23 reviews
4.21 / 5 based on 23 reviews
Useful |
0
Alison C
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, United States
Political Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Academic
Course recommendations
Since I was there during summer sessions courses were limited but still catered to a variety of interests. Check preqrequisites.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
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 |
6
Alison C
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, United States
Political 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: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Classes were taught in English and was the predominantly spoken language when hanging out with other Franklin students. Italian is the most common language spoken in Lugano, but most locals speak at least some English or French (they prefer French, sometimes pretend to not understand English, and probably won't answer you if you try to speak German to them). During travel to some more remote areas of Switzerland where German was more common and less people spoke English it was more of a struggle - however nothing that couldn't be handled.
Read more >
Useful |
2
Alison C
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, United States
Political Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Overall
I wish I had known...
More language experience would have been fun but not necessary. If you definately know where you want to travel it's in your best interest to buy a swisspass or eurail pass. However, it's hard to guess what kind of people you'll meet or where you'll want to travel, so don't worry. Having a pass will save you some money and hassle but it's not difficult to figure it out as you go. Take advantage of the cheap airfare within europe and check out possible destinations before hand. We flew roundtrip to Paris from Milan for 40 euro roundtrip. Check out volareweb.org and ryanair.com
Read more >
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Take advantage of the amazing location and travel travel travel.
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
I particpated based soley on the location and travel opportunity. In 5 weeks I managed to travel around Switzerland (Interlaken and Zermatt need to be checked out), made it to Paris, as well as Venice and Cinque Terre in Italy. Go with an idea of what you want out of your time spent in Switzerland and you won't be disappointed. Everything is at your fingertips if you take advantage of it.
Read more >
Useful |
1
Alison C
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, United States
Political Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
Being a tourist hot-spot, EVERYTHING in Lugano is outragously expensive. Having limited funds, I opted to shop around and buy food at grocery stores rather than eat out. If you're smart about it, you can manage on a decent budget. Housing was included so it's hard to say how it compares, but I'd imagine it'd be expensive if not arranged through Franklin. Although admittance to clubs is free for Franklin students, drinks are crazy expensive. It's much more economical to pre-load with a cheap bottle of wine. My basic philosophy was to cut costs on food and partying and really take advantage of the travel opportunities. While academic travel is offered during the year, summer session students had no problem what-so-ever arranging once in a lifetime budget friendly adventures.
Read more >
Nightlife, Food, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Telephone, Housing, Travel:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Set a budget and stick to it. Pricey at times, but in general the travel and activities I shelled out the most cash for were well worth it.
Read more >
Useful |
5
Alison C
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, United States
Political Science, Undergraduate, Independent
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Although it was about a 10 minute walk from campus, it was arranged by Franklin and mandatory for summer session partcipants.
Read more >
Personal comments
I lived in the Florida residence which were basically single occupancy apartments. Although it was a little bit of a hike to campus or to town (10-15 minutes), Florida is equipped with refridgerators, stoves, private bathrooms and AC. It was a great way to meet other kids in the program.
Read more >
Useful |
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
Read more >
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.
Read more >
en 
English
Español
Français