Fondue and IR January 29, 2026
By A student (Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2025 to 12/19/2025 with
Geneva Graduate Institute and Wellesley College - BA/MA Program
My classes were very relevant and thought-provoking. It was also really interesting to meet people from all over the world and hear different perspectives.
Review Photos
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. |
There are a lot of academic/career resources, but it is up to students to take the initiative to seek them out. The academic rigor is comparable to Wellesley's courses. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It is a very independent program, and students do not receive much assistance from either university's administration. Students mostly rely on each other for help figuring out visa/housing/course transfer issues. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The student accommodations are very nice |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is difficult to connect with local Swiss people if you do not speak French, but it is still doable if you put yourself out there! Swiss people are very friendly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Geneva is an incredibly safe city |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It was a great learning experience for living alone in a new city. Great program if you are interested in IR, working in international organizations, or living in Europe after graduation. |
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) |
Geneva is a very expensive city |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We had a French intensive and semester courses, but most classes 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
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
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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? | Start on forms and applications early. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
