Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful city with a program that deserves a little more May 13, 2024

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/10/2024 to 04/29/2024 with

Boston University: Geneva - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live on my own!

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.

This program asks too much of students studying abroad. They leave little room for sick leaves and mental health days and are incredibly rigid about class attendance. Even for health reasons you cannot miss a class. Some of the professors are more flexible when it comes to assignment due dates. But managing the internship and the courses is a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The RA's were incredibly kind and helpful. Some of the administrative staff are approachable but some are more difficult to approach and it takes some courage.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was accommodated very suitable living arrangements in a great part of Geneva!

* Food:

Food is good but quite expensive in Geneva.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is totally possible to spend an entire semester without interacting with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very good healthcare coverage and easy to manage.

* Safety:

Geneva is one of the safest cities I have ever been in.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I think I would choose a direct enrollment program to meet more locals.

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? Approximately 150/200 CHF a week.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The internship
  • The art history course
  • Living in Geneva
* What could be improved?
  • Longer internship time
  • Less assignments in classes
  • No classes on Friday
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known how little I would interact with locals.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Principles of International Health
Course Department:
Instructor: Dina Handan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was not challenging for a Public Health Major. No new material was learned throughout this course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Controversies in International Health
Course Department:
Instructor: Dina Handan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was more interested and covered some new content. Good use of Geneva as the classroom for International Health.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

"From Caesar to Corbusier:" The History of Switzerland Through its Art and Architecture

Course Department:
Instructor: Carla Rachman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very good use of Geneva as the classroom and engaging professor. However, it really feels like the grades are not justified by a rubric.
Credit Transfer Issues: