Looking Back at NJC: A Student Reflection

A special thank you to Alice'21 for sharing her reflection about NJC.
As a French-Canadian from Quebec City, my family has always encouraged me to expand my knowledge and try new things. They believe that studying abroad is the best way to achieve that. I learnt about NJC through two of my cousins who attended NJC about ten years ago. The way that they talked about their experience really inspired me to follow their path. NJC sounded like the perfect opportunity for me; I love traveling, I love meeting new people and I love skiing. I also was interested in NJC to perfect my English to prepare me for going to university in the United-States. I remember when my parents first brought up the idea of going abroad for one year in Switzerland, I knew that I couldn’t pass on this amazing and unique opportunity. Not everyone has the chance to go abroad in Europe. Most of my friends weren’t considering studying abroad at all. It is rare that people take gap years after high school in Quebec City. Usually, people go straight to Cegep around their house or in Montreal. I was the only one of my friends not attending Cegep and going abroad. It was a big step for me, moving to a new country, new school, new language, and new people. 
 
I have many good memories about my year at NJC. I met so many great people at the school and also outside the school. I loved my host family. She was an Italian woman from Italy. She cooked amazing Italian meals and always made my roommate and me laugh. I am still in touch with her to this day. I would say that my favorite memory from my time at NJC was the hiking trip we did in the Alps. We hiked for two days and slept in a cabin at the top. We had amazing swiss food at the lodge on the top and played games with everyone. I feel like I strengthened my bonds with my friends on that trip.
 
My year at NJC was like a challenge for me. I went to Switzerland without knowing anyone and without having stepped foot in the country. It was also my first time going to an only English-speaking school. Being out of my comfort zone most of the time, I learnt how to be independent and deal with new challenges. I developed my social skills and built strong relationships with my peers. Going to NJC made me confident since it made me learn a lot about myself. I was going to NJC to prepare for university, and I totally achieved that. I did all my schooling in French and going to NJC really improved my English not only at school but also socially. The school also helped me a lot regarding my university applications since they offered AP and SAT exams. 
 
I would highly encourage everyone to apply at NJC, especially students from Quebec who want to perfect their English and prepare for university. I would have never learnt and experienced all these things if I didn’t attend NJC. Having an opportunity to live and travel in Europe, as well as meeting new people, is priceless.
Back
Neuchâtel Junior College offers the unique opportunity to study Canadian curriculum abroad. While living in Switzerland in a French community, students enjoy an international education through travel and experiential learning in Europe. Gap year and Grade 12  high school students gain international experience and develop independence and life skills that prepare them for university and the global workplace.

A Canadian high school in Switzerland | Grade 12 & Gap