A Mixed Eperience January 03, 2022
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2021 to 12/23/2021 with
Geneva Graduate Institute and Wellesley College - BA/MA Program
I learned a lot from my courses. I learned French and how to cook for myself, handle my living expenses, and be responsible for my daily routine without my support network close.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic rigor and intensity was very high, as expected from a graduate program and I definitely learned a lot from my classes. The resources and support however were not as strong as I would have hoped for, I often felt that I had to find my own solutions to any issues I had. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The response time for any questions or concerns I had were very slow and would often arrive too late to be helpful. Issues or questions I had about immigration and more logistical things were also very rarely answered by the on-site administration. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements I had were very nice, clean, and new. It was a good location and I always felt safe. The administration of the building I was living at would sometimes be slow to respond and answer my questions, however. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did feel quite integrated, but I sought out those experiences and tried to find ways to be integrated, the program itself didn't lend itself well to being very connected with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was very easy to get healthcare, but the ability to see doctors and fulfill prescriptions was a little challenging. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt very safe and secure in all settings. The people there are very respectful and everything from public transportation to stores are run very efficiently and safely. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I learned a lot from my coursework and living alone in a completely new country, so it was a worthwhile experience. Although I did face lots of challenges mentally, I think in the end it was worth it |
Finances
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* 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) |
The place I went to is quite expensive so I tried to save wherever I could while still enjoying my time there. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
It was encouraged as everything in Geneva was in French and the school was a bilingual school |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | no prior language course |
| 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? | really try and use it, without being afraid of messing up or not being able to get your message across, practice makes perfect! |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take more advantage of the city and dont get so stuck inside your room, there is a lot to do in the city and to explore. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
