EscolaPress
Jornal Escolar AE Muralhas do Minho | 2025-2026
A Letter to Sophie: My First Impressions of Switzerland
Carolina Pereira, 9.º F | 10-10-2025
Dear Sophie,
I’m writing to you because, as you know, I am also taking part in an exchange programme. I only arrived in Switzerland a few days ago and many things have already happened. As a matter of fact, I have so much to tell you that I don’t even know where to start.
Firstly, let me tell you about my exchange match, Alex. He is a lovely boy and has already shown me all the gorgeous sights of Zurich. Moreover, he’s really good at English so I find it very interesting to speak with him. On the other hand, his family doesn’t speak English at all. Besides, I couldn’t say a word in French. I tried to talk with them, but obviously neither of us understood each other. Furthermore, Alex didn’t help at all; he just kept laughing and laughing. Anyway, he has already taught me some simple things in his mother tongue and now I can at least have a conversation regarding the weather.
As I was saying, we have already visited the capital together and next week we are going to the Swiss Alps with his parents and his Swiss shepherd, Snow. I just hope we don’t get lost like what happened in Geneva. We spent an hour trying to find a way of returning to the capital! I’m also loving Swiss culture and their food is delicious! Whereas the Swiss chocolate brings a soft taste to the desserts, their many different cheeses can really cause an explosion of flavours in your mouth. Definitely something I will always remember. By the way, I have already thought about the various things we could do when it’s his time to come to Portugal. Perhaps we could go to Porto during the weekend, and I’m sure he will love my mother’s dishes. Oh, and, of course I will indeed have my little revenge, since neither of my parents speak French or English.
On the whole, I will try to make his experience as unforgettable as he is making mine.
Incidentally, how is your exchange going? Are you enjoying Italy? Please write back soon.
Hugs,
Carolina