Swiss Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Truman State University) - abroad from 06/01/2012 to 06/29/2012 with

Franklin University Switzerland: Lugano - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. I loved Switzerland and it was great, however I would not necessarily go back because of my background in French and I was in the Italian speaking part of the country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course I took through my program was quite demanding. However, the professor was phenomenal and I really enjoyed the class time we had.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration didn't really help us much. My professor was delightful but other than that it was just another college administration that we had to deal with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was actually nicer than I expected but the RAs were not helpful at all and honestly somewhat rude. We paid fees to go on weekend and weeknight excursions that our RAs never set up.

* Food:

Switzerland is expensive but an amazing place to dine.

* 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? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least 50 CHF
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food in other countries.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The professor
  • The course
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Arranged Student Programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

International Environmental Politics

Course Department:
Instructor: Zanecchia
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was challenging in that the professor wanted each student to complete all of the required class work while also thinking critically about each topic we covered. The paper requirements were set out clearly and even though he was critical of our writing it was all constructive. I participated more in class in Lugano because there were only 10 of us total and participation was unavoidable, but at the same time, I was excited to participate.
Credit Transfer Issues: