Study Abroad experience in Geneva Past Review
By Sammy Y (Political Science and Government., Austin College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
I gained many leadership skills by participating in the program. I look at the world in a different perspective then when i did before leaving. There many problems in developing countries world wide, that many Americans are oblivion to. By participating in a non-American culture, it opens up your eyes to the cultures all around you, and upon returning you just cant turn it off.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the academic experience was very interesting and experimental compared to what i was used to. Every day we had different seminars from different experts that came and talked to use about different fields of international relations. What was really fascinating, was how the program pushed students outside of their comfort zone, by performing an independent study project. This project allowed students to contact leading experts within their field and interview them as sources for their project. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The strength of the program allowed students to become professionals in conducting (for many their first) research project. It also allowed students to learn the native language of the region and host many projects and seminars that made students communicate with the locals. The weakness of the program, was the language barrier between the administrators and the students. Although it is not something to change, it provided a little more difficulty in understanding the messages that were being conveyed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the opportunity to live in the Alps, about 800 meters above Geneva. the program placed all students about 20 min outside of Geneva, so that we can experience swiss culture outside of a major city. The view from my village was absolutely breath taking. I had the french alps right outside my window, and France was 5 min away to go hiking. I didnt need to buy any items when settling in, except personal hygiene materials. |
| * Food: |
IN Switzerland it can be very expensive to dine out, I would suggest sticking to grocery stores such as Migros, where you can buy a lunch meals for less than 10 dollars. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
the most exciting trip that our program took us on was when we had a class trip to Paris and Brussels. We spent a couple of days in each city, as we got to experience the political and social dynamics of each country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
SIT and homestay families provided a very excellent health care system. Doctors, psychologists, etc. were all ready to help out students if they were called on. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 Switzerland can be a very expensive country to live in. It is important to spend wisely and manage your funds, because the tiniest item can be about 2 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When possible, dine cheap. There are many places in Geneva that offer great food at a low price. Many bars and clubs in Geneva are very expensive and would recommend to travel to Nyon (a small village outside of the city) that offers less expensive amenities. Being with Friends every weekend traveling was not something i was expecting to do, and so every weekend we would travel to a different city in Switzerland, which meant more money to spend. Be careful and bring an extra 500 dollars than what you originallyg plan to spend, because it can come in handy. |
Language
| 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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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | to many students, this program will just expand their horizons on international relations, for others it can shape their career. I had entered college thinking i just wanted to be a lawyer. After being in Switzerland and participating with many different NGO's, I would love to work for the United Nations as a delegate. this program def. pushes you to be creative and think outside of the box. |
