Switzerland Geneva Internship
Spring 2025

Internship Program: Internship Culture

While those on the Internship Program may find that their classes do not differ greatly in style from a course you would take on the BU campus, there may be subtle differences in teaching style from your professor – for instance, you may have to make an appointment to see your professor outside of class time, as they likely will not have open office hours, or there may be less direct feedback on grades unless specifically requested. You’ll likely have many more field trips than you would in a class on the BU campus, as well, which we hope you’ll enjoy!

The major cultural shift will be in Internship/working culture in Geneva, which is, of course, part of your academic experience while there. In general, the business climate is very formal and conservative and companies are structured in the traditional vertical manner, especially as compared to American companies or organizations. You may find that you are entrusted with a task, without great instruction or feedback after the fact. If you desire feedback, you’ll definitely have to ask for it.

Finally, there is a huge emphasis on formal structure when addressing your superiors. As an intern you will be at the bottom of the vertical organization of your office, so always remember to be punctual, and to address your superior by his or her title (i.e. Dear Counselor, or Dear Professor, etc.) in writing and in person, unless specifically instructed not to do so – first names are usually reserved for when you’re close with someone. You also may find that your coworkers are very brief in meetings – efficiency and carries great value in Switzerland, which means even using an economy of words.

Below are a couple excellent recourses on work culture, and cultural etiquette in Switzerland:

• Expatica.com, Business Culture in Switzerland
• Ediplomat.com, Cultural Etiquette

Physics Program: Classes at University of Geneva

For those of you on the physics program, you will likely encounter much greater culture shifts in your classes, particularly those taught at the University of Geneva. The European educational system is quite different from the American style, and in general (and, of course, there are always exceptions) assumes a much higher level of independence from its students, which now include you.

You will likely find that nearly your entire grade will be comprised of one final exam, or paper. This exam may be an oral exam. You will be given several weeks to prepare for this exam in fairness for the weight it carries. Many American students find that final exams in Europe are more straightforward in their questioning, even though they are long and comprehensive, an there are less “tricky” questions than in American exams, which you are given much more frequently. You may have less daily homework, or participation grades, but this doesn’t mean you don’t need to keep up with readings or problem sets at the recommended pace on the syllabus!

Your classes will also be in French, including your textbooks (although there may be translated versions, so check with your professor!). There will be English tutorials for the Electrodynamics 2 and Quantum Mechanics 1, but for those who are taking other courses, there will be no tutorial. Keep in mind that notation styles will likely differ, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Ideas surrounding in-class participation often differ as well – it’s not as common to ask questions or raise debate in larger lecture classes. Sometimes too much participation can seem disruptive. In smaller seminar-style classes, participation is more encouraged. You may also find that you professors don’t have set office hours, and to see them outside of class time requires an appointment – don’t be shy about making one if you need to ask questions, usually professors are happy to do so.

Students who are already independent studiers tend to not notice such a difference, but for students who require more support the European system will take some adjustment. Don’t be afraid to change your study habits if you find that they are not working for you in this new environment – you may find that you become a better students making some slight adjustments!

Physics Program: CERN

Your role as a researcher at CERN will largely depend on the experiment you are working on, and the team dynamic that has already been established. CERN is a very international working environment, and so there isn’t always one manner of doing things, and Swiss culture might not be the dominant one on your team – be prepared to make adjustments.

In general, keep in mind that Swiss work culture is very formal and conservative and companies are structured in the traditional vertical manner, as is academia. Although the dress may not be as formal as other companies and organizations, the hierarchy very well may be. You should start your work there assuming you are at the bottom, and that you will gain more responsibility as you grow into your role and your team begins to learn about you. Largely, students find that they have a decent amount of independence and support on their teams, even if the work culture is different than at home.

Currency

Unlike many other European nations, Switzerland is neither a part of the European Union, nor a part of the monetary Eurozone, and thus uses its own currency. The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). If you’re interested in learning more about Switzerland’s unique position in Europe, you can read about Swiss-EU relations here. Switzerland is a member of the open-border Schengen Zone, and the European Free Trade Association, as well as the European Economic Area.

The Swiss Franc’s exchange rate, as compared to the US Dollar, is usually hovers around 1:1. In practice this means that it costs around $1.05 USD to purchase 1 CHF. Although the exchange rate may seem very friendly, keep in mind that Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and thus 1 Franc may purchase significantly less than $1 USD would in the US. Be prepared to need to live on a tight budget while you’re in Geneva.

