Study Abroad Programs in Switzerland

The unique aspects that this SIT program offered influenced my decision to ultimately choose the Switzerland: Global Health and Developmental Policy Program. My favorite academic aspects of the program were the countless briefings at NGOs and IGOs, the week-long WHO model-UN-like simulation, and the Independent Study Project that required students to take initiative on conducting public health research on a topic they found interesting and networking with experts in the respective fields. The Morocco excursion, where we stayed with host families in the city of Rabat and experienced their culture through their cuisine, music, and local markets. We spoke with many local organizations that aimed to serve smaller populations where their impact was truly felt. Living with a host family in Switzerland also provided an immersive experience. Eating with a family, sharing stories of our day, and even going on hikes together were memorable. The connections I made with my host family and my friends in my cohort will last a lifetime, and I am very grateful for the many adventures we took together that made my study abroad so special.

I had a really good experience with Forum-Nexus overall. The program gave me the chance to travel a lot, meet great people, and learn more about different countries in a way that felt interesting and personal. I liked that the staff was friendly and helpful, and the hotels were some of the best I’ve stayed in. Some visits were better than others, but the overall balance of academics, free time, and cultural experiences made the program worth it. I’d recommend it to other students, especially if they want to make friends and grow through travel.

This summer abroad program was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate.” “It was thoughtfully organized, with a great balance of academics, cultural exploration, professional visits, and enough independence to grow on my own.” “The instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, and encouraged real discussion, which made classes feel useful beyond the classroom.” “I especially liked being able to connect what we learned to our travels.” “The staff was welcoming and supportive throughout, and I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students.

SIT did a great job of connecting us with public health experts and showing us the different NGOs in the Geneva/Rabat area. The independent study project was rewarding and prepared me for future academic research. My French skills also developed, thanks to my time with a host family and French classes. Finally, my cohort and the SIT staff were very welcoming and made me feel at home in the program!

I believe if any student can participate in this program, they should take real advantage of it. They offer a lot of subjects, Economics, Art, Business, Culture, Design, Sociology, History, Political Science. The knowledge one gain is massive and in a lot of disciplines. I am really happy to participate the connections i made is totally worth it. Forum Nexus staff are very knowledgeable, they know what they are doing. not to mention that they are easily approachable and always prepared for any problems could occur.

the environment was really fun, lots of free time. i am happy that i chose to participate in this program. regarding the staff, i love the energy and positivity they were giving us all the time. the hotels were pretty great and the locations were amazing. I totally recommend this program, for the professional visits; i really learnt a lot, and the cultural visits; didnt feel a chore at all!, things that you need to visit and do when you visit Europe. I am really thankful to be going with such a group, they will be my all time friends!

My time with Forum-Nexus was fast-paced, exciting, and educational. It was the perfect mix of classes, studying, sight-seeing, socializing, and learning first-hand. I learned a lot from the International IQ class and it prepared me to visit each city on the itinerary. My hospitality internship allowed to me communicate and network with the international hotels and restaurants we stayed at and visited. Forum-Nexus allowed me to step-up and take advantage of being abroad.

Joining Forum-Nexus was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Traveling across Europe while taking classes gave me a unique blend of academic learning and cultural immersion. Every city brought new perspectives, professional visits helped me understand international business at a deeper level, while group activities and friendships made the journey even more memorable. The program pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me adaptability, teamwork, and global awareness. I left with stronger career skills, a network of friends from around the world, and countless memories that I’ll cherish forever.

When we walked up to the top of Mt. Pilatus, I got to look down and see the landscape; it all looked so small and all of a sudden I felt so small and, in a way, unimportant. But the more I sat and looked around, the more I realized that I’m not unimportant because I am the most important person to myself. I think that other people should realize what an investment the GCAC program is, it’s an experience that will not soon be forgotten. I will use the things i’ve learned on this trip for the rest of my life and i’m so grateful for that. I think that global citizenship is an investment because not only is it an amazing opportunity but it can open so many new doors that we’re not even visible before. I think people should give trips by GCAC a try even if traveling is a big fear or if it does not seem feasible. If they cannot be a part of the trips they should try to learn about how helpful the idea of global citizenship is.

SIT Switerland was academically rigorous, immersive, and rewarding. The program blends classroom learning (guest speakers) with experiential learning, such as site visits to WHO and MSF, fieldwork in Morocco, and an independent research project that spans the entire month of April. The ISP was especially demanding and required strong time management, self-direction, and critical thinking as we conducted interviews and produced a 30-page research report. The classes were interdisciplinary and interesting. While Switzerland was experience and integrating into Swiss culture/norms took time, the program's location in Geneva (global hub for health/the world capital of humanitarian aid) made the experience uniquely place-based offering access to international organizations that shape international health policy.

