Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good overall February 06, 2023

By (International Relations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2023 to 12/21/2023 with

Geneva Graduate Institute and Wellesley College - BA/MA Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yeah

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.

This is a graduate program so the course are demanding but worth it for the most part

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The hours are weird. I know some people had issues, but it was fine for me

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was small, but cheaper than I'm used it

* Food:

You have to cook for yourself, so it's what you make of it

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is what you make it, but my housing was kind of on the outskirts of Geneva

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any interactions with the health care system

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe

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

Good program, I feel like I didn't take advantage of it as much as I should have

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)

Very expansive city, grocery shopping was a struggle

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

There was a mandatory French program, but it was very basic. You could get away the whole time using only English in everyday life

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? None in French
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Academics
  • Easy travel
  • Tutition cheaper than the US
* What could be improved?
  • Social Aspects
  • Rooms are tiny
  • Living Expenses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not really

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!