Practical Information

Passport and Visa

Please ensure to have a valid passport and to check into visa requirements before you plan on travelling to Switzerland. Visa applications should be made well in advance because visa application procedures may require well over a month. France borders Geneva and a valid passport is essential for excursions into France. For certain nationals, visas must be obtained beforehand.

For questions regarding the requirements governing entry to other countries, please contact the relevant authorities of the country concerned.

• Regulations governing entry into Switzerland
• Visa Application forms to download and Guidelines in several languages.
• List of Swiss embassies in the world

Budget

If you stay in a Youth accommodation place, CHF 100 per day for housing and food should be sufficient. It is easy to buy a snack lunch for around CHF 15 and an evening meal for CHF 30. The city being quite small, it is easy to walk from home to the University and other places of interest. The cheapest way to travel around Geneva is by public transport: CHF 30 will buy you a weekly travel card that you can use on any bus, tram and even boat on beautiful Lake Geneva. Since you may wish to undertake various leisure activities during your stay in Geneva (travel, concerts, etc.), it is difficult to assess how much money will be needed exactly during the Programme.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is not compulsory for a short stay in Switzerland. Nevertheless, we strongly advise Summer & Winter Programme participants to register with private “Short-term Study Abroad” insurance in their
home country or to take the necessary measures to inform their insurance provider of their travels. Any visit to the doctor has to be paid for in cash. Often, upon their return home, travellers can be reimbursed
this sum by presenting the invoice from the doctor/hospital to their insurance provider.

Clothing

For most classes and afternoon activities, casual wear will suffice, but please do not forget to bring suitable attire for more formal occasions, like visits to international organisations, and diplomatic missions. Rainwear, warm clothes and sturdy shoes are strongly recommended if participating in hikes or trips. In the summer, do not forget to bring your bathing suit, as the view of Lake Geneva from the Institute’s classrooms will beckon for an afternoon swim!

Climate

In Geneva, the climate in the summer is generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and sunny. It may occasionally rain, and then temperatures might drop to around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the winter time, get ready to enjoy ski and snow activities in the nearby mountains of France (Mont Blanc) and Switzerland.

Facebook

The Summer & Winter Programme is on Facebook. Upon payment of tuition fees, successful applicants will be able to join a Facebook group gathering participants in their programme. This will provide an opportunity for students to network and get to know one another. It will also serve as a notice board for posting practical information, e.g. accommodation lists, etc.

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com 

Emergency Phone Numbers

List of emergency phone numbers