Different, But in a Good Way Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/24/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

Geneva Graduate Institute - Undergraduate Semester Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Humility, some French, multicultural interactions, knowledge about the work of the UN, WTO, WEF, etc.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? No

Yes and No. I grew as a person and learned many lessons due to how unusual of a program it is and because my expectations were very different from reality. I wouldn't trade my personal growth and lessons for much, but it was a very lonely time and I wish social integration was more natural. Geneva is not a city for young people, especially if you can not afford to live in the fun districts.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Mentorship Program
  • Landscape / Beauty
  • Safety, Cleanliness
* What could be improved?
  • Social Life
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learning to be okay with feeling alone is something I wish I knew before, but had never been exposed to.

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!