SIT Switzerland: An Academic and Cultural Experience Past Review
By Ann S (Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Western Washington University) for
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
I had an amazing experience with study abroad, the highlight of which was my homestay family. In retrospect, I would not have chosen a program where I studied and traveled with a bunch of American students (this ultimately felt limiting) and instead would have opted for a program at a Swiss university. This was not true for everyone -- for some people traveling with a group of Americans was perfect. I gained a much deeper understanding of International Relations, became wonderful friends with my homestay family, drastically improved my language skills and was able to travel throughout Switzerland (which is absolutely stunning).
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. |
We had a lecture from a different international relations expert every day (never the same person twice). Overall I learned a lot, though in retrospect I wish I had been able to take classes with other Swiss students at a Swiss University at least part of the time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was quite strong in terms of providing a thorough educational experience. I did wish that I had had more opportunities to integrate with other Swiss students, the whole program was very group oriented. The homestay was my favorite part of the whole experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our trip to Brussels and Paris was especially memorable and enjoyable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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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 took a french course through SIT, but the most helpful facet of the trip in terms of language acquisition was living with a french-speaking homestay family. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is best suited for students who already know that they are interested in international relations, who are looking for more work than play and who want to live in the most beautiful country on earth. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
International Studies Seminar: International Security, Multilateral Diplomacy and Social Justice |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Excellent -- I learned a lot about the world of international relations. This course provided good exposure and networking opportunities. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
