Academically Rigorous, Culturally Eye-Opening Past Review
By A student (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/06/2013 to 05/21/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
Going to the international organizations and speaking with experts in the field of international law was my favorite part. I feel like I learned so much about how Europeans view the US, which was extremely important to me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The local food was amazing! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is somewhat difficult to truly immerse yourself with the local culture, you just have to be daring and willing to give things a try! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Be very aware of your surroundings at all times, and do not go home with someone you do not know. |
| 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) |
Food and going out to the bars are extremely expensive. While Geneva is extremely expensive, there weren't too many things I had to buy during my time abroad. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget for yourself. |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced French 1 |
| 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 it a point to use the language in everyday life, even though it's hard. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I had known how difficult the program was academically, and some of the requirements of the classes, such as extensive interviews with experts that the student had to schedule and conduct with no help. Also, I wish that I had known the program did not allow for very many extra-curricular cultural immersion activities. |
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! |
