Basel is an incredible Swiss city, and fall is one of the best times to be there. The Rhine river runs through the city, and is a perfect place for a swim or a ferry trip. Basel has a vibrant cultural scene with more than 40 museums, 25 theaters, operas, and ballets, and multiple large festivals. The “Herbstmesse”, or Autumn Fair, is one of the biggest fairs in Switzerland in October and November with food, stalls, and rides. The “Weihnachtsmarkt”, or Christmas Market is also a longtime tradition during the holiday season. Basel is also an important city for foreign trade and pharmaceutical industries.
Other fun facts:
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Roger Federer was born here! And every time he wins a championship, he is presented with a cow in the Marktplatz…
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You can drink out of the water fountains you see around town!
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Läckerli, a sort of hard gingerbread, was invented in Basel.
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Basel’s namesake and its heraldic animal, is the basilisk.
Culture
UC–FHNW Exchange Program
This website is a complete guide for students interested in the Exchange Program in Basel, Switzerland, and was created by a student who has been in your shoes. First off, good for you for daring to pursue this program. Let me tell you… it ROCKS. But, from my experience, it’s also a very independent program, meaning there isn't much hand-holding throughout the process. This site provides you with a pool of resources and information. Hopefully you will see that embarking on this adventure is absolutely worth it! I participated in the exchange program from September–December, 2018, and I know this information will eventually become outdated; however, I hope it will help in one way or another, or at least inspire.
This international experience reignited my passion for design and gave me a fresh perspective on the world of design. Being exposed to people with such different design backgrounds added breadth and depth to my own design style and skills. It affected not only who I am as a designer, but also who I am as a person. Moving across the ocean to a foreign environment definitely guarantees rapid personal growth. If this excites you even a little, please dig in!