IES vs SIT: pre-departure

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For my last couple of blog posts, I thought it would be helpful to break compare and contrast each of my programs to give a bit more insight so future students are better informed! For reference, my fall semester was with IES abroad in Nantes, France and my spring semester was with SIT in Geneva, Switzerland.

Packing

Before leaving for your trip you should definitely do some research into what the weather is going to be like in your host city. While I did do this I severely underestimated how cold it was going to be. This could be because my second semester was in Switzerland and I thought it was going to be much colder there than in France. Allow me to tell you how very wrong I was. During my fall semester in France, it rained all the time and the wind coming from the river made it super chilly. In contrast, the weather during my spring semester in Switzerland was very pleasant, so much so that I didn’t end up even needing to wear a jacket by the end of the program. If I could do it again I would switch the clothes I took so that I had three heavy coats during the fall and three bikinis during the spring.

Visa process

Visa-wise, things were a lot more complicated for me, seeing as I was in France during the time when I was trying to get my Swiss visa. However, I’ll explain it as if I weren’t. When getting a French visa you have to first fill out a bunch of forms online through the French government. Then, from there, you have to book an in-person meeting with whatever consulate is closest to you, which for most people requires at least a day’s worth of travel. For me, I had to go to Chicago, but ended up making it a day trip with my dad. At the appointment they will take your passport, so you’ll be without it while they put your visa in it before returning it to you. As for Switzerland, the process is much simpler. For this visa, all you have to do is fill out some forms and send them to your regional consulate. From there you will get an email approving you for the visa which you will print out and send with your passport to the same consulate. You’ll get it back with the visa in it. This is in no way an exhaustive guide (your programs will help you further) but a quick explanation so you’re better informed before choosing a location.

Meals

For my fall with IES Abroad, breakfast every day and dinner 5 times a week were provided by your host family. Lunch every day is out of pocket, you can buy food from a cafe/restaurant or go grocery shopping and leave it at the IES Abroad center in your city. (There was a full kitchen at my program location, I can’t say this is for sure the same for every IES program, but I would assume that it is the same). You also have to buy the other two dinners per week by yourself, unless your host family doesn’t mind. In a different way, with SIT, breakfast and dinner are provided every day by your host family, as well as lunch during the weekend. However, if you are traveling during the weekend, all meals are paid by you. As for lunch, SIT gives a stipend that covers weekly lunches, but be careful how much you spend because they will not give you more if you run out.

This one is a bit long-winded and not nearly as fun as some of my other posts, but I hope it helps someone down the road!

Either way, here are some pictures to make up for it.

Profite bien mes amis! 

  • Narrow street in a city with tall, old buildings on both sides. The buildings have balconies and some have plants hanging from them. The street is paved with stone tiles and has a few people walking along it. On the right side, there is a shop with an open entrance, displaying shelves with products inside. The sky is clear and blue, visible above the buildings.
  • A bustling market stall filled with a variety of colorful produce and goods. Hanging from the ceiling are bunches of dried peppers and garlic, adding a rustic charm. The stall is packed with an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, including oranges, pineapples, and leafy greens. Shelves are stocked with jars and bottles of various products, such as sauces and spices. A woman wearing glasses and a black vest is examining the items on display. There are signs with prices and labels, and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant, typical of a busy market setting.
  • A striking building with a highly ornate and unique facade, featuring organic, flowing shapes and colorful mosaic tiles. The windows have an unusual design with curved frames and stained glass, while the balconies resemble skeletal forms. The building's surface is covered in a mosaic of blue, green, and white tiles, giving it a shimmering appearance. The architecture is characteristic of Antoni Gaudí's style, known for its whimsical and nature-inspired elements.
  • A cityscape view from a high vantage point, showcasing a wide street lined with trees and surrounded by ornate, historic buildings. The architecture features intricate details, with one prominent building on the left having a decorative façade and a tower-like structure with columns and a dome. The street is bustling with traffic, and the trees lining the road are partially bare, suggesting early spring or late autumn. The sky is overcast with a light blue hue, and there are distant hills visible in the background.
  • A street scene featuring a historic building with ornate architectural details, including a dome topped with a sculpture. In the foreground, there is a decorative black street lamp with multiple lanterns. A traffic light is also visible, showing a green light. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are trees with sparse foliage lining the street.
  • The image shows the interior of a grand architectural structure, likely the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The view is looking upwards towards the ceiling, which is intricately designed with a series of geometric patterns and star-like shapes. The ceiling is supported by tall, tree-like columns that branch out at the top. The columns are adorned with circular, colorful stained glass elements that add vibrant accents to the otherwise neutral tones of the stone. The overall effect is a blend of natural and architectural beauty, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
  • A wooden table set for a meal with various breakfast items. At the top left, there's a plate with a stack of pancakes topped with a mint leaf and what appears to be a chocolate or nut topping. Next to it, a bowl of scrambled eggs and a small jar of jam. To the right, a plate with flatbreads, a bowl of scrambled eggs, and two small bowls, one with a white sauce and the other with a dark sauce. In the center, a glass of orange juice with a yellow striped straw and a slice of pineapple on the rim. At the bottom, a plate with pancakes topped with a mint leaf and small white meringues or cream dots. A fork and knife are placed on either side of the plate. A vase with white flowers is on the right side of the table. A QR code is visible on the table near the glass of juice. A person wearing a striped shirt is seated at the table.
  • A lush, vibrant scene featuring a tall bush or small tree covered in numerous bright pink flowers. The flowers are surrounded by glossy green leaves. The plant is set against a clear blue sky, with some evergreen branches visible in the background, adding to the rich greenery of the scene. The sunlight enhances the vivid colors of the flowers and leaves.
  • A scenic view of a river flowing through a city, with rows of colorful, historic buildings lining both sides. The buildings have a classic European architectural style, with multiple stories and a variety of pastel colors. In the background, a hill is visible, topped with greenery and a few more structures. The sky is bright blue with wispy clouds, and a contrail from an airplane is visible. The sunlight casts reflections on the water, adding to the serene atmosphere.

The post IES vs SIT: pre-departure appeared first on Off-Campus Study.



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