When I arrived in Philadelphia, I genuinely believed I would be on my own. I came without knowing whether anyone from my home university would also be here, and I had mentally prepared myself for the challenge of starting from zero—socially, academically, and personally. While I was ready to step outside my comfort zone and meet people from entirely different cultural backgrounds, there was still a quiet uncertainty about what those first days would feel like.
Ironically, that sense of being “on my own” did not last very long. Shortly after arriving, I unexpectedly met three students who not only came from the same country as I do, but also study at the very same home university. We met almost by coincidence, and within a short time, we began spending time together, exploring the city and sharing our first impressions. While I had been prepared to build everything from scratch, having this familiar connection gave me a sense of grounding. It made the transition easier and allowed me to form meaningful bonds quickly, without taking away from the excitement of meeting people from entirely new backgrounds.
Before the semester officially started, I arrived early and had time to explore Philadelphia on my own. Coming from a relatively small city like St. Gallen, Switzerland, this felt like a cultural shift in every sense. The sheer size of the city, the energy in the streets, and the diversity of people were striking. Everything felt bigger, louder, and more fast-paced. At the same time, it was incredibly inspiring. The United States had always been a dream of mine - whether for studying or working - and being here felt like finally getting a first real glimpse into that dream.
Once the semester began, the feeling of overwhelm returned almost immediately. Walking onto Penn’s campus for the first time was a moment I will not forget. It was my first experience of a true campus university, with student dorms and social life all concentrated in one place. While I deeply appreciate my home university and its academic environment, this campus feeling was something entirely new for me. Seeing students live, study, and socialize in the same space made the university feel like a small city of its own.
Beyond academics, I had set myself personal goals for this semester. I wanted to integrate socially, challenge myself, and become part of the university community. I got involved as an IGSP Ambassador, which allowed me to contribute actively while meeting students from all over the world. At the same time, I made a conscious effort to connect with students all over the world, not just other exchange students. These interactions broadened my perspective and made me feel increasingly at home.
Now, as my time at Penn comes to an end, I find myself returning to St. Gallen with mixed emotions. Leaving is difficult, but I am deeply grateful. Grateful to Penn for offering such an intense and inspiring academic and social environment, and equally grateful to the University of St. Gallen as my home university. This experience has made me proud of my academic path and excited about what lies ahead - carrying both confidence and humility forward from my time abroad.
