Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good for the Résumé, Bad for your Pocketbook August 09, 2025

By (International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/20/2024 to 12/09/2024 with

Boston University: Geneva - Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot of learning by passively observing, about the international system especially.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very kind, though small operative can sometimes make it less flexible. However, everyone there cares so deeply about the students. I experienced this first-hand.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We received some food through the local university (which was not close) but most had to be purchased or prepared in a shared kitchen. Unfortunately, food in Switzerland is very expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

That's not what this program is about. However, in my internship I was able to plug into the work scene of the international systems there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got very sick to the point where I needed a night in the hospital. The health coverage I received saved me several thousands of dollars of medical treatment. It is worth mentioning just how amazing the BU staff was in helping me.

* Safety:

Very safe in Geneva.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The internship aspect simply offers so much, and for those who want an Americanized program this is great.

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)

So. so. so. expensive. It's Switzerland. The cheap food wasn't even very cheap and not particularly good.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? too much
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Expect to spend far more than you plan to. This is the most expensive country in the world.

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

Simply not what the program is about, though it's an added benefit if you speak some of 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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? FREN 104
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 loved using french, I think I had a better experience than others because I had the background.

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 trips
  • The internship
  • The staff
* What could be improved?
  • More foreign language content? Again not really what the program is about though
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will be living on kebabs for a while.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.