Banking

Although the idea of a Swiss Bank Account sounds glamorous, you should plan to use your current bank accounts abroad, as opening a bank account in Switzerland is not a feasible option. Be sure that you communicate with your current bank and credit card company that you’ll be living in Switzerland for several months so that you can use your ATM, Debit and Credit cards abroad.

All banks, and most credit card companies charge both ATM withdrawal fees, foreign transactions fees, and exchange fees. Be sure that you are researching exactly what fees you’ll be incurring while in Geneva, as these can add up over time.

Banking hours in Switzerland are similar to America – they’re routinely open between around 8:30AM and 4:30PM.

More information on Banking can be found on the BU Geneva Website, including the closest ATMs to the residence, where you can exchange hard currency, and some best practices.

Credit/Debit Cards

You will be able to use a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card nearly everywhere around Geneva and Switzerland, although most Swiss carry around a significant amount of cash with them. We recommend you use a mix of cash and card transactions as most credit or debit cards will charge you both a foreign transaction fee, and an exchange fee on top of whatever your purchase price is. Be sure you are learning exactly what these fees are from your bank, and how you can best minimize incurring them.

Some students choose to open credit cards that have specific benefits for international travel – like waiving any international transaction fees. If you’re looking into opening a credit card for your time abroad, you may want to research some of these options.

Like many countries in Europe, there is no obligation or expectation to tip in bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, taxis, hair salons, etc.  Swiss law actually requires that a service charge is added to all published prices, and waiters and other common service positions are paid decent living wages and do not depend on tips as a main source of income, unlike the United States. The bright side of this is that the published price of something is exactly what it will cost, which helps with budgeting.

If you believe you have received exceptionally good service, you can feel free to round up your final bill to the next 5 francs or so, at maximum. If you’re in a very large group and the service is exemplary, you may add a little more.

For a coffee, beer, or other beverage, the maximum you would ever need to tip is .50 – 1 CFH, if at all.

Keep in mind that sales tax is always included in the bill, and when you see it listed on a bill, it’s only indicating the itemized amount that is already included – you’re not paying that amount again.

There is no doubt that Geneva is one of the most expensive cities, worldwide, to live in. Even traditionally expensive cities in the United States, like New York, Washington DC or San Francisco are comparatively less expensive to live in than Geneva. That said, you can still live well in Geneva on a modest student budget, but that may mean adjusting some of your spending habits.

Since your meals are not included in your program fee, your out-of-pocket expenses will largely be used on food and groceries. Other expenses will be incidentals, shopping, travel (including transportation, hotels/hostels), and cultural activities outside of your included excursions.

Plan to take some time to reflect on your personal spending habits at home, and on-campus to give yourself an idea of what you will spend while in Geneva. To give you some perspective on how to calculate your personal budget, here are some of the approximate expenses (keep in mind that the exchange rate will cause these prices to fluctuate) you can expect to see routinely while in Geneva:

• Monthly transit pass: $75.00
• Bottle of wine: $12.50
• Inexpensive meal out: $25-$28
• Mid-range dinner out: $50-$70
• Taxi ride (one mile): $5
• Cappuccino: $4.50
• Pair of jeans (mid-range): $90-$150
• Movie Ticket: $20
• One night a mid-rage hotel: $150-200

As you can see, the cost of living in Geneva is quite a bit higher than in life in Boston. Most things will be more expensive, and some will be less or the same. You can find more cost-of-living comparisons and tools on the web to help you prepare:

• Numbeo Geneva-Boston Comparison
• Cost To Travel: Geneva-Boston comparison
• What can 10 CHF buy?

The BU Geneva Website also has advice on keeping a budget while in Geneva.   

Getting around Geneva is fairly easy with an extensive and reliable bus, tram, boat and train network and numerous taxis. Walking is also a nice way to discover the city and nothing is ever very far. You will see a lot of people on scooters and bikes.

Taxis operate a bit differently than in the states. In general, taxis are not hailed from the street, and don’t drive around waiting to be hailed. Either you must call a taxi service and be picked up, or you can find taxis waiting at designated taxi stands (like at the Gare Cornavin). Hotels can also call taxis, if necessary.

To learn more about the public transportation system, please see the BU Geneva Website.

You can also learn more about Cycling in Geneva on the BU Geneva Website.

