International Relations at its best! Past Review
By elise.voorhis (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/05/2013 to 05/21/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
It was absolutely worthwhile. I was able to get contacts for future employment at international organizations.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was a great and extremely useful experience. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Academic Directors were extremely helpful. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestays really brought you closer to the culture! |
| * Food: |
Food was exquisite! |
|
* 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
|
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) |
Switzerland is very expensive, but the program does give you a stipend. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 300 CHF |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan on bringing an extra $2,000 for miscellaneous costs and in-country travel. |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4 semesters of French |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Immersion, ask for a french-speaking 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? | Nothing |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
