Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic Academic, Professional and Personal Development in a Beautiful City! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/16/2018 to 12/22/2018 with

Geneva Graduate Institute and Wellesley College - BA/MA Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academic confidence, depth and initiative; enjoying school again; connections with professors and peers; professional development; independence; so much fresh air that it was impossible to not improve my health.

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

Being at the Institute has already given me so much and I am very much looking forward to returning.

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)

Rent alone is $200+ per week. Food is at least another $50, then transport, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately $300 (including rent).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home, take a monthly transport card for students, take a half-fare care for the trains if you intend to travel, and get used to living a healthy life where you don't necessarily get to eat out every week.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None. I took French at the Institute with only a background in Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice with your peers. The weekly classes are 2 hours, once a week, and not taken super seriously. But peers and the city are obvious resources for those wanting to improve their French.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Academic and Professional Challenges
  • The city and Geneva's resources
  • The support I got and assistance to get me there
* What could be improved?
  • Legal advice - residence permits, health insurance
  • Internships assistance - from searching for jobs to getting legal status for internships
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd had a more clear plan in mind about internships and work. For those that would like to use their residence permit to return the following summer and work, those plans need to be worked out very soon and a plan made regarding declaring your departure, enrolling in health insurance, and your legal status for any internship.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!