Independent Work Abroad Program in Switzerland

Program Details

This page contains detailed information about important topics such as housing, compensation, and health insurance. Make sure to read the program overview, eligibility requirements, and fees section first. We look forward to receiving your application!

Duration

Your internship can be up to 18 months long. You will negotiate the duration of your program with your host company.

Compensation

It is your own responsibility to negotiate the compensation with your host company. Please note, that there is a minimum wage requirement for foreign interns in Switzerland, which depends on the field and qualification of the intern and which is 6.2% higher for employment in Geneva. Participants are responsible for all taxes.

Health Insurance

Your Swiss employer is required by law to enroll you in the Swiss health insurance system during your program.

Housing

It is your responsibility to locate housing in Switzerland. Most companies help participants wherever possible.

Travel

Participants are responsible for all travel costs, including arrangements from the US, as well as expenses within Switzerland. While we understand that you want to see as much as possible during your time in Europe, please note that this is not a work/ travel program. Participants are expected to spend the entire duration of their program completing their internship. Weekend trips to learn more about Switzerland and Swiss culture are of course encouraged.

Work Authorization

Upon acceptance of a placement offer, we will request your work visa (Stagiaire) from the Bundesamt für Migration - BFM (Swiss Federal Office for Migration). The two forms (Application for a permit for a temporary stay and Employment Agreement) need to be completed and signed by you and the host company. The work visa will be issued within six to eight weeks and will be sent to a Swiss consulate of your choice. You will be notified to pick it up. Please note that you cannot enter Switzerland without the Stagiaire/work visa. Applicants for the Stagiaire visa have to await the BFM’s decision outside Switzerland.

Other Costs

Participants are responsible for all costs incurred in-country, including costs related to securing housing, taxes, residency permit fees, etc. Participants are also responsible for any visa fees incurred in the U.S.

Feel free to contact us with all questions you might have while completing your application, as it might save you (and us!) time and work.