Half of my heart lies in Switzerland Past Review

By (International Studies, University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 09/12/2016 to 12/18/2015 with

ISEP Exchange: Bern - Exchange Program at Universität Bern

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more open minded, appreciate people who are different from you and their cultures/beliefs. I made some of the greatest friends I could possibly have asked for. I also fell in love with the beauty of Switzerland.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed my classes, it was just an extremely different type of education system. My courses did not have tests, only a presentation and final essay. Each course was once a week for 2 hours. It was just weird to get used to then come back to the U.S. system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When asking a question, the response was not always fulfilling. Sometimes it seemed like we were on our own in figuring things out. But I am glad it went that way because it helped me grow.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed my room. I had a shared floor with a shared kitchen and bathroom, but the bedrooms were individual. They did have the option of a shared room. I would have preferred to have gotten a downtown apartment with people because it would have been cheaper and more comfortable. But we weren't aware of the benefits before already applying for housing. My housing was 630 a month but if I had shared an apartment, it could have been around 400.

* Food:

Swiss food was great, and ISEP gave us a stipend of 1500 cash a month to cover housing, food, and extra activities.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although I had mostly American friends, I met a lot of the Swiss people and made a few really great local friends. Since you are at a Swiss Uni, you are completely around by the Swiss and their customs. I felt very immersed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got really sick one weekend and was told to go to a certain doctors office, but had a lot of trouble finding it and went to the wrong one. I eventually found it and they took me in because I was crying. The health insurance situation was confusing to all of us students though.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Bern. Even when there was some international terror/threats happening in Europe and Switzerland.

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

Despite some of the struggles of getting used to another culture and being away from home. It was the best experience of my life and I would go back in a heart beat.

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)

I was pretty stable with my money. I had saved up over 3000 over the summer for activities. But I didn't need that much other than for travel because with the 1500 monthly stipend, I had money for my rent, groceries (we didn't have a meal plan), and transportation. We also bought half fare cards and after 7 cards allowing us to have half price on our train tickets and free travel after 7. Definitely get those once you arrive to Switzerland. As well as a Libero which covers inner city transportation.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It depended on what I did each week. If I didn't travel, shop, or buy unnecessary things I could spend less than 100$.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely work before to have some cushion money. Invest in the travel passes because they save you a lot of money in the long run. Don't go crazy and buy a bunch of clothes because you could use that money for experiences.

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

The only language course they offered required experience speaking German, which I had none so I couldn't participate.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I mean learn it online, but you most likely wont need it much. Because if you take English courses and most people you meet can speak English, they will most likely speak it to you. Although it would be nice to be able to speak their language so that they don't have to switch to English for you. The main problem is in Switzerland they speak Swiss German which is different from German.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • traveling
  • meeting new people
  • opportunity to grow
* What could be improved?
  • quicker question responses
  • more understandable information
  • none
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known about the better living options getting a local apartment. As well as what passes to get to save money on transportation and the amount of prior knowledge lecturers expect you to have on their subject.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.