Study Abroad Program in Switzerland Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most people thought the coursework was almost insultingly easy. I found it to be very light compared to Tufts, but the subjects were really interesting to me and I felt like I learned a lot as I had never really taken political science before. There was much less reading than I was expecting, plus a midterm, final, presentation, and 8-page paper for each class. Absolutely take Kostecki's class or Low's class--they are pretty smart people. Even if you don't have the Econ background, you can audit.

On-site administration of your program

The Program Director was absolutely useless, but the Assistant Director (Dr. Peters) was amazingly helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at the John Knox Centre in Grand Saconnex. The rooms were TINY. The doubles are the same as the singles, just with bunkbeds--absolutely go for a single, it's sufficient for one person. The walls are paper-thin, so you will not be able to keep any secrets. You can also choose to live with a host family, but all the action (meals, parties, movies, classes) goes down in the Knox Centre, so I would still opt to live there if I had to do it again. It was pretty awesome living approximately 20 feet from my classes. <br /><br /> The location was very convenient for the internships (i.e. a five-minute walk from the WHO). There were several close bus lines, but none really close. It would have been an experience to live in the city, but I actually really enjoyed the added safety of being a little bit out there (I could run late at night, for example). It was also nice to live someplace a little quieter, while still being within 20 mins (walking + bus) from downtown Geneva. There were also a couple bars within walking distance.

Jose is a good chef, but he only makes one dish (main and side) per meal. If you tell the helper chefs early on if you have any dietary preferences (vegetarian, don't eat fish, etc), they will take care of you. If you live at the Knox you have to get the meal plan which is three dinners and one lunch per week. You can also buy individual meals which are 12.50 CHF each (i.e. a ripoff). Be nice to Jose and he will be nice to you.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a really fun group. You could always find someone to hang out in the lounge with. The homestay kids sometimes felt a little left out, but I mean they also tended to know more Swiss people and find their own fun. The two field trips (Berlin and Brussels) were a ton of fun. When else do you get a briefing at NATO?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt really safe. As for health, my best advice is don't get really sick. The doctors are just kind of a hassle. If you have any issue, just talk to Dr. Peters and she'll do whatever you need.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

You don't really need to speak French. You can get by in English, but most of the people who didn't speak French felt a little isolated out in the city.

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• Dorm

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• Americans