A dream program in a dream place! Past Review

By (Environmental Science, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 05/08/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Global Health and Development Policy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, became happier, became more knowledgable about the world and politics, learned to interact with different people and different cultures and much more! Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? Yes

I loved everything about this program. If I were to do it over, I would consider picking a Spanish speaking country as I felt my decision to learn French while I was abroad instead of improving my previous Spanish was not wise.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 20 CHF on lunch per week and 100/150 on weekend travel.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries for lunch.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had never taken a french course prior to departure.
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? Make sure to put in the extra work yourself!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Switzerland
  • My host family
  • Switzerland's love of education/intelligence
* What could be improved?
  • Coordination between administrators
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take it all in because it goes by so quick - take time to really discover Switzerland (or the country you are in).