Eye-opening experience that gives you a glimpse of cultures around the world Past Review
By Caroline S (Sociology and Anthropology., Villanova) - abroad from 02/13/2013 to 05/27/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Global Health and Development Policy
ABSOLUTELY WORTH WHILE! I learned so much through DOING and SEEING. Although the traditional academic setting (or traditional American academic setting) wasn't present, I was able to visit various UN organizations, the WHO, remote villages in North Africa (Morocco), etc. Every day was vastly different, yet enriching. I learned that keeping an open mind is the most important aspect of learning abroad.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Work during the semester was minimal (2-3 articles to read a week; 2 written exercises, one paper, few quizzes) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Lack of availability from administrators. Lack of professional conduct among program coordinator and academic advisor. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay family in Switzerland was amazing. Transportation was limited, and students were housed all over the surrounding towns. The homestay in Rabat, Morocco was sub-par, unfair, and not safe. |
| * Food: |
Again, my family in Switzerland provided amazing food. Budget for food (13franc/day) received from stipend was plenty. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Apart from my elementary understanding of French (thus creating a language barrier) in the community, I was able to communicate with my host family due to the fact they could speak English. They included me in their family parties, activities, birthdays, etc. They were very open to my questions regarding Swiss culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any heath issues. |
| * Safety: |
Personally, I felt safe the whole time. However, the lack of public transportation late at night, could be an issue. A student in another program in Geneva had an incidence when out drinking. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
EXPENSIVE! Geneva (and surrounding areas) are incredibly expensive. It is possibly to live on a student budget: 2 of your meals are paid for, and the stipend more than covers lunch. However, every other aspect is incredibly expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75-150 dollars (more when travelling) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take full advantage of host family's meals. YOU PAID FOR IT! Use EasyJet when booking flights. Stay in hostels. Plan WAY ahead! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We had French class, but other than that, everything was conducted in English. They spoke to us in French is we addressed them in French. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Level 4 in high school (intermediate) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Brush up on basic information (greetings, directions, food), but you do NOT need to speak French. Almost everyone speaks English... And on your housing/home stay form, you indicate your level of French so they can match you up with an English speaking family. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That is was strictly field-base learning. |
