Internships

Geneva is both traditional and modern, and very international: 60% of the population comes from outside the Canton of Geneva. You will find yourself working alongside Swiss, but also with people from other parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Geneva most people speak (and work) in English, but for most of them it’s not their native tongue. You’ll have the opportunity to work in English but improve your French in your daily life and activities – and if your French is up to it, you’ll have even more internship opportunities available to you.

Geneva is a very small city – it’s official population is under 200,000 people – and is particularly well suited to students who speak some French and have an interest in business internships or social, health, political, or international issues.

Every workplace is different, and Geneva draws in people from so many different places, that there’s no such thing as a typical internship experience. Our past interns have noticed a few more common threads to the Geneva experience:

• People are more direct in their comments regarding physical appearance - it is not uncommon for you to get complimented when you look nice, and criticized when you don’t: what can be seen can be spoken about – so don’t take it personally!
• Switzerland has a high context communication culture; meaning that what gets said isn’t the whole message. Learn to read body language and hand movements as well as changes of tone and facial expressions - if you can read these you will get the picture.
• A typical workday is 9am – 6pm, with a lunch break from 12 to 2. Depending on your company you might have only a one-hour lunch break.
• Exchanging kisses (three times, alternating cheeks) upon meeting is a common ritual in French-speaking Switzerland.
• Geneva is an elegant city, and people dress well.
• The Swiss are very rules oriented. Don’t be surprised if a local warns you not to cross the street when the light is red, even if it’s middle of the night and there is no one else on the street! The Swiss love their country and respect the rules that have helped created the highest standard of living in the world.

“I was placed into the exact field that I wanted to try out and I am grateful for that. The location was beautiful. We were surrounded by trees and had ample area for football and Frisbee in the yard. We also lived with other people (not necessarily students) and that provided opportunities to talk to people from all over so we were able to hear stories and gain wisdom as well as share our own stories about the United States. I would stay here again if given the opportunity. Thank you for a wonderful summer, so wonderful it just might have been the best EVER!” – Robert, Villanova University