Swiss student experiencing Canada

MELFORT - Switzerland and Canada are a world apart. On one side of the Atlantic Ocean is a place known for its chocolate, cheese, its time pieces and the Alps.

On the other side is the second largest country in the world, a vast expanse which includes three oceans. It is so big that Switzerland can actually fit between Calgary and Edmonton.

The two countries are so immensely different and that is what Rotary Exchange Student Aline Zengaffinen wanted to experience.

“I love it, I really do. I like the small community, I like the people here. Nobody is close-minded,” Zengaffinen said after a recent presentation to the Melfort Rotary Club.

“It is open, not only the people but also the countryside. I also like how people treat each other too. It is a new experience, the whole thing.”

Although she has only been here for a few months, since August 22, there are many differences she has noticed, especially the food.

In particular is barbecue.

“The food is different in a good way, I like it. Barbecue, your meat, bacon and pancakes and all the things that are awesome,” she said with a big smile.

“I heard that you barbecue in the wintertime as well. We just do it in the summer.”

She is letting her family know about the seasoning habits of Canadians as well.

“For my father’s birthday I sent him some spices and marinades. He doesn’t get that kind at home.”

Another big difference between Canada and Switzerland is the education system.

“It is more fun subjects like cooking or cosmetics, these are fun subjects and we don’t have anything like that. We have just the facts and the brain and that is it and we have to work very hard. When I come home at 6 p.m. I go studying. It is much more fun here,” she said.

She has also experienced some different aspects of Canada, outside of the city limits.

She has been to different parts of Manitoba and Alberta, but really wants to return and try skiing in Banff.

Zengaffinen has been skiing since she was three-years-old and is excited to compare skiing in the Rockies to skiing in the Alps.

“I have heard that skiing in Banff was pretty tough. I don’t know how good they ski, but when they say it is tough I believe them” she said.

“I am really excited to experience that in a new skiing area. I think the Rockies are higher than the Alps.”

However, to date, she has really enjoyed her Saskatchewan Roughrider experiences.

“I have been twice. All of Saskatchewan is like the Roughriders.”

The best part of the whole experience so far has been meeting the people in this country.

“It is fun to get to know people when you are with them 24/7,” she said.

“That is a big part for me because I love people.”