Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A very challenging but interesting experience in a beautiful country. Past Review

By (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 06/06/2016 to 07/18/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to breakdown media reports to the appropriate representations given the media's background location, and how to navigate certain difficult political situations with geopolitical analysis. Also how important networking is for a career. It was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very academically rigorous program, but lots of resources to complete it and very interesting topics covered.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very willing to help and make us feel as comfortable as possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

On this program, there seemed to be a 50/50 percent chance of getting a good host family situation. Many of the host families/parents were absent for half of the whole program, and many were not french fluent french speakers which made being immersed in french culture and language more difficult.

* Food:

Food that we bought - delicious! But depending on your host family, the food varied.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture of Geneva is very business oriented, so if you like an impersonal and business casual work life, then Geneva is the city for you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Switzerland and Geneva specifically felt very safe.

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)

Bread and cheese were very cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery store bought lunches are much cheaper than going out to a restaurant.

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

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
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Talking with experts on controversial topics.
  • Hiking on time off.
  • Riding the trains/the scenery.
* What could be improved?
  • Add 2 more weeks - its too short to fit everything in and still have touristy moments.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that 6 weeks is not enough time to become fluent in a language.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!