Conclusion I

After collecting a variety of information from internationals, locals and through research, we received a broad impression of the relationships between internationals and local students. Down below are the most important points that we've managed to gain over the last two weeks.

Information gained from internationals:

• social gap exists between internationals and locals
• Swiss German often causes internationals to feel left out
• international programme at the ZHdK only brings internationals together → the existing buddy programme often doesn't help internationals to connect to locals
• internationals don't have many local friends
• internationals often feel lonely

Information gained from locals:

• quality over quantity: friendships are built based on personalities and equal interest
• as a lot of time is already spent at the ZHdK, activities / networks should be outside the campus
• don't want to put a lot of effort into organising activities / networks
• locals are not aware that internationals often feel lonely

Information gained from research:

• networks are desirable but not a universal cure of loneliness
• social networks are voluntary and therefore erratic → many voluntary clubs die out
• same-culture networks only function as ghettos 
• having locals friends helps prevent loneliness

Note: more local students should be interviewed to receive a more broader and accurate impression of their opinions and experiences.