23 reviews
4.21 / 5 based on 23 reviews
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1
Ambrose G
Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
Management Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Local language was: Different than language of instruction
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language
How much did you improve your the local language?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I was able to learn lots of Italian. I tried to interact a lot with the local community, and this is probably the best way to learn the language. Also, try to take a class in the local language. Immersing yourself in the culture and leaning the language in class is a great way to become really good at speaking,
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2
Ambrose G
Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
Management Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
As a study abroad student, they put you in housing about a 15 minute walk from campus. Its a hard uphill walk to the school that leaves you sweaty by the time you get to school. Some students I knew applied as transfers instead of study abroaders, and they put them in the nicer housing near campus. This may be a good way to fool the school into thinking you are a permanent student rather then someone who they consider will only be there a semester, thereby giving you nicer facilities near campus.
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Personal comments
The bad part about where I lived was that I had a long walk everday back and forth from school. The good thing was that I was close to the city than the other sudents, so it was easier to get to the city and shop for groceries. Also, with the study abroad housing, you get to mix with the locals, and learn more about the Swiss-Italian culture. Still, it wouldve been nice to be closer to campus.
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Michelle L
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
The apartment I was given was the Florida residence which are little studio apartments. Compared to my tiny little shared dorm at UBC they were AMAZING. I had a view of the lake and the mountains...gorgeous.
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Personal comments
I think from what I heard the housing options are mostly good...try to get a single apartment, they're usually better. I would probably choose Florida again.
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7
Ambrose G
Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
Management Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
Switzerland is a VERY expensive country. Make sure you have a large savings prort to going here. You can spend about $30 just for a basic meal at a restaurant. Also, the school offers a "meal plan" for about $900. This is basically a ripoff when you can go across the street from the school and buy a GREAT sandwich for only $4. The best way to go is get a meal card and put money in it, that way you can eat at the school on those rainy days. Nightlife is also expensive. Be prepared to pay $8 for a shot or $7 for a mix drink.
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Telephone, Overall, Travel, Food, Nightlife, Housing:
was more expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
No such thing here as used textbooks. Just make sure you have $$$$$ before you go. I cant express how expensive this place is, and there were so many study abroader that were in for a shock, such as me!!!!
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1
Michelle L
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Local language was: Different than language of instruction
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language
How much did you improve your the local language?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I went to Lugano because it is in the Italian part of Switzerland but since the school life is primarily english speakers I didn't practice as much as I could have. You can definitely practice Italian or French when you're there but don't count on doing it @ FC unless you take a language course.
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0
Alison C
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, United States
Political Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Lugano is a very touristy town, and although Franklin students are around, they don't dominate the social scene. Piccinaya is probably the best club, the best gelato is sold at the little postcard/souvenir stand lake front, and downstairs at Manor has the best sandwiches at a reasonable price.
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