Geneva: Incredible Past Review
By Mayela C (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
I learned how to interactive research, travel independently, force myself to speak a foreign language, adapt to a new culture, travel on a very small budget, meet strangers, establish contacts, etc.
Review Photos
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This educational system was in its entirety dedicated to international relations without the distraction of other subject matters irrelevant to my major in comparison to the American bachelor's degree which requires other basic courses. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Weaknesses is the inability of the program to get student visas, this made the program not long enough. Not enough exposure to host country. Strengths, the organization and the exposure to incredible networking and opportunities in the international community. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in a rural village 20 minutes from Geneva. My family helped me learn the language, gave me a great introduction to European culture, and enhanced my overall experience abroad. |
* Food: |
Food is really expensive, but you will always have a full meal with this program. Host families generally provide great dinners. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Program provided with great trips and get-aways. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Health depends on the person. I get sick anytime I change environments. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The program doesn't really cover all the expenses and the program is extremely expensive to begin with. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3rd semester of French |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English. Force yourself to speak French with host family and in every setting possible, speaking French with the program coordinator and professors is encouraged. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are interested in international relations, this is your ticket in. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Independent Study Project |
Course Department: | GOV 460N |
Instructor: | Dr. Csurgai and Dr. Lambert |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Completely independent study project which requires 120 hours of interactive research and at least 8 interviews with relevant experts. Incredible opportunity to dedicate time and get credit for a subject of your interest with international importance. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
Social Justice Seminar |
Course Department: | GOV 360N + GOV 329S |
Instructor: | Alexandre Lambert and Gyula Csurgai |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Combination of lectures, conferences, and briefings on different subjects relevant to International Relations. One research project and a final examination concluded the course. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
Field Study Seminar |
Course Department: | ANT 229S |
Instructor: | Aline Amman |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Interactive research projects and guidance on how to perform this interactive research. Swiss culture project that obligated us to learn about our surroundings. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
Intermediate French II |
Course Department: | FR 419S |
Instructor: | Raphael Weill |
Instruction Language: | French |
Comments: | Great conversational course, meant to ease stay in a Francophone country but will not advance your French grammar. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | Yes, will not count as a semester for the language requirement. |