I Would Not Change A Single Thing About This Experience April 05, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We only had a few assignments (papers, exams, presentations) the entire semester, which encouraged us to immerse ourselves in the content of our studies more than focusing on completing weekly assignments. The small class size and handpicked guest speakers created a genuine, comfortable, and intellectually stimulating environment. Professors, guest speakers, and staff were always willing to answer any questions, urging us to ask about anything that made us curious.

On-site administration of your program

Terrific. Staff were incredible. Goran, Aigul, Joe, and Anette went above and beyond any expectations I had for this program from their accommodating and warm presences that made me feel supported/at home to the life lessons and wisdom they imparted to my program that I still continue to learn from and apply every day. My study abroad experience would not have been as unimaginably perfect without them. They played a significant role in ensuring that every student felt cared for--their commitment to us as students inside and outside the classroom blew me away. They consistently, without exception, always made time for us--I remember during the study trip the first week, I sat outside the Bern hostel with some of my classmates and we ran into Goran, Aigul, and Joe as they were coming back from their dinner. They spent 90 minutes answering all of our questions with powerful and moving insight based on their lived experiences and the knowledge/stories they have collected. That moment demonstrated to me that I was surrounded by staff who would prioritize me as an individual and a student, and always make time for me.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The homestay was conveniently located, a short bus ride to the Nyon SIT office. I lived with two other girls in my program, one of which I consider to be one of my best friends now. My homestay mother was accommodating a warm presence, and an incredible cook. She had a dog, Angie, and encouraged us to spend time in the living room and make the space our home, so we would frequently read or watch TV after class/work until dinner. Communication resolved any issues or questions, which mainly surrounded meals, laundry, and adjusting to Swiss home life.

My homestay mother was a terrific cook and sometimes asked for suggestions from us. She was open to hearing our favorite meals and would incorporate them more often into her rotation of dinner. Breakfast we mainly had to do on our own. The Swiss diet is definitely different, but the grocery stores (Migros, Coop) have a wide selection that is reasonably priced and my homestay mother allowed us to use her kitchen to cook any breakfast/lunch.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in a homestay contributed to the integration I felt into Swiss culture. In addition, the locals were incredibly welcoming and social. One of the first nights in Nyon, some of my classmates and I went to the local pub, Fishermen's, where we made friends with three locals, trading questions about our lives and experiences and anything that made us curious (they were very interested in US politics). They ended up paying for all of our drinks, encouraging us to continue sharing and socializing, and because they had a genuine desire to show us how to enjoy the culture that they are so passionate about and proud of. This was consistently the case. We made friends everywhere we went, and I learned so much from the conversations I had.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very safe. No issues whatsoever. On the trains, make sure you watch your belongings, but my program never ran into any issues.

From top to bottom--the staff, my classmates, the timing of the study trip (being the first week) and the trip itself, the guest speakers, the courses and option for internships, the fact that we were given a Swiss Pass for the entire duration of our stay, the close proximity of Switzerland to other countries, how beautiful of a place Switzerland, Geneva, Nyon, and even my homestay town are, etc.---every single detail of this experience was unimaginably perfect and together, created the most beautiful four months of my life.

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

I think everyone in my program ran out of our stipend by the end of the program, especially if breakfast at the homestays were either not included or limited.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The staff
• The class size
• The study trip

• Absolutely nothing

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer