Geneva: Challenging Yet Ultimately Rewarding Past Review
By Ruth D (Global Studies, Providence College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
More than anything, the experience has given me an idea for my senior thesis. I don't think I would have been able to decide on a thesis topic this early with a semester abroad at PC.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, the structure of the program was in some ways similar to the global studies curriculum at Providence College, and in other ways different. Our seminar class had a final cumulative exam, which covered a lot of material. The field research and experience was much more than what I have ever done or been required to do while at Providence. The grading system was a bit more strict than in the US. Students were at times surprised if they didn't receive the grade they were expecting to get, but professors were very open to discussion. I really liked the independent study project, as I think it will definitely aid me for my senior capstone thesis. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Some of the program's weaknesses included one staff member who seemed particularly uninterested in guiding students with their work. Overall, though, the professors were great, and really pushed for students to embark on an independent academic journey. They were there for support, but at the same time were not going to hold your hand through the process. By the end of the program, I realized that my expectations were definitely met, however there will always be positive and negative aspects to everything. Mostly though, I had a very positive, yet challenging, experience abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my homestay! However, I was somewhat isolated from the other students in the program because I lived quite far from them. Therefore, it was difficult to participate in the nightlife scene because the public transportation to my house was limited. |
| * Food: |
My homestay mother was an excellent cook! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Field trips included visits to a Swiss cultural museum. Many of my cultural experiences were associated with my homestay family. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was made clear that students were responsible for themselves throughout the program because everyone lived in different areas. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | One unanticipated expense was that I had to purchase another bag to bring home more luggage. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a homestay family who spoke no English, only French. This was honestly the best way to improve my language ability because it forced me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to use everything I have learned language wise at home. In everyday interactions, it was helpful to have French, although Geneva is a very international city so getting by with just English is somewhat possible. |
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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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? | Students who are willing to put in hard work to produce a well-thought out independent study project. Procrastination will be your worst enemy, so students who tend to procrastinate at PC may find this program difficult or unsuitable to them. |
