23 reviews
4.21 / 5 based on 23 reviews
Useful |
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
Useful |
1
Ambrose G
Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
Management Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
Activities, Travel, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Etnics is a great place to eat at night. Cheap and filling. I also loved going to Club Lido and Square Discoteca. There are great pizza places all over as well, especially the Turkish pizza place in Alba housing!
Read more >
Useful |
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.
Read more >
Overall, Telephone, Housing, Travel, Food, Nightlife:
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!!!!
Read more >
Useful |
6
Ambrose G
Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
Management Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Academic
Course recommendations
Classes are pretty easy if you are used to challenging course. I took business courses that I thought were ridiculously easy. One part that was difficult though were the Italian teachers, who I thought were horrible at teaching. Try to get a good idea of the teacher you are going to take before picking a class. You may get someone that cant speak well or teach worth a damn!
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Study, but make sure you interact with the amazing student body. Go out and meet people. I've met people here that will be my friends for a lifetime!!
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
17
Ambrose G
Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
Management Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Overall
I wish I had known...
Travel, Travel, Travel!!!!! There are so many great sights! Go all over Europe! Also Milan is only 30 minutes aways from you, try to visit that place a lot, along with other Italian cities. Read up on Lugano and the surrouding areas, that way you have an idea about where to travel. Meet lots of people!! Franklin is only about 40% American it seeemed, so you have a great student body to learn from. There are so many languages and cultures in the school that you can learn from!!!
Read more >
In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Its a decent school. Teachers are mediocre, and some have horrible teaching skills. The best parts of this univeristy though is the 2 week academic travel and the student body.
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Have a great semester. This school is a great place to meet lots of future potential business contacts. Many students are very wealthy (dont be surprised to see Ferraris and Porches in student parking!!!), so its great to meet people that one day may be politicans or big business owners in their respective countries. Try making friends with international students, and then visiting their country with them!! Many are great hosts, not to mention accomidations they have at their home which are usually ridiculously elegant!! Make the most of your 2 week academic travel!! Also, make sure you go outside Lugano, and visit other cities and countries, but be sure to get a good idea of Lugano. Its a nice city, and has some great sights.
Read more >
Useful |
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,
Read more >
en 
English
Español
Français