A great adventure! Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/31/2018 to 05/14/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Banking, Finance, and Social Responsibility
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile! I loved traveling around Switzerland and our excursion to Greece. The classes I took on sustainable finance were interesting (sometimes repetitive though). My favorite part of the program was an assignment I did in Greece where I had to speak to the locals.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, the program was not too difficult. However, I did learn a lot because I had the opportunity to take classes I would never have had the chance to at my home university. Readings were assigned for class but were not required. Most of the classes were taught by guest lecturers. The internship component of this program was special because I had the chance to experience working in the Geneva region at a local NGO. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administrators were very helpful and cared about each of the people in my program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My experience was not like everybody's in my program. Although a few did not like their home stay families, I loved mine! They were extremely welcoming and helped me integrate myself into the city's culture. |
| * Food: |
Swiss food is great! Be prepared for a lot of cheese and chocolate! The food can get pricey at restaurants so I recommend buying food from the grocery stores and picnicking! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt well integrated with the local culture because I made sure to visit other cities in Switzerland and attend events in the surrounding cities. I think that it did help that I understand French. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Although I did not need care abroad, the people in my program who did said they received it well. No vaccines needed! |
| * Safety: |
Switzerland in general is very safe. I lived in a larger city in the Geneva area and although there are some places you shouldn't go to alone at night (as there are in every city), I always felt safe (even when walking home late at night). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I was hesitant at first when I chose this program because the subject is not what I am studying in the US, but I learned a lot and have a different perspective on finance and corporate social responsibility now. |
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) |
Switzerland is pricey and budgeting is necessary! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Because 2 of my meals were paid for, I spend about $50 on food per week. The program does give a lunch stipend though. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy lunch food from the grocery stores and use your travel pass well! |
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 |
The program has a French class that you can take but don't have to. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Upper level French classes |
| 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? | Speak with host family! |
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? | Don't stress about the final paper! Make sure to budget well! USE SWISS PASS! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
