Transformative Global Health Immersion June 17, 2025
By A student (Global Public Health and French, University of Virginia) - abroad from 01/26/2025 to 05/11/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Global Health and Development Policy
It was one of the most meaningful academic experiences of my undergrad. I gained a deeper understanding of global health systems, development policy, and ethical research practices. I also learned how to conduct independent fieldwork across cultures, engage with international organizations, and critically analyze the intersection of health, politics, and justice. Beyond academics, I grew in resilience and cultural awareness.
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. |
The SIT Switzerland Global Health and Development Policy program offered a deeply enriching academic experience. With a strong balance of classroom instruction, experiential learning, and international fieldwork, the program was both rigorous and engaging. The classes offered with lots of opportunities for discussion, critical analysis, and real-world application. The resources provided, including site visits to international institutions, expert guest speakers, and close faculty mentorship, greatly enhanced the academic environment and challenged me to grow as a student and global health scholar. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration in Switzerland was great. The staff were professional, responsive, and deeply invested in student success. From logistical coordination to academic advising, they created a supportive learning environment. Their expertise in global health and international education ensured that every aspect of the program, from institutional visits to independent research, was purposeful and well-executed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay was one of the most meaningful parts of the program. My host family was kind, attentive, and helped me integrate into Swiss daily life. They provided emotional support, cultural context, and stability throughout the semester. I gained insights into Swiss values that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. |
| * Food: |
Breakfasts and dinners with my host family were nutritious and home-cooked. They offered experiences for Swiss culinary traditions. Mealtimes helped facilitated connection as well as an opportunity to improve my French. The lunch stipend allowed for flexibility during the day and made it easy to explore local cafés/grocery stores. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Integration into Swiss society took effort, as the culture is more reserved compared to the U.S. However, living with a local family and navigating daily life in French fostered gradual and meaningful engagement. The program also organized events/excursions (like a trip to Yvoire) that supported cross-cultural understanding and community-building within our cohort. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
While I didn’t require major medical care, I felt informed and confident in the availability/accessibility of health services. The program clearly communicated how to access care. The Swiss healthcare system was efficient and well-organized. |
| * Safety: |
Switzerland felt extremely safe. I was comfortable walking alone and using public transportation! The program provided clear safety guidelines. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 was very expensive, and living on a student budget required careful planning. |
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 |
SIT encouraged us to speak French in the office on Tuesdays. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | 4000-level |
| 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? | Stay engaged in French class, practice what you learn at home with your host family, and always look for ways to speak it (ordering at a cafe or while shopping) |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Integration into Swiss culture takes time and patience. I also wish I had known just how expensive everyday life would be, especially in cities like Geneva or Lausanne. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
