russia, Brazil, and Mexico!
On the bus from Zurich, heading to Lugano!
Resident Assistants helping new students check-in to their residences.
You can check out more photos from Orientation on the FUS Facebook Orientation photo album.
I was curious to hear what the new students had to say about their experiences here at Franklin so far, and began to compile interviews. Without further adieu, meet some of the new Franklinites!
Name: Becca
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
Major: International Business
What were your initial thoughts of Franklin?
When I was driving here with my mom I couldn't believe how pretty it was - the lake, campus. I was impressed with the quality of the residences, and I didn't realize how small campus was until I went on a tour. I've made really good friends with my roommates and we have branched out to make connections with so many of the FUS students.
What is your international background?
My dad is from Hong Kong and my mom is American, so I grew up going back and forth between California and Asia. I've learned that multicultural backgrounds are a common tie between many Franklin students.
Why do you believe a student who is interested in International Business (your major) might want to choose Franklin?
While Lugano isn't necessarily a big city, we are surrounded by many large financial capitals of Europe. We have direct exposure to these larger places that we often study in the classroom. Many of the professors here have vast international backgrounds and can help you with strong connections. Many of the students here are from the United Arab Emirates, Russia, etc., an international business degree just makes sense here. This school offers an amazing global perspective.
What do you like best about the campus or university?
The people. I haven't been here very long, but I get it when older students say it becomes a 'family'.
What surprised you most about Franklin?
I've been pleasantly surprised by the small class size and how the professors really want to get to know not only who you are as a student, but who you are as a person as well.
Are you planning any cool trips this fall?
Absolutely! I'm looking forward to Oktoberfest in Munich, as well as weekend trips to Florence, Paris, London and hopefully Amsterdam, too.
Name: Peter
Hometown: Born in Ottawa, Canada, lives in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago
Major: International Banking and Finance
What were your first impressions of Franklin?
I thought the campus was great, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The fact that I'm in Switzerland still hasn't really sunk in yet!
How did you hear about Franklin and why did you choose to study here?
After taking my SAT's I received a postcard in the mail. At first glance I brushed it off and tossed it in my cupboard, but closer to the deadline I began to seriously consider what options for studies Franklin would offer me. I saw that Franklin offers International Banking and Finance and I've always wanted to work internationally, either in the finance or petroleum industries. I ended up deciding "why not?" and applied on the night of the deadline. With Switzerland being a leading financial hub, it just made sense to me to come here.
What are your career goals, and how do you think studying at Franklin will help you to achieve these goals?
I want to become a self-sufficient business executive who has no problem working in teams with others to climb the ladder of business and success. I aim to build a successful business character for myself which would include: strengthening my weaknesses, such as public speaking, increasing my overall knowledge of global dealings in the financial industry, and understanding how my future actions may effect the economy and the globe in an environmental manner. I hope the Franklin experience helps me to learn how to build a solid brand, as well as foster a strong educational foundation and positive college friendships.
Name: Brett
Hometown: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Major: International Business
What are your first impressions of the university?
I was struck by the pretty campus and the large size of the residences. The accommodations are really nice, especially compared to what I think of when I think of American dorms! It's really easy to meet people here, no one seems standoffish, and it's a welcoming environment.
What is your International background?
My Mom is first generation American, she’s Dutch so we travel to Europe often to visit my family here. My Dad's family is German, so I definitely had international exposure before coming to Franklin.
Why do you think a student who is interested in your major
might want to choose Franklin University Switzerland?
There are all sorts of students on campus, people here come from all around the world; if you want a professional career involving an international company or city, it makes sense to come and experience a school like Franklin, with all of the different backgrounds and cultural beliefs present.
What do you like best about Franklin so far?
Franklin is fun! There's an independence and freedom present that I believe would be difficult to find elsewhere. I've also enjoyed the opportunity to travel - it's so easy! Switzerland is central to so many countries. I still find it strange and cool that I take a train to Italy to buy groceries.
Is there anything that really surprised you about Franklin?
I'm just really looking forward to exploring the area, I definitely thought more locals would speak English, so that's been a challenge. I'm hoping to meet locals and able to improve my Italian and experience more of Swiss culture.
Name: Jordan
Hometown: Potomac, Maryland
Major: Psychology
What were your first impressions of the university?
The students were so energetic to meet us and excited to see us! We were all so jet-lagged, but we couldn't get over how pretty campus was, and the mountains were gorgeous.
What is your international background?
I had traveled to Europe before, but had never been to Switzerland. I decided on Franklin because Switzerland seemed like such an interesting and fun place to spend time. I'm so excited to spend time traveling as well.
What is your major and why have you chosen this field of study? Is there a particular subject within this field that you find especially fascinating?
I’m majoring in Psychology and I've been really impressed by the Psychology class I'm taking here. It's a very small class, the professor is extremely engaging, and I like the material.
What do you do for fun here in Lugano?
I'm involved with the Franklin fall play as a member of the tech crew. But other than that, I hang out with friends, watch movies, we go into town and walk around often, and explore local restaurants. I went to Bellinzona a couple weeks ago for the day and it was amazing, the castles were incredible!
Do you have any trips planned for this semester?
I am doing the Swiss Bus Tour and am looking forward to visiting both the chocolate and cheese factory. We are going to Milan next week, and want to visit Paris, Amsterdam and Prague over the course of the semester.
Again, thank you to the freshmen interviewees for their enthusiasm and time. Don't forget to check out the rest of the Orientation photos, and follow FUS on Instagram for a daily perspective of life at Franklin!
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