Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging yet fulfilling September 05, 2022

By (Politics, Oberlin College) - abroad from 01/24/2022 to 05/08/2022 with

SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was very different from a regular university experience. We were encouraged to treat the city of Geneva and other cities in Europe as our classrooms. The independent research component helped us utilize resources, both private and public, which further gave us a glimpse at post graduate or other research opportunities.

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.

The academic rigor was complemented by field visits to various international organizations for practical knowledge. One can expect a more hands on approach in this program with a relatively lesser focus on theories

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

While we were encouraged to figure out our logistics on our own, we could always rely on the administration's help when needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was lucky to have housed with a welcoming family who made sure that I was comfortable in a foreign and unknown environment

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Living in Geneva can be an expensive experience, particularly when one isn't earning. However, a careful management of budget through planned out meals and travel can help ease one's pocket

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80 dollars per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For meals, you can rely on the supermarkets and grocery stores instead of restaurants as they tend to be expensive. Hostels and room shares are affordable when it comes traveling with a large group of friends.

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

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
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? I was always encouraged to speak to my host family in French. This challenged me to great lengths initially, but later I appreciated the constant effort I needed to make to be comfortable in a new 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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting with experts on different fields in IR
  • Travelling
  • Balance between classes and exploration of the place
* What could be improved?
  • Follow up to topics taught before new ones are introduced
  • Time to get over travel and jet lag at the beginning of the program
  • A potential way to meet and interact with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is a new program and environment for everyone going through this program. Everyone is on the same boat so getting by the challenges there, often included team effort.

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!