In addition to the excursions included in the program you will likely want to do quite a bit of personal travel while you’re in Switzerland. Keep in mind that regardless of your travel plans, you are not permitted to miss class or your internship/directed research placement for personal travel. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you do not book any travel until after you arrive in Geneva. It is far easier to book last minute travel in Europe than it is in the US, so there is rarely a need to book anything far ahead of time.

Students should always research potential travel destinations at travel.state.gov. The US government lists precautions to take in certain cities.

For any travel, students need to let the site staff know their plans.

Traveling Within Switzerland, and In Europe:

Geneva is a great starting point for many day trips to other parts of Switzerland or France.  The best way to get around is by public transport and plane. Switzerland has one of the best public transport systems in the world and it will get you just about anywhere you might want to go.

For more information on travel within Switzerland and within Europe, see the BU Geneva Website.

You can also find information on easy day trips on the BU Geneva Website.

For travel within Switzerland, there is a Swiss Travel Refund program that the BU Geneva offers, and that you should take advantage of! You can find more information on the Swiss Travel Refund at the BU Geneva Website.

You will receive detailed information regarding who to contact if you are ill, what doctors are preferred in your area, and any nuances regarding health during orientation when you arrive in Geneva. When in doubt, you can always get in touch with and RA or Student Life staff if you are ill and would like assistance seeking medical attention. The most important thing to remember about getting sick is not to be shy about it. It happens to everyone, and you shouldn’t be embarrassed. Make sure you get treatment as soon as possible, since it is better to catch things early.

Insurance Coverage

International Health Insurance and Travel Assistance Boston University requires all students to maintain their U.S. health coverage while they are abroad. Students who are participating in a semester program will have international insurance coverage while in Switzerland.

If students on overseas BU Study Abroad programs will be extending their time abroad for personal travel, they are strongly encouraged to maintain adequate overseas health and evacuation coverage. To find information on how to purchase an extension of  coverage prior to or at the end of their program, please see the BU Study Abroad Health and Safety webpage.

Health Culture in Switzerland

The Swiss take their healthcare system very seriously, and it is widely considered one of the best in the world. Although healthcare is regulated by the Swiss federal government, there are no free, state-provided health services, as there are in some other European countries. Instead, each Swiss citizen and resident purchases mandatory private health insurance. Each person must have the compulsory level of health insurance, and can upgrade their coverage from there.

In general, the whole health culture in Switzerland, including their healthcare services, are geared toward the goals of promoting general public health, and encouraging personal responsibility over one’s wellbeing. The Swiss believe in the benefits of outdoor activities, good diet. As a result, you can find pharmacies all over the city that carry both traditional medicines, as well as homeopathic and herbal remedies.

If you happen to catch a cold, or other mild, routine ailment, seek out a pharmacy first. The pharmacists are very knowledgeable and can help point you in the right direction for what you need. Note that items like cold medicines and pain relievers are not sold in places like grocery stores – only in pharmacies, which close around 7-8pm.

Sports and Active Pursuits

For those who want to keep physically fit in Geneva, there are many ways to do so, and something for everyone. See below for a few resources:

• Skiing and Snowboarding
• Running and Marathons
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Swimming, beaches, pools, and water sports
• The University of Geneva, Gyms, and Other Sports
• What Students Say: Sports and Leisure

If you are traveling within Switzerland or to neighboring countries, please remember to keep proper identification (passport) with you at all times.

You should contact your program director during an emergency. Emergency phone numbers and procedures will be confirmed upon your arrival in Geneva, during orientation, but there is also a list of emergency numbers that can be found on the BU Geneva website (behind a log-in screen)

In a health and safety emergency, or if you lose your passport, a list of the US Embassies and consulates below, as well as on the BU Geneva Website:

• Pan European Emergency No.112 (ambulance, fire, police, rescue anywhere in Europe)
• Fire: 118 (in Switzerland/Lichtenstein)
• Police: 117 (in Switzerland/Lichtenstein)
• Medical/Ambulance: 144 (in Switzerland/Lichtenstein)
• Air Rescue: 1414 (in Switzerland/Lichtenstein)
• US Embassy in Bern: Sulgeneckstrasse 19
• 3007 Bern, Switzerland Tel: +41 (0) 31 357 70 11
• US Embassy in Bern Emergencies: +41 (0) 31 357 70 11 normal hours / after hours, on weekends and holidays: +41 (0) 31 357 77 77
• US Consulate in Geneva: Rue Versonnex 7, CH-1207 Geneva, Switzerland; Tel: +41 (0) 22 840 51 60, Fax: +41 (0) 22 840 51 62, E-mail: Geneva-CA@state.gov. Business Hours: 10:00 a.m. until 1 p.m., Monday through Friday (by appointment only).

