Geneva: Totally Worth It Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Kent State University) for

Kent State University Geneva

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was definitely worthwhile. It certainly had its rocky points, but it's all part of going out on your own. I made great friends, I travelled all over the place, and I learned a lot while I was there. I highly recommend the program for anyone at all interested in politics or economics, every if it isn't necessarily your major; there are plenty opportunities for anyone who goes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of the professors were incredibly qualified and helpful. Most of the work hits at the end of the semester, which is actually kind of nice because it leaves a lot of time for travel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dr. Peters was the program director during my program, and she was incredibly helpful and accessible. Not having a permanent resident director is very inconvenient, since there's no one who's around for more than a couple of weeks to express issues to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were the first group to live (briefly) in the new Hotel Rousseau, which was nice once we got settled in. The kitchen definitely helps for keeping down food costs.

* Food:

Geneva is expensive, don't expect to be able to eat out that much. While breakfast is provided, the best way get food is to cook for yourself. There's a grocery/department store located about 100 feet from the front door or the building.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since Geneva is centrally located in Europe, the travel opportunities are awesome. The dorm is a five minute walk from the train station, and it's really easy to get all over Europe with a Eurail pass.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Geneva's a really safe city overall. However, if something does happen, the general health advise is to just go to the hospital. It's accessible via the 5 and 7 buses, in case you were wondering.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

While a lot of people in Geneva speak English (and usually at least two others), it's easy to use French in everyday life. However, if you need some help, people are usually very understanding. It's amazing how much French you just kind of absorb through hearing it everyday.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One of my regrets is not taking advantage of the internships that were available. Definitely do one if you have the chance. Also, go to Place Neuve and play giant chess, you'll be continuing a proud tradition.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Politics

Course Department: POL 30520
Instructor: Suzanne Peters
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Dr. Peters set up really interesting field trips to NGOs and the UN, and she is definitely knowledgeable in the area. Her guest speakers were also very prominent professors or industry professionals.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Human Rights

Course Department: POL 40995
Instructor: Liz Umlas & Cecelia Jimenez
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was disjointed, partly due to having two professors teaching it. I believe that it will just be Professor Jimenez in the future though, so I doubt it will be an issue for future programs. Regardless, it was really interesting to learn about human rights in the city where they were solidified into international law, so I would definitely recommend taking this class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Problems in International Organizations

Course Department: POL 30511
Instructor: Suzanne Peters
Instruction Language: English
Comments: While I did like this course, there were some problems with focus. It's mainly about the UN and its surrounding bodies, but it sometimes was difficult to figure out what it was actually about. Overall though, the field trips and guest speakers were good and informative, so it was a beneficial experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary French I

Course Department: FR 13201
Instructor: Nelly Monnet
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Nelly is awesome! She's really helpful and she's willing to help you out in everyday speaking that isn't necessarily in the course.
Credit Transfer Issues: