I remember the exact day I received my admission letter from the Geneva Graduate Institute: 15 March 2019. I was excited to soon begin my Master of International Law. But with the excitement also came apprehension, as it would also be the first time I would study outside the boundaries of my home, Burkina Faso, and far away from family and friends.  

Some of my acquaintances who had studied in Geneva had already warned me that finding housing in Geneva, and moreover affordable housing, was a real struggle. They suggested that I begin my application process for lodging early. However, a few weeks after sending in applications to different places, the results were disappointing. I was waitlisted everywhere. 

As I continued my research, I heard about the University of Geneva’s “1h par m2” programme, which is an intergenerational housing programme that offers students housing with families in and around Geneva.

Although I had to find temporary housing in Geneva while I waited for the programme to place me with the right family, I found the benefits to be great. Being welcomed into a Geneva family and living like one reassured me and helped me adapt to a country that was completely unknown to me when I arrived. It also provided a support system because I didn’t know anyone in Geneva. 

I was able to share in family meals, socialise, walk around, and partake in many other activities that prevented me from being disoriented or feeling the weight of loneliness and periodic nostalgia for my native country – especially during the COVID-19 health crisis, where the lack of social interaction weighed on the habits of the students in the dormitories. I realised how fortunate I was to live in a family setting. The students participating in the programme also constituted a friendly community, and we would often get together to share our different family experiences.  

The 1 h/m2 programme provides students with a room in a family home (students and families are matched through a lifestyle questionnaire) and in return, the student commits to helping the family with some household chores: it can be shopping at the supermarket, checking the mailbox, having moments of conversation in a foreign language with the host, etc. This creates a jovial atmosphere with cordial moments and unforgettable memories.

In addition, this programme was interesting because of the very affordable cost of the contribution to household expenses (between 100 and 120 CHF per month) to be paid to the host. Knowing that rent in Geneva can cost hundreds of Swiss francs, the 1h/m2 programme provided a very approachable living solution adapted to student needs. 

I would highly recommend the programme to anyone coming to Geneva from a foreign country and looking for a truly immersive experience. 

Housing applications for this programme are open until 31 May. Requests are for housing beginning in autumn 2022.