Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Opportunity! But a Little Disappointing March 19, 2020

By (International Relations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/16/2019 to 12/22/2019 with

Geneva Graduate Institute and Wellesley College - BA/MA Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met so many wonderful people and I got to learn so much about the profession I want to join

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics were more doable than Wellesley's academics because there were generally less assignments, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Somewhat approachable but not always clear or helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Better than any undergrad housing I have ever had

* Food:

Food is up to you, so grocery shopping, but can be very expensive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Most of my concerns of healthcare were related to mental health, there is a little assistance but not exactly helpful especially considering it's a foreign system.

* Safety:

Super safe city

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

Great opportunity, but would revise my expectations

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)

Geneva is very very expensive. So there are a lot of tricks you need to know about how to grocery shop, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop in France

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

Took an exam for placement and placed out for classes. Some classes are offered in French and all classes will likely have a French component

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? FREN 206
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? Take a class, find a language swap partner, join the bilingual initiative

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 opportunity
  • People I Met
* What could be improved?
  • Geneva (haha)
  • Assistance for Students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To apply for the visa for the full 2 years because you can't get a job or internship, even unpaid, until after 6 months. Figure out best options for healthcare. Geneva is not a typical European city with rich history and culture.

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!