Great for the UN and International Exposure (but probably nothing else) Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/18/2019 to 05/24/2019 with

Geneva Graduate Institute - Undergraduate Semester Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved the weekly expeditions to U.N. organizations! It definitely made the semester worthwhile and showed how important Geneva is to the international system.

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.

The educational experience was good, but perhaps not quite up to Wellesley standards. But classes that meet only once a week will never be as time-consuming/demanding as Wellesley classes that meet two or three times a week (especially in Economics).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program doesn't give housing, which is hard. The options the university suggests also in my opinion aren't the best, so keep that in mind. Where you live can have a big impact on your experience.

* Food:

Food is expensive in Geneva, but good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I very rarely talked to/met any Swiss people, as the culture in Geneva is very international! The university does very little to integrate with you with the other students (but because it's a grad school there is also just less integration in general). If you're willing to go out and meet people, though, (especially the Erasmus students), you can find a good community!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

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

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? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home, and bring lunches to the institute!

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None for French
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • U.N. visits/the mentorship program
  • the city of Geneva (small, but pretty)
  • All the free time to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Housing!
  • Food stipends?
  • Integration with other Institute students/other visiting students in Geneva
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be academically less intense than I thought it would be.

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!