Studying abroad marks the beginning of something exciting: new experiences, new perspectives, and the chance to build a life in a completely different part of the world. For Rachel Lyakhovetsky, that journey led her to Switzerland, where she pursued the LLM in International Business Law at the University of Fribourg.
It did not take long for Fribourg to feel like the right place to be. “What I discovered was a city that quietly offers everything a student could hope for: peace of mind, connection, affordability, and an international environment,” she says. “Not only did this bring me comfort but it was a sigh of relief for my parents.”
Looking back on her time at the university, Lyakhovetsky believes studying in Fribourg gave her far more than just a qualification. Below, she shares why she believes Fribourg is worth experiencing in person.
IBL’s renowned professors will shape you into a highly valued asset for employers. Source: Marie Pichonnaz
Peace of mind
One of the first things Lyakhovetsky noticed about Fribourg was the immediate sense of comfort the city provided. “I still remember the moment my parents dropped me off and drove away – rather than worry, there was a sense of relief, because they could see how comfortable I felt in my new environment,” she shares. “Even now, whether it’s a quick phone or video call while I’m at my desk, there’s a shared reassurance that comes from knowing I feel settled, secure, and supported in my day-to-day life here.”
Affordable living
Switzerland is often known for its high cost of living, but Fribourg stands out as a more affordable alternative. When Lyakhovetsky was searching for housing through platforms like Flatfox and student Facebook groups, she was surprised by the number of student-friendly options available. “The university also offers student housing, which makes relocating even easier and is a place to meet new people,” she says.
“The vast options helped me find my home away from home.” Day-to-day expenses were manageable too, with grocery stores such as Lidl, Coop, and Migros conveniently located throughout the city.
Convenience
Fribourg is a compact city, and for Lyakhovetsky, that is one of its greatest advantages. “My daily routine involves grabbing groceries, meeting friends for coffee, heading to class, or simply taking a walk in nature and along the river,” she shares. “Everything feels close and accessible –– something I was looking for when choosing where to study.”
Public transportation made moving around effortless too. The SBB mobile app simplifies everything from checking train and bus schedules to purchasing tickets. Meanwhile buses run frequently throughout the city and trains make it easy to visit cities like Bern, Lausanne, Geneva, and Zurich without needing a car.
For Lyakhovetsky, Fribourg offers the rare combination of the Swiss quality of life and practical living costs. Source: Marie Pichonnaz
A sense of belonging
Fribourg offers a kind of lifestyle that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The city combines historic charm with nature and student life. One moment you are walking through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, and the next you are by the river or enjoying one of the city’s many green spaces. Beyond its beauty, the city also encourages an active and social lifestyle. The University of Fribourg provides students with a variety of free sports classes, including yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and CrossFit.
“For me, the rhythm of daily life here quickly became something special,” Lyakhovetsky says. “Meeting friends after class, exploring new restaurants, or taking a nature walk became small moments that created a strong sense of belonging.”
A place to grow
Living here is an introduction to the kind of international environment many students eventually encounter in their professional lives too. French, German, and Swiss German are spoken daily here, while English is widely understood in public spaces. At IBL, this diversity becomes even more visible. Students and professors come from many different backgrounds; discussions, university events, and more then become opportunities to exchange perspectives. Lyakhovetsky, for instance, learned to navigate different perspectives, communication styles, and various expectations, skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
“Taking the step to move to Fribourg has changed me in ways that staying in the same place never could,” she says. “So, to anyone considering it, my advice is simple: take the leap. The experience of living here will stay with you long after you graduate.”
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