I never knew life could be so spontaneous and fun. Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 06/29/2016 with

Boston University: Geneva - Physics Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I learned that there are different ways to live.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I wouldn't replace the friendships I made and the experiences I've shared with those friends for anything. I also love Switzerland as a country. It's very clean and organized..although just a little expensive.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $220
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out in Geneva often if looking to save money. Everything in Geneva is expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French Immersion in high school. Highest level grammar class in college.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Join a club, or a team if you have a hobby. Go to school sponsored events. Go on excursions.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Internship Component
  • Planned Excursions with the program
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Dorm outside of downtown, where students can be loud after 10pm
  • More variety with breakfast
  • Blankets
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'