A very good introduction to Europe Past Review
By Sigrid S (Health, Science, Society, and Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/16/2013 with
Boston University: Geneva - Internship Program
I learned what it was like working in the international relations field which is somewhere I definitely do not see myself in the future. I'm glad I had the experience, but I now know that I'd rather work for an NGO doing field work than doing policy work.
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. |
Not extremely rigorous if you apply yourself, but while you're studying abroad applying yourself is really not possible all the time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were some new problems with the landlord and the program directors kept us in the dark about what was going on. The housing situation could have been better, but considering we were living in an expensive part of town, I'd say there is nothing to complain about. |
| * Food: |
Food is somewhat expensive but you learn to budget. The food is super wholesome and organic and ethical, however. So you pay for what you get; the quality's there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I only feel this way because I joined the rowing team and had some exposure to other people, but otherwise I was in an American bubble. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have to get involved in Geneva's health care. |
| * Safety: |
Geneva's super safe and is quite possibly more safe on the weekends since it's a pretty sleepy town on the weekends. |
| 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) |
I'm typically a person that does not like asking my parents for money a lot but I had to with this program. If you budget yourself well, it's possible to spend under $1,500 for the entire semester. You probably won't travel as much or eat at different places around Switzerland. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget your food expenses by saving free breakfast food for lunch. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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| 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? |
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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? | I would like to know that my epilator would have caused a short circuit. It was an easy fix, but it freaked me out. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
