An academically and culturally enriching experience! March 20, 2026
By A student (Public Health, Tulane University) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/15/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Global Health and Development Policy
I gained a lot of independence regarding academic research. The independent study project was a great challenge and gave me the opportunity to speak with many experts in healthcare!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were not very difficult, but the speakers that were invited were fantastic and experts in the field of public health! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
The food in Switzerland is very expensive. I preferred to make my own meals for lunches, as they were not included. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While I did not meet many local students, I felt very integrated in my host family. |
|
* 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 had a wonderful time in Switzerland, largely due to my cohort and staff coordinators. I felt welcomed by my host family and was able to connect with amazing professionals during my time abroad. |
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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Switzerland is very expensive, especially when going out to eat. You will likely rely on grocery stores such as Migros or Coop. |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | AP French |
| 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? | Practice with your host family! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known how beautiful and easily accessible the nature is. Pack some hiking shoes! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