One amazing memory I’ve experienced was the boat ride in Paris. I got to see the Eiffel Tower and other amazing things. This is just one experience I’ll never forget. This whole trip has helped me to grow and connect.

One of the most unforgettable highlights of my trip to Europe was soaking in the breathtaking views from the Swiss Alps. Experiencing glaciers and snow in July was nothing short of mesmerizing, and it's a moment I'll always cherish.

An amazing memory I had on this trip was being able to interact with different people around the world and obviously the scenery. I may never be able to see those people again but I was intrigued to hear their stories as to why they are in Europe today. Others need to know about GCAC is that they offer something nobody else can do for you. The opportunities and experiences that come along with GCAC is something I will cherish forever. One reason I think this is true is because you learn so much with GCAC than you would just going with family . For instance in London I learned a cat was almost elected prime minister, in Paris photographs don’t do justice as to how big and beautiful the Eiffel Tower really is, and in Switzerland they have the 3rd highest mountain in the world and it usually snows all year around on that mountain. Go on a trip with GCAC you will not regret it. You will do so much in a short amount of days but it is all so worth it. I saw sides of the Palace of Versailles that would take people days to see and I saw it all in one day and I am truly grateful to have to done it with all my new friends and of course the chaperones

My favorite part of the program academically was the ISP--I was able to study a topic I was passionate about, and spoke with a number of high-level professionals in the field regarding my topic. I also really loved my homestay family, living in a small, idyllic town, yet being so close to bigger cities. It was so freeing being able to hop on a train and travel anywhere in Switzerland, there was never a dull moment, and every day was filled with a new hike, destination, or activity!

I had a fabulous time studying abroad in Switzerland with SIT. Top features that stand out to me are the homestay experience and the opportunity for travel. Living with a homestay family is so incredibly valuable. Not only is it a home away from home, but it gives the the amazing opportunity to learn more about Swiss culture and to practice language skills. Additionally, travel was a highlight of my time abroad. The program gives students a GA travel card on the swiss travel pass which means you can ride all the trains in Switzerland in for free. It is actually hard to overstate how amazing this was. With the swiss travel pass I could go on excursions without having to stress about money. The academic side of the program is very solid. Compared to other study abroad programs, the level of workload is relatively higher. However, compared to my home university, the rigor of the courses was not very intense. If you manage your time, there is plenty of time to travel every weekend. Just know that for the first few months of the program you have class five days a week. The independent study project in the last month of the program was great! There are no course classes during this period, so you can travel and work on your project simultaneously. While people may be tempted to travel to foreign destinations, I would really encourage people to travel within Switzerland as much as possible. The program size is relatively small, so it is easier to make friends than in the massive study abroad programs. You take all the same classes with your classmates so you get to know everyone very well. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place as Switzerland for a semester.

I am so happy, I will be recommend it to everyone at my home place. It has been so cool to basically have a guided yet laid back tour across Europe. You are all amazing, perfect balance of there to support us but still give us tons of freedom. Went to 2 professional visits, but they were super cool. felt I learned a lot and they were interesting. The independent cultural visits were encouraging us to get out and see the amazing sights is perfect. It made me appreciate where i was so much more. The accommodation was amazing!

It helped to open my mind and learn how to navigate being alone in another country. Also introduced me to new experiences. I loved the staff. I particularly loved the energy that Hugo brought as well as his wisdom. Professional visits were unique experiences that gave us opportunities not everyone would get part in. Hotels were really great. My level of international IQ certainly improved. I also have new perspectives given we have also seen the countries that we learned about first hand. I have much more of a grasp on the understanding.

Independent cultural visits went well. as expected. many of the ICVs were things i planned on doing. I was unimpressed by the professional visits they felt very uninteractive. Organization needs improvement, sticking to the syllabi. I am happy that I came here I have made amazing friends and I have been able to visit places that I would never have ever known about. IT was a great experience but somehow expensive for my budget.

I am happy that I chose to participate because I made good friends and amazing memories and explored the world in a more independent way that allowed me to be more confident in myself as a person, friend, and traveler.

I really enjoyed this program I had so much fun more than what i expected the staf was all awesome! all were very friendly and helpful no matter what was the situation they seemed very welcoming and caring