Frequently asked questions (FAQs) - ITC internships
BEFORE ACCEPTANCE
Application Form
Do I need medical insurance before my arrival in Switzerland?
Yes. Swiss law stipulates that all persons must hold a health insurance policy and RC coverage (i.e. if you cause an accident). If you are selected, it is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance policy is valid in Switzerland. If you do not currently hold such an insurance, please confirm that you will obtain it prior to your arrival.
Can ITC provide any support, financial or in-kind, during the internship?
No. ITC internships are unpaid. Please be aware that the cost of living is very high in Switzerland and you should plan your budget accordingly before arriving in Switzerland.
Eligibility
What is a “higher” degree?
A certificate equivalent to the Master’s level awarded by a recognized educational institution.
If there is no equivalent to a Master’s Degree in my country, can I still apply for an internship?
Yes, provided that you have already completed at least four years of full-time study at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree, and can provide certified proof that a Master’s Degree does not exist in your country.
UPON ACCEPTANCE
Certificate of good health
What is a certificate of good health?
This is a simple letter or certificate from a registered physician which indicates that you are in good health and medically fit to participate in the internship programme. This is different from the health insurance mentioned above.
Visa and permits
What kind of visa do I need to enter?
An entry visa type "D" into Switzerland is all you require. During your internship at ITC you will be entitled to a Carte De Légitimation (CDL) that will allow you to remain within Switzerland for the duration of your contract. In case your internship is extended, the CDL will be extended accordingly. If your visa expires before the ending date of the internship, you do not need to get a new visa, as the new CDL is sufficient.
Can ITC get my visa for me?
A: No. If necessary, ITC can provide an “Attestation” that you have been accepted for an internship, to support your application for a visa.
What is a Carte de Légitimation?
The Carte De Légitimation (CDL) is an official Swiss document which entitles you to stay in Switzerland for the duration of your internship with ITC. This is not a work permit for the Swiss labour market. The card is only valid for your stay in Switzerland and authorizes you to visit neighbouring France and the Schengen area. If your internship is extended the card would be extended for the same period. The CDL must be returned to ITC at the end of the internship.
I am currently a student in Switzerland and hold a student permit. Do I keep this?
If you hold a student permit (B) from the Canton of Geneva, you should provide ITC with a copy so that the Swiss Mission can have it for their records. You will not need a CDL. In case it is expiring before the end of the internship, you (or your university) should return it to the Office Cantonal de la Population and you should provide ITC with documented proof that it has been returned to the Office Cantonal de la Population, so that the Swiss Mission will authorize the issuance of your CDL.
If you hold a student permit from any other Swiss canton, this should be returned to the official government office of the canton in question and you should bring proof that this has been returned.
Accommodation and cost of living
Can ITC reimburse my travel or visa expenses?
No.
Can ITC help me find an apartment?
No, though suggestions and links for accommodation are included in the ITC Interns Guide. Once you have been accepted for an internship, you can also obtain information and assistance from the ITC Intern Presidents or the ITC intern community via the Facebook group. Please be aware that Geneva is an expensive city for accommodation and accommodation is not always easy to find. You should not arrive in Geneva without being sure that you have somewhere to stay.
DURING THE INