Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Awesome Experience Past Review

By (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) - abroad from 02/04/2014 to 05/20/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Global Health and Development Policy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What didn't I gain/learn from this experience?!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In terms of academic rigor I would not say there was a large amount except for the end with the ISP, which was time consuming but manageable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were the nicest people and really tried to be helpful, however sometimes the program was very unorganized

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with host families in Switzerland is the most rewarding experience. Many people's housing was right in Nyon, where the classes take place, however I lived about a 25-30 minute commute. I did not mind it, but i can see how some people would.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very much so! I met so many people through my host family and was even able to meet some locals in town who became friends throughout the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health problems. I believe the system is very good, however it is expensive and you have to pay upfront and then SIT pays you back.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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)

Switzerland is expensive and traveling is a lot more expensive than you think it is! I was lucky enough to have a saved up a lot of money before going abroad. SIT provides a lunch stipend which is more than enough, and eating at home really saves money. However, I lived 30 minutes outside of town so I found myself paying for food more often than other people did.

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

I only spoke french with my host family, so that really improved my language skills. The administrators will speak french with you if you want, but everything is conducted in english.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Do not be afraid to speak french! For the most part, the Swiss are very nice when it comes to an American attempting to practice. Also speak french with your host families!! A lot of people spoke english with their host families even though they could speak french!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Studying with Americans with the same interests as me
  • Living in a nice town like Nyon, which is smaller than Geneva and very fun
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That is is not centered in Geneva. However, that being said I am so glad that it is not! Geneva is big and international. Nyon is a beautiful old roman town on Lac Leman and i loved studying here, however some people were disappointed that we did not spend more time in Geneva.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.