A Semester at IHEID August 23, 2024
By Isabella G (International Relations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/16/2024 to 05/31/2024 with
Geneva Graduate Institute - Undergraduate Semester Programme
I learned a lot about the practicalities of international relations specifically around international law and diplomacy. I also learned how to be by myself in a healthy way. I think those elements were worthwhile to me, but I would not pick this same program again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes themselves are very challenging and engaging covering content that emphasizes real world application. The classes only meet once a week though for less than two hours, so there is a heavy emphasis on outside work and readings. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators are helpful and accessible. Some universities have more established partnerships with IHEID than others, so experiences will vary. In terms of getting all relevant paperwork off to the Canton for declaring your presence in the country more information and scaffolding might have been helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Nice accommodations in the city, quite expensive though and if you are participating second semester there will be a low availability of cheaper dorm options. |
| * Food: |
Groceries are expensive in Geneva. Would recommend crossing to France to buy supplies or going to Lidl. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This was a very isolating experience. I was the only Wellesley student during the semester I went and since it was the second half of the year there was little to no way to integrate into the school's community. The age, language, and various cultural differences made it hard to connect with classmates. People should be prepared to potentially experience isolation during their time with the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No issues. The administrators helped us set up our healthcare and it was very affordable. |
| * Safety: |
Amazingly safe city. Wonderful to walk around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I really enjoyed the classes and the incredible beauty of Switzerland; however, I would greatly prefer next time to go to a country where I spoke the language with greater proficiency and where there was a higher emphasis on community and building relationships with other students. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $150 living very minimally |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Getting groceries from France, not eating out a ton, going to non-Swiss or French grocery franchises. For example Lidl's prices are consistently lower than that at Coop. |
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 |
I did not have to use French in academic spaces, but people in Geneva mainly want you to use French to communicate. |
| 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 |
| 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 would not recommend this program to non-French speakers. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That going in without French language skills is a non-starter. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
