How did you hear about SISEC?

I used to work with Fred (Owner of SISEC) at Swiss Re. He told me a lot about SISEC. Finally I decided to come for three months to Calgary to find out all about this institution.

Are you here primarily because of the sport or the language?

It’s not the sport or the language. The combination of these two is interesting.

Did you plan a language stay before you heard about SISEC?

No.

What was your first impression of Canada and Canadians?

The country is beautiful. Regarding the people, I now realize that Canadians always want to be different from the Americans. I got this feeling primarily in the rowing club and in school.

Was SISEC helpful in getting you used to your new place?

I think that’s an important part of SISEC. The support of SISEC was perfectly balanced.

There are always four students sharing a house. Do you think this is a better solution than leaving with a family?

I think the solution with the house is ideal. You are free to come and go and on the other hand can make friends at the house. Of course it would be better if not all the students were from the German part of Switzerland.

How old were you when you began rowing, and how often do you train per week?

I started rowing three years ago. In Switzerland I train two to three times a week.

Is there a big difference between Swiss rowing and Canadian rowing?

Only in terms of the facilities. The lake here in Calgary is much smaller than the lake in Zurich. In return the water is not as choppy as on the Lake of Zurich. The terms to train are really good. We have a route on the lake which is three kilometers long. First I had my concerns about the man made lake. Now I enjoy the beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains during every training.

What are you expecting from your language stay? What is your goal?

1. Relax from my everyday life in Switzerland

2. Improve my rowing technique

3. Pass the CPE’s

You are also here to row. What’s your experience so far?

I’ve been practicing the first time with a professional coach. From the first session on I felt like a member of the Club. The people at the Rowing Club know you by name tight away. First it was a challenge with the English rowing terms but after a few training sessions I started to get familiar with these expressions.

How important is sport in your life?

Sport is important for me but I don’t overrate it. It’s a good balance to my everyday life.

How do you like the FOCUS International Language School?

The school is really good. The level of the advanced class could be a tad higher.

What has been your most positive experience since you arrived?

I had a lot of concerns before coming to Calgary (I did not know a lot about Calgary and was not sure what to expect of the rowing facility). But now that I am here I am very impressed and am enjoying every moment of my stay.