Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great experience in Geneva March 07, 2023

By (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/11/2023 to 12/20/2023 with

Geneva Graduate Institute and Wellesley College - BA/MA Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Geneva is a great location if you are interested in working for international organizations. There are numerous networking events in and outside of school that you will get a lot of opportunities to meet people who are currently working in one of the international organizations in Geneva or have worked there before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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? 300-400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I went to France for grocery shopping a lot since groceries in Switzerland were expensive.

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

All students who do not have any French background are mandatory to take a French language class. Some courses at the Institute were taught in French but most were in English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Networking
* What could be improved?
  • I struggled with getting residency and student housing arrangement in the beginning. It would be helpful if there is more guide helping student how to work with those.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about housing arrangements and the cost of living. I spent more than I expected so I wish I had more savings before going to Geneva. There were other cheaper student housing options which I didn't know until I got there.

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!