Half of my heart lies in Switzerland Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed my classes, it was just an extremely different type of education system. My courses did not have tests, only a presentation and final essay. Each course was once a week for 2 hours. It was just weird to get used to then come back to the U.S. system.

On-site administration of your program

When asking a question, the response was not always fulfilling. Sometimes it seemed like we were on our own in figuring things out. But I am glad it went that way because it helped me grow.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed my room. I had a shared floor with a shared kitchen and bathroom, but the bedrooms were individual. They did have the option of a shared room. I would have preferred to have gotten a downtown apartment with people because it would have been cheaper and more comfortable. But we weren't aware of the benefits before already applying for housing. My housing was 630 a month but if I had shared an apartment, it could have been around 400.

Swiss food was great, and ISEP gave us a stipend of 1500 cash a month to cover housing, food, and extra activities.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although I had mostly American friends, I met a lot of the Swiss people and made a few really great local friends. Since you are at a Swiss Uni, you are completely around by the Swiss and their customs. I felt very immersed.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got really sick one weekend and was told to go to a certain doctors office, but had a lot of trouble finding it and went to the wrong one. I eventually found it and they took me in because I was crying. The health insurance situation was confusing to all of us students though.

I felt extremely safe in Bern. Even when there was some international terror/threats happening in Europe and Switzerland.

Despite some of the struggles of getting used to another culture and being away from home. It was the best experience of my life and I would go back in a heart beat.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was pretty stable with my money. I had saved up over 3000 over the summer for activities. But I didn't need that much other than for travel because with the 1500 monthly stipend, I had money for my rent, groceries (we didn't have a meal plan), and transportation. We also bought half fare cards and after 7 cards allowing us to have half price on our train tickets and free travel after 7. Definitely get those once you arrive to Switzerland. As well as a Libero which covers inner city transportation.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The only language course they offered required experience speaking German, which I had none so I couldn't participate.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• traveling
• meeting new people
• opportunity to grow

• quicker question responses
• more understandable information
• none

The Avid Adventurer