So...What Exactly Are You Doing in Switzerland?

That's an excellent question, hypothetical blog reader!
For those of you who want more information on my program, well this post is for you.

After checking out what BC had to offer, I chose to do an external program (i.e. not through Boston College) run by the School of International Training (SIT). The SIT Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy program studies different models of public health systems in Geneva, "the world headquarters for international organizations."

The program focuses on many hot-topic health issues, including: healthcare interventions in complex emergencies, mental health, health security, access to medicines, and services for vulnerable groups such as migrants. I'll be attending lectures at the World Health Organization, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, and the International Organization of Migration, just to name a few. And of course, I'll be visiting the Palais de Nations since I have full access to the UN library throughout the semester!

The UN Palais de Nations

A few weeks into the program, students embark on a two-week trip to Rabat, Morocco. There, we'll conduct a comparative study of public health systems, all while taking in the Moroccan cuisine, architecture and Francophone culture. I'm sure a north African heatwave will be a nice change after a few weeks in Geneva...

For both our stays in Switzerland and in Morocco, students are placed in homestays. A few weeks ago, I received a lovely email from my Swiss host family. I'll be living in a village called Arzier with my host mother and father, my 21-year old host brother and his girlfriend, and my 19-year old host sister. And the best part? They have a giant St. Bernard and a cat named Gandalf!

Because I've taken French classes since high school, I'm really looking forward to the cultural immersion that comes along with a homestay. My Swiss mother tells me that her husband "speaks English like a Spanish cow" though, so it could be quite the challenge.

A glimpse of my new home, Arzier:

In the last four weeks of the program, students create their own Independent Study Projects based on original research topics they choose. We'll be expected to conduct 120 hours of field-based study and at the end, we present our finished products for a grade. It sounds pretty rigorous, but having so much free reign will be nice.

Anyways, that's all the information I have to offer for now- everything from here on out will be a surprise to us both! Until next time, mes amis. À bientôt!