A study abroad experience blends learning and adventure in the best possible way. Linking experiential learning with travel,culture, and a mix of planned and unplanned quests resulted in something truly special during our recent program in Switzerland.
While there was never any doubt that Switzerland would provide breathtaking scenery, iconic cultural experiences, and more cheese than you could ever imagine, the real surprise lay in the relationships. As the trip progressed, the students crafted deep, supportive connections among themselves and with us.
Finding Our Focus: Water and Wellness
As exercise physiologists, my husband, Brian, and I are always intrigued by wellness practices embedded in other cultures—especially when water is involved. Brian and I actually met while working as aquatic therapists, so we deeply appreciate everything water provides in relation to exercise, therapy, and general rehabilitation. When presented with the opportunity to design an integrative wellness study abroad program, Switzerland was the clear answer.
Switzerland not only has a strong sense of wellness ingrained in its culture, but it also embraces the potent curative effects of water. To highlight the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, we put together a robust shortlist of activities: hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, walking meditation, and aquatic therapy.
Leading up to our departure, our class met both in person and asynchronously to foster an understanding of these wellness practices and how they relate to Swiss culture. Brian and I also intentionally embedded relationship-building activities into these sessions to promote a sense of togetherness and community. By the time we were "wheels up," the class felt less like a group of strangers and more like a group of friends.
From Zurich to Interlaken
Beginning in Zurich, we toured the sun-drenched city, enjoyed visiting (and eating at!) the home of Lindt chocolate, and bonded over a traditional Swiss welcome feast. As we explored, we immediately noted the ease of this walking-friendly city, the pristine public transport, and the high quality of life. The Swiss deeply value safety, a strong economy, world-class healthcare, and accessibility to clean water. In fact, every single water fountain—even the most decorative and elaborate—produced crisp, drinkable water. Our group tried their absolute best to drink from them all!
Next, we used our Swiss Travel Passes to board a punctual, immaculate train to Interlaken. During the ride, the windows treated us to an array of alpine magic as we drifted past small towns, rolling green spaces, and towering peaks.
As you might guess, Interlaken is a town nestled beautifully between two glacier-fed lakes. The moment we checked into our hotel, I asked the students to change into their swimsuits and meet in the lobby. We made our way straight to the water to enjoy the refreshing, teal waves, interacting with the locals and reliving childhood memories with a few epic cannonballs.
Alpine Adventures and Lifelong Memories
Interlaken served as a wonderful hub for our physical and spiritual wellness adventures. During our stay, we:
Hiked some of the most scenic trails in the world, including Harder Kulm, Schynige Platte, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and a trek from Mürren to Grindelwald (utilizing gondolas, scenic trains, cogwheels, and funiculars for diverse vantage points).
Explored the vibrantly colored Lake Brienz via kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, even paddling past a lakeside castle.
Cooked and shared a traditional meal of fondue, the national dish of Switzerland.
Unwound during an evening yoga class where each of us was individually "greeted" by a visiting butterfly.
The Peak of Aquatic Therapy: Bad Ragaz and Valens
Our next stop was the sleepy, quaint town of Bad Ragaz, where we indulged in the Tamina Thermal Baths. This giant aquatics facility offers nine different indoor and outdoor pools, each featuring different temperatures and therapeutic purposes. This is the birthplace of the Bad Ragaz Ring Method, a world-renowned aquatic therapy technique. For me, standing in the place where this method was created was a dream realized. We discussed the clinical uses of the facility and even practiced the Ring Method on one another.
To see how these thermal waters are used medically, we visited the Valens Rehabilitation Center. The clinic provided us with a lecture from a world-renowned aquatic expert, followed by a facility tour and patient observation. Many students later expressed how impactful this day was for their understanding of physical therapy and the Swiss healthcare system. Later, a hike through the striking Tamina Gorge led us directly to the natural hot springs, offering a glimpse into how these healing waters have been used since 1350 AD.
Before leaving Bad Ragaz, we took an E-bike culinary tour, which quickly became a student favorite. Winding through local vineyards, along gravel paths, and up hillsides spotted with wildflowers, the rural scenery was breathtaking, and the local food was delicious.
Homebound and Transformed
While we started the semester knowing one another only through classroom screens and desks, we ended the trip with fierce friendships and unforgettable memories. The diversity of the students' lived experiences, backgrounds, and personalities—paired with the beautiful unknown of navigating a foreign country—created organic learning experiences I never could have predicted.
We all learned immensely from one another while cultivating a greater understanding of global health. Ultimately, the students reflected on the trip as a pivotal moment in their lives, fundamentally changing how they choose to embrace wellness in every everyday moment.