A Deeply Appreciated Experience Past Review

By A student (Economics And International Relations, Legal Studies Minor, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

Boston University: Geneva - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This experience was very worthwhile as I was exposed to a city that I had only read about quite a few times in my international relations courses and in my extra curricular activities. it was therefore good to experience the international Geneva that I had always read about.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	After week 6, they stopped serving a wide variety of pastries which was the initial promise of the program; to serve different pastries every week on Wednesdays. Aside from that, it was fine.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It's really difficult to fully integrate with the local culture in Geneva simply because it is a very international city. However, I did enjoy the experience of being in a city that is so renowned for its multiculturalism.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I fell sick once at the beginning of the program but I was able to take care of myself without much assistance from the residence life.
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Plan your trips as soon as you get there. This way you can catch great deals.

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?	Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	French 32
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?	Speak to all vendors, storekeepers, and passers by in the native language of the country.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
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?	International Geneva Access to Europe Internship Component
* What could be improved?	More outdoor excursions More bonding sessions More food/wine gatherings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I could have planned my trips before hand.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Public International Law
Course Department:	International Relations
Instructor:	Dr. Djacoba Tehandraziniverelo
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was sufficiently challenging although it was not adequately intriguing in terms of the content of the course and the discussions that we had in class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No