Incredible access to resources in Switzerland Past Review
By Andrew W (International Relations and Affairs., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
This program was an amazing look into the world of international affairs. I certainly think the academic portion could be conducted in a better way, but these concerns do not overcome the positive aspects of my experience. I met amazing people, both students and professionals, and the research component is very unique among study abroad programs in this discipline.
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. |
As SIT did not have an actual campus, we met in an office building in downtown Geneva. Facilities at times were somewhat cramped, but we often went away for speakers. I found that the program just gave a general presentation of the issues at hand, and it failed to go into the detail that I had hoped. It was hard to maintain a sense of focus and purpose in this class environment. On the other hand, the resources at hand were incredible. We were all able to get in contact with leading experts in their fields, and the opportunity to research in the UN library was one that I won't forget. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Aline, our academic coordinator was absolutely indispensable, and she exceeded all of our expectations. She was willing to help us at the drop of a hat, and managed to control the group while traveling without making us feel like small children. I've done several programs, and this was by far the best administration. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was located in the town of Borex, a little village of 800 people. My homestay experience still seems like a dream. My life there was nothing short of idyllic. Not only did we have a beautiful location in the country, at the foot of the Jura, but my family was kind and looked after my every concern. My host mother pampered me, and my host dad sat and had conversations with me every evening. <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
My host family originally came from Sicily, and my host mom was a very talented cook. As for lunch in the city, it could get very expensive, so I recommend that students eat at the UN cafeteria during the independent study period. During the normal class period, the take-away area of the Manor grocery store is comparably cheap and the food is delicious. A great afternoon work spot is Boreal Coffee, near the Stand tram stop. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Geneva is extraordinarily expensive, but the stipends are usually just about enough to get a decent lunch every day. I would plan on having extra spending money though. The amount completely depends upon your personal spending habits. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Language is clearly not the focus, and Geneva is a city where one can get by easily with English, but the homestays were separate enough from the city that I found a good language experience. |
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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