An Unforgettable Experience! December 16, 2021

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt very educationally stimulated by the program. I did the Public Health track and took Principles in International Health and Controversies in International Health which were both very interesting. I personally thought the content we covered was very helpful in exposing us to important factors in global health. Our assignments were graded fairly and were very applicable to the course. Our professor was always available for any questions we had and any advice we need, she also incorporated many guest lecturers in our courses from places such as the Global Fund, the WHO, GAVI, GENDRO. As an elective, I took French 1 which was slightly challenging due to the way the course was slightly all over the place. Through studying with friends, we all succeeded and got A's, and the weekly quizzes were very easy. The professor always told us what would be on the quiz, so it was very simple to succeed. The hard part about the class was the exercises in class and learning the grammatical structures of French itself.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of the program was phenomenal. Students were supported fully, and going abroad in the middle of the pandemic was worrying, but all of our needs were met and our concerns were discussed. I had issues with my computer and it completely stopped working, and because of the language barrier I struggled greatly with sending my computer to a Microsoft facility in Germany through the Swiss Post. Thanks to the program's administration, they were there for me and completely communicated with the Swiss Post in French several times. As for health concerns, the administration was very helpful in guiding me to the clinic and next steps. In terms of COVID-19, the administration provided us with weekly self-tests, and even provided us with any updates in Europe or Switzerland in regard to COVID-19.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our living arrangements were perfect. The residence is in Eaux-Vives, a beautiful area in Geneva central to everything. We were able to catch buses and trams 5 minutes from our residence. There were also 2 grocery stores 3 minutes from our residence, one that was very affordable. The rooms themselves were spacious, and the kitchens had everything you needed to cook.

I loved the food, it's very much cheese, meat, and bread based. There are also vegan and vegetarian options near the residence.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt kind of integrated with the local culture, but I think I made individual choices that led to me feeling less integrated than others. We were given the opportunity to join clubs at UNIGE that had international students, but I never did that. Because Geneva is such an international hub, it was relatively easy to talk to locals and they were all very kind.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They were addressed very well. With the international insurance that BU provides, we were able to go to the Clinic for any issues we have and it would typically be covered by the insurance. I went to the clinic three times and was able to receive services free of charge, thanks to my insurance. It was very accessible, I never had to make an appointment as I typically walked in and was seen within 1 hour. The healthcare system is phenomenal, and they are very cautious with the medicines they prescribe which is different from the American healthcare system by far. The medicine that I was prescribed when I had a cold was a "natural remedy" that consisted of drops that you put into water - which was very unfamiliar as in the States I would simply just buy Tylenol. It was effective, but definitely took some time to work. That would be my only criticism, but it's obviously based on what medications you purchase.

Geneva is extremely safe! As one of the safest cities in Europe, I felt very easy-going in the city and oftentimes went wandering along on my own (as a female). There were no instances were I felt threatened or scared, which is definitely a difference from other European cities.

I gained incredible academic and professional experience, and truly grew a lot as an individual. I have tapped into an independence that I never knew I had.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I definitely think you are able to live well on a student's budget of about $100 a week, but if you want to go to other countries to tour a bit it can be a bit more expensive at about $200 a week.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Americans

• The structure of the courses and the internship
• The people
• The city itself and how central it is to other countries

• N/A

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer