Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great time! February 06, 2025

By (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/17/2024 to 12/20/2024 with

Geneva Graduate Institute - Undergraduate Semester Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it is important to be the foreigner, even if you are constantly surrounded by a diverse, international cohort or community. While I didn't meet many Swiss people in Geneva, likely because it houses many international organizations, I met many people I never would have crossed paths with at my home institution. I really enjoyed the community I got to be part of even if I didn't make super strong friendships/long lasting friends because of the time.

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? No

Although it was an amazing program with many resources, I feel as though a different program would have suited me better. I think it is because I am an undergraduate and the institute is oriented towards older students with more experience.

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)

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

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Accessibility
  • Extracurriculars
  • Community
* What could be improved?
  • It is quite expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To expect to be more independent when it comes to academics.

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!