Student Feedback Information 2004/2006 s1

OUTGOING STUDENT FEEDBACK FORM

University Attended: Universitaet St. Gallen

INDUCTION/ORIENTATION PROGRAMME What did this involve, how long did it last, was it useful?

It last two weeks and was basically a language class (non compulsory). A couple of events were also organised by the so-called buddy system during the week and on the weekend. I would say that it is useful if you have no german knowledge and it is the best way to meet people.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE Style of teaching, courses, ease of access to courses, methods of assessment, teaching support

The teaching at HSG is quite different. Teachers give you a much more detailed view of what they want (you can base your revisions at 100% on the slides presented). Also nearly all classes have a script, a booklet that you can buy and that has either all the text that you have to read or the slides of the lectures. Furthermore I had in all of my financial related classes seminars held by companies such as Roland Berger, BCG, etc. For the examination, a lot of courses have a coursework to do either individually or in a group but usually those coursework do not weight much in the final grade.

MBS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Level of support, additional information that could have been useful

Everything was fine for me.

MBS SECOND YEAR MEETINGS Any additional information that you feel could have been provided

Everything was fine for me.

HOST INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Level of support, additional information that could be useful for future students

Everything was fine for me. The information is clear, easy to access. The people at the international office are very friendly and are always happy to help.

INSURANCE, HEALTH COVER Please include any information relating to the purchase of compulsory health insurance ie costs etc. or whether this was waived by having the University of Manchester Insurance Policy

My situation can not be considered as I already had a swiss health insurance because I live fiscally in this country. ACCOMMODATION As much information as possible on what accommodation is recommended or not recommended.

My situation is particular because I was living with relatives. But I would advise future exchange students to get in touch with the housing office. All students live together in flats (from the University) or in flats in which landlords rent to several students. Note that I was surprised that students in St. Gallen do not live with their friends. They all live with people they do not know in the first place.

DESTINATION INFORMATION AND OVERALL EXPERIENCE Transport, travel, social life, integration with local students, student activity groups

In Switzerland public transport is very well organised, from the bus that goes to uni to the trains. You are also close from a big international airport, Zurich (1hr). Social life is the big malus regarding St Gallen. The night life is far from being as eventful as Manchester but there are still clubs and pubs in town where you can have a good laugh. There is a gap between local students and exchange students. Being able to speak german, and swiss german even more, clears a bit of this gap.

DESCRIBE IN ONE SENTENCE YOUR YEAR ABROAD

An amazing year in a top rated university during which I was able to meet great people, do a lot of outdoor activities and travel all around Europe.