Please keep in mind that local laws prevail, wherever you are. If you are charged with, or commit a crime, there is little that Boston University, or the local US Embassy can do for you. We hope that you’ll carry yourself well, and help represent your university and home country with pride!

If you plan to travel outside of Switzerland, please visit www.travel.state.gov to check for travel advisories for any countries to which you plan to travel. Please take travel advisories very seriously.

There is much you can do to keep yourself, and your possessions safe while in Switzerland, most of which are common sense measures that you would take in any urban environment.

1. Do not drive. Public transportation and buses around Geneva and Switzerland are plentiful and relatively inexpensive – it’s also what locals use the most often. Road crashes and pedestrian incidents rank among the highest causes of injury abroad. The driving culture may be very different from what you’re used, and we recommend that you do not drive or rent a car.
2. Do not participate in demonstrations or protests. It’s common to see political demonstrations and protests, as well as strikes, as Geneva is a center for international political activity. It’s important to recognize that as a foreigner the best practice is to view them from afar.
3. Drink responsibly! The #1 cause for student issues abroad, Switzerland included, is the irresponsible consumption of alcohol. Not only will you be in a place you don’t know particularly well, but you may not speak the language at an advanced level, and might not pick up on social queues the same way you would at home. You also may become a more obvious target for theft while intoxicated – it will be quite easy for locals to identify you as a foreigner in general, but you may become more of a target if you’re visibly intoxicated and are not speaking French. Monitor your consumption, and take care of those in your group if you think they may have had too much to drink.
4. Keep a low profile, and be aware of your surroundings. Again, it will be relatively easy for a local to identify you as a foreigner, even if you speak the French. Be aware of your surroundings, who is near you, and what any risks might be. This will be especially true on public transportation, after dark, and while walking alone. The more you can blend in with the crowd, and look like you know where you are going, the less of a target you might be for things like petty theft, which can frequently happen, even in a safe city like Geneva. We recommend that you use public transportation at all times that it’s running. When the public transit system is closed, taxis are safe and convenient to use, but must be called (except at taxi stands, like at train stations).You should not want to wear headphones while walking or cycling alone, especially at night – this diminishes your ability to hear what is going on around you, and smartphones are a huge target for theft (they have a much higher cash value in Switzerland, than they do in the US). Keep your smartphone put away as much as possible. On public transportation you will want to make sure that backpacks and purses are in plain view and on your body. Setting down your bags is a good way to get them stolen, or to be pickpocketed (which is true for any major city).We also recommend that you carry only the cash you need for the day. If you take out a larger amount of cash, go straight home and lock it away. You do not need to carry your passport with you everywhere – a photo copy of your passport, driver’s license, and student ID will do for most occasions. Leave your passport locked away in your bedroom. We recommend that students bring some kind of lockbox, or similar (locking luggage at the bare minimum). Do not advertise where you keep your passport or money.
5. When you travel around Switzerland, and even around Geneva, we recommend that you do not travel alone. Not only is traveling in groups generally safer, it’s also more fun. Keep I mind that if you’re in a very large group, this may also attract extra attention.
6. Pay attention to the news both in Switzerland and from home. It’s important to know what’s going on in Geneva, and elsewhere in Switzerland. Keeping yourself abreast of news will help you make smart decisions about where and when to travel, but also more aware of the culture that you’re living in for a semester, and is a great conversation starter with locals. It will likely be required for most of your classes and internships as well.
7. Practice safe sex. If you prefer a certain type of contraceptive, plan to bring a supply with you to Switzerland in your luggage. If you feel like you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you should report it right away to your program director, and seek medical attention if necessary. You can also call the Boston University Sexual Assault Response and Prevention team (SARP) at any time of the day, 7 days a week. They are always on-call, and ready to provide confidential counseling and advice.
8. If you have something lost or stolen while you’re abroad, follow the instructions on the BU Geneva Website: http://www.bu.edu/geneva/life-housing/lost-or-stolen/.