Geneva: Incredible Past Review

By (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for

SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

SIT: Geneva - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy Photo

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?

* 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

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? 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?

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

  • Hostel
  • Hotel
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

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.