VISITING GENEVA

An online school does not normally convene its international students to its campus or headquarters – unless requested to organize face-to-face meetings between a student and his or her professors or thesis supervisor. But ISGG also receives groups or delegations of visitors for customized training courses. In whatever case, here’s in brief what a visitor to Geneva should know :

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

Geneva is one of the world’s diplomatic capital cities. It was the seat of the League of Nations in the interwar period, and still is where numerous UN and other international agencies are based : it boasts no fewer than 275 headquarters of public and private international organizations as well as 166 permanent missions. Hence it should come as no surprise that about 40% of its inhabitants are non-Swiss residents, from nearly all countries of the world.  

         

The city of Geneva is encircled by (open) French borders to the north, west and south. Its population numbers some 200,000, though with neighbouring Swiss and French towns forming a close-knit, prosperous economic area, that figure reaches 800,000. The city is part of the Canton of Geneva, one of 26 in the Swiss Confederation.

          

Staying in Geneva is, by all accounts, quite a memorable experience. The city provides a unique mix of breath-taking scenery (the Mont-Blanc is in full view from the lakeshore on a bright day !), reliable public services, clean and crime-free surroundings, French-speaking environment (but most natives will answer in English if addressed in that language), close-by skiing, sailing or other sports facilities, intense cultural life, renowned libraries, international organizations, and convivial living – you name it ! What’s more, neighbouring France, Austria, Italy or Germany are a stone’s throw away, a high-speed train will take you to the French Riviera in less than half a day, and London or other European capital cities are within reach by air in a matter of one or two hours.

       

A word of caution, however : Geneva is an expensive city, mostly due to the Swiss franc’s parity against all other currencies. Hotel accommodation may be in short supply as major events frequently take place that attract many visitors from far and wide. So, it is best to make advance reservations – and compare prices.

      

Visa or Student Permit Requirements for Foreign Students or Visitors

       

In most cases, foreign students or visitors who have legally entered Switzerland (all it normally takes is valid travel documents) can stay for up to three months without a residence permit. But there are exceptions, and things get more complicated if you intend to stay for a longer period.

          

So that if you are not a EU citizen, it is best to contact the nearest Swiss diplomatic or consular representation in your country of residence (see : https://www.fdfa.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/representations-and-travel-advice.html) well ahead of your entry to Switzerland in order to check whether you are subject to particular visa requirements. Alternatively, consult the “Frequently Asked Questions” menu on the Swiss government’s official website at : 

https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/einreise/faq.html

          

Student Permit

         

Students who have entered Switzerland on a tourist visa and wish to stay over 90 days need to register in person at the Office Cantonal de la Population before that initial period expires, in order to secure a Student Permit (“Permis B”). Practical experience suggests that proof of payment of the first tuition fee instalment will ease the administrative process.