The biggest self-confidence booster of my life! Past Review
By Emily W (International Relations and Affairs., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/10/2013 to 07/19/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy (Summer)
I learned so much about the European lifestyle, and I thought that I knew more than I did going into the program. Switzerland was much different than I expected.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
My home stay food was the best. Due to high pricing, I was not able to really venture out and try new things in the city. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This was a little difficult to do since we were so busy, but I met the most locals when I went out to local pubs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Very well! I went to a clinic near my classes and it was taken care of very smoothly. We mailed in our receipt and form to receive our refund. |
| * Safety: |
Geneva is not as safe, but definitely not terrible. Nyon is very, very safe. I walked alone at night to my home (sometimes in the early morning) and was never approached or scared. |
| 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) |
Switzerland is definitely more expensive than most countries, so that obviously made it a bit more difficult. However, I was able to afford everything until the end with some money from home and from SIT and the home stay family meals. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say about 200-300 francs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Pack a lunch! It will save so much money. |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced I |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to try! Sometimes locals were not as open to speaking french with me, but I always tried. |
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? |
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? | I wish I had known that I would have loved a longer, semester-length program. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
