Bonjour! Check out this program!! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

First of all, I'm in the disciplinary program--history, so my answers may differ from students who are in the interdisciplinary programs. Most of the students take 5 courses per semester and each class (75 mins) only meets once a week. Academic workload is very manageable as the assigned reading is about 60 pages per class and 1-2 papers (ranges from 2500-3500) per class. I do not find courses challenging compare to my academic experiences at Wellesley. That said, I still enjoyed my student life here since my professors are knowledgeable, kind, and approachable, as well as well-respected in their respective disciplines.

On-site administration of your program

Administrative staffs are incredibly kind and culturally sensitive. Please do reach out to them if you have any questions regarding courses or visa issues.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

BA/MA students are guaranteed with room offers from the Picciotto student house and exchange students are not. I strongly recommend exchange students to apply for housing in Geneva immediately once they commit to the program.

Dining out is expensive, so I cook for myself on daily basis. There are reasonable, affordable supermarkets and farmer markets in the city.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard to make local friends if you don't speak the language. One has to be proactive in joining city-wide festivals and events.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It's mandatory to have health insurance in Switzerland. The Wellesley Student Blue Health Insurance does not cover everything that the Swiss government requires, so students who study at the Graduate Institute have to purchase a local Swiss health insurance package. The Graduate Institute partners with a health insurance called "Advisor" (http://graduateinstitute.ch/home/students/infoadmin/sante.html). They offer low price for their health insurance plan; however, I also hear that their reimbursement is really bad. Thus, for my case, I keep my Wellesley health insurance while enrolling in the Advisor plan.

Besides the red light district at night, the city is pretty safe.

The location of the Institute is amazing--it's located in International Geneva and surrounded by countless NGOs and international organizations such as UN, ICRC, WHO...etc. Such a dynamic environment offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in the dialogue on the pressing global challenges and to network with professionals from all sectors.

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

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

If you have no or little French skills, you are required to enroll in a 3-weeks intensive French program right before the semester starts. Some professors' teachings are kind and effective, but some are not. If students only study at the Institute for a semester, they are not required to take a French class throughout the semester. Unless you voluntarily register a class that is conducted in French only, you will have a chance to practice. Otherwise, on daily basis, no one will push you to learn French and you can certainly speak English to get by.

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Countless opportunities to learn and network
• Safe, quiet, and clean environment
• Diverse student body

• Creating a safe, supportive net for Wellesley students studying in Geneva
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