Pre-Arrival

Dear new Intern or Volunteer,

Congratulations on your World Health Organization Internship!

Now that you've had time to squeel and dance and hope that nobody noticed, you may have realized that getting to Geneva can be an incredibly complicated process. To make things a little easier, we have prepared a few small checklists.

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING. We know, there is a lot here... but it is incredibly important that you are financially, mentally, physically, and legally prepared to join us.

This programme was set up as an educational experience and not as a gateway into a WHO career. While some interns do return as consultants (after a 3-month waiting period), this is extremely rare. If you are interested in a career at the WHO, you may have greater success applying to P1 positions at your country or regional office, and then apply to headquarters later on.

Geneva is the fourth most expensive city in the world; consider interning at Regional Offices instead. These offices are located in different regions and cities and can offer a cheaper alternative. Each office has its own application process (http://www.who.int/careers/internship/en/).

You have the right to negotiate your start date. If your supervisor asks you to start immediately (<1 month from the day that you're provided your contract), you can request a later start date. Email interns@who.int for help with this.

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Before you do anything else, check with your local Swiss Consulate about a visa (most of you will require some form of a visa).

We have a WhatsApp group for all active WHO interns. This will enable you to communicate with the WHO Intern community directly when you arrive. Make sure you download WhatsApp and verify your cell phone number for the app (via text) before you leave your home country!

Find housing. Before you apply for your visa, you may already need to have found housing or have a Swiss citizen agree to sponsor you. (As a sponsor, s/he would be responsible for ensuring that you are not homeless in Geneva.) If you cannot find housing 1 month before your leave, contact your supervisor for help finding a place to stay and/or sponsorship.

Create and verify Airbnb and Couchsurfing accounts. If your housing falls through, you will want to have these options at your fingertips! Airbnb does not let you rent unless you have a verified cell phone.

Predeparture

Visa

Visa Information

Most interns need a visa to intern at the WHO or any other international organization in Switzerland.

Even though we are not paid, we are still considered "employees" within Geneva.

Tourist visas will NOT be accepted. If you do not have the appropriate visa, your internship may be cut short and you may be banned from Switzerland for some time (this has happened before).

Each person's situation is unique and visa requirements differ depending on various things. As an intern or volunteer, you are responsible for ensuring that you have all required travel documents before the start of your internship with WHO. You are strongly urged to confirm this information with the Swiss Embassy in your home country well in advance of your departure. Please make sure that you apply for a multiple-entry visa for Switzerland and also check the visa requirements for the EU, if you want to live in or travel to France or other EU countries.

Who needs to obtain a 'Carte de légitimation'?

Foreign nationals who are not staff members (paid or non-paid interns, or volunteers) are issued a type "H" legitimation card (a mandatory work and residence card for Switzerland) provided that they are hired for more than 90 days.

If you are hired for:

more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a legitimation card
less than 90 days, you will just need to register with the Swiss Mission.

Both of these do not occur until you have arrived at WHO. Please go to the WHO HRS office as soon as you start your internship. They will help you do all the necessary paperwork for registration.

Foreign nationals already residing in Switzerland at the time they are hired and who possess a permit are not issued a legitimation card, and the international organisation does not need to register them at the Swiss Mission. The same applies to Swiss nationals.

Please note: As of 2015, visas are required for interns from ALL countries in order to be granted a carte de legitimation, even if you do not require a visa for entry into Switzerland, except for nationals of Member States of the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Andorra, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican.

Regardless, please double check, as visa requirements change and can be dependent on your individual situation.

To check if you require a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland, consult the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website at: http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/merkblatt_einreise.html

If you have any further questions concerning your visa after consulting the web site, please do not hesitate to contact HR at interns@who.int.

STEPS IF YOU NEED A VISA

Find the Swiss Consulate that represents your jurisdiction. This may or may not be your nearest (geographically) consulate.
Email a copy of your internship letter (Letter for Intern – signed by the department director and counter-signed by you) and your passport to interns@who.int. WHO will send you an electronic visa support letter in your name, for you to use as a supporting document when you place your visa request. Provide the fax number of your nearest Swiss Consulate to have the support letter faxed directly to the consulate. Your supervisor may be able to fax this support letter instead, if you give your supervisor adequate warning.
Find housing in Geneva, or seek the sponsorship of a Swiss citizen for the duration of your internship. This sponsorship is to assure the Swiss government that you will not be homeless during your stay.
Make an appointment at your nearest Swiss Consulate. You may need confirmed housing or the sponsorship of a Swiss citizen to make this appointment. In addition, you may need to collect evidence of financial backing or a statement from your bank account showing you have adequate funds for your time in Switzerland.
At your appointment, explain that you will be an intern with WHO and that you will apply for a "Carte de légitimation" as soon as you commence your internship. Go with your passport, money for a visa, and any other required paperwork (e.g., your support letter and/or your financial paperwork). It is recommended that you request a multiple entry visa, in case you choose to travel during your stay.

Housing

As you begin your preparations for Geneva, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Whatever you're feeling right now, one of us has been there.

Accommodation in Geneva can be extremely difficult to find, especially from overseas. In general, the earlier you start looking, the better. This is particularly true when considering university residences or similar institutions. If seeking private accommodation, about two months before the start date of your internship should be enough time to find a place to stay.

Good Luck!

Housing Resources

We have summarised some of the main option for interns on this spreadsheet (including private landlords, Student dorms and general information)

Quick Summary

Your best option is to check the Facebook groups below. We have also summarised some of the main option for interns on this spreadsheet (including private landlords, Student dorms and general information)

Facebook

Normally, interns at the international organizations search for housing on the web. Here are some links to helpful Facebook pages:

Huge thanks to Nicola Smith (Housing Coordinator) for surveying interns and creating this list of housing options in the Geneva area. She literally spent weeks on it. Please email us (who.internboard@gmail.com) if you are truly struggling to find a place. We may be able to help.

WHO Intranet Classifieds

After you start your internship at WHO, you will also be able to refer the intranet site (only accessible through a WHO computer). This site has housing ads posted by WHO staff, providing a degree of security.

Other Resources

Glocals is the most popular. Here you can often find good options for family flats and shared housing. You have to subscribe and be approved but it is both easy and free. We suggest you keep an eye on it frequently, good options do appear.

AirBnB is also used quite a bit, especially for last minute housing searches. Some rentals offer daily or monthly rates; don't forget to verify your profile completely, including of your cell phone and your credit card before you leave your home country (if you do not plan to have a local phone)

Scams

Housing scams are common both in classified sites and Facebook groups. It is recommended that you visit your new flat and flatmates in person before signing your contract or transferring any funds, though it is normal to have your landlord request a copy of your passport.

Do not make advance payments or provide money in advance of your arrival if you are the slightest insecure about it. This is particularly important if someone asks you to wire funds to Western Union or a bank outside of Switzerland. There are, however, some legitimate requests for advance payments when securing accommodations. These payments, on average, cover a two month period of rental costs or act as a deposit. If in doubt, please write to interns@who.int with your query.

Other Information

Foyers are similar to dorms; they house a lot of interns and university students. They are usually relatively inexpensive and offer the chance to interact with young people from all over the world. However, foyers provide different types of services, so be sure to find out if they offer any meals and what amenities they provide (like bedding and linens, laundry, or email access). You should also inquire about any rules the foyer has. For example, some of them are for girls only and restrict men’s access. Others have curfews.

We are constantly improving our housing website. If you have any suggestions or can recommend a place to stay, please let us know so we can update our resources!

Finance

Budget

The following information is intended to assist you in estimating the cost of your internship (all figures indicated in Swiss Francs).

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Switzerland&city=Geneva

TRAVEL EXPENSES

Round trip air, train, or bus tickets to Geneva
Passport and visa application fees
Shipping (if you choose to ship rather than bring luggage with you)

ACCOMMODATION IN GENEVA

Hostel: 35 CHF/night - there are monthly rates as well
Foyer / Student housing starting at 600 CHF/month
Shared room in an apartment starting at 600 CHF/month
Apartment 800 - 2000 CHF/month (depending on the quality, some are really nice)
AirBnB: varies - there are usually monthly rates as well.

TRANSPORTATION

All Geneva: 3.00 CHF per trip or 70 CHF for an unlimited month-long pass (45 CHF if under 25 years old)
Living in France cost a little bit more for a bus pass because of the extra zones required (70 CHF under 25 years, 97 CHF if you are over 25 years).
You can check updated fares for Geneva's public transportation, TPG (click here)
You can get the bus passes at the main train station (Cornavin) at both the SBB and TPG offices. We recommend you go to the TPG office, because there is less waiting time and they take the photo for you (at SBB you have to bring a passport photo, however, they have more convenient opening hours).

MEALS / GROCERIES

Breakfast: There are small pastries and fruits at the WHO cafeterias for an average of 3 CHF each.
Lunch: The cheapest WHO Cafeteria meals are 2.CHF (a small salad or a bowl of soup).
It is common to bring your own lunch from home. There are microwaves and kettles at most of the floors and also in the cafeteria.
Dinner out: From 20 CHF for a meal excluding drinks, the sky is the limit.
Groceries: 50 - 100 CHF/week, depending on where you shop and how much self-catering you do - Approx. 20-30 % less if shopping in France, e.g. in Ferney-Voltaire (north) or Annemasse (south).

ACTIVITIES

Varies from reasonable to ridiculously expensive.

INSURANCE EXPENSES

Interns are covered during the period of the WHO contract for accidents and illness.
However, you are not covered and responsible for your own insurance if you arrives in Geneva and/or leaves outside the time period stated in your WHO contract.

Arrive

Arriving

BY AIR

The Geneva airport is a major European hub with direct links on 40 different carriers. Flight information: www.gva.ch

There are numerous ways to get to/from central Geneva and the airport. See bus/train below.

Free Ticket
When you arrive at Geneva International Airport by a plane, You can get Your 80 minute ticket for Geneva Public Transport (Zone 10) for free. The ticket machine for free ticket is located at the luggage retrieval hall and prints the free ticket without requirements or limitations upon the pressing of the button. Free ticket entitles You to take an airport train (train from the airport to the center), bus, tram and mouette.

BY TRAIN

The city’s main train station – Gare de Cornavin – couldn’t be more central, barely 400m north of the lake. The station is also a terminus of the French rail network: if you’re arriving on an intercity SNCF train (TGV or not), from Paris, Lyon, or Grenoble – which come in on platforms 7 and 8, separate from the rest – you’ll be directed to pass through both French and Swiss customs and passport control before joining the throng within the station proper. There’s also a city transport office, giving out tram and bus maps and selling tickets (daily 6:15–18:00).

BUS/TRAIN

In the airport, you can get a free 80 minutes ticket for public transport to travel from the airport to your destination. While waiting for your baggage at the baggage collection area of the Arrival level, get your card from one of the blue/grey UniReso machines (located by the exits).

The following urban buses stop every 8-15 minutes at rush hours at the airport (bus stops at the departure level, in front of or beside the train station) from/to:

• Geneva city centre - Onex: bus 10;

• International organisations - Geneva city centre: bus 5;

• International organisations - lake: bus 28;

• Le Lignon - Lancy - Plan-les-Ouates: bus 23

Alternatively there is a train that can take you from Geneva Airport to Gare Cornavin (the main train station, located in central Geneva).

For bus maps from the TPG website use this link: http://tpg.ch/en/web/site-international

For more information on transport from the airport: http:// www.gva.ch/en/Desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-67/

Congrats, you made it! We look forward to seeing you soon.