Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immersed in International Affairs January 20, 2026

By (Political Science and Government, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2025 to 12/19/2025 with

Geneva Graduate Institute - Undergraduate Semester Programme

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program exposed me to international institutions in Geneva, interesting classes, and an opportunity to live in Switzerland. I would definitely consider it worthwhile.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically, I had a new experience with having access to graduate-level courses that still maintained the discussion-heavy style I was used to from my liberal arts college.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Communication was most responsive through email

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I was cooking for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration with the local culture requires its own effort. Most of the "international Geneva" community (including IHEID students) mostly stay within their own bubble. However, I was able to connect with the local culture by making French-speaking and/or Swiss friends at the Institute who could invite me to events, finding events on social media, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I found it difficult navigating the Swiss healthcare system and understanding how it was different from my Wellesley-provided healthcare.

* 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)

I had saved money beforehand, which was extremely helpful.

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

While IHEID did not heavily encourage students to use French, there definitely was a pressure socially and also with getting around everyday.

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If you don't know any French beforehand, try learning a little. Taking the IHEID provided French course is very helpful during the three week immersion course, but the lessons drop off during the semester. Making friends with French speakers and going to local events also help a lot.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Living in Switzerland
  • Professors
  • Classmates
* What could be improved?
  • communication of information
  • the mentoring/immersion program
  • French course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Generally, I wish we had more information about the Institute's logistics before entering the program. For comparison, there was a group of Smith students with us, and they seemed to know more about navigating the Institute, the classes available etc., compared to us Wellesley students. Maybe we could reach out to Smith to streamline this communication. Another thing I learned is that there are many places to for students to sublet outside of IHEID's provided dorms that are significantly cheaper. Many of the Smith students lived there, and it also seemed to be a good way to make friends/connect with students and locals. I wish this information was provided.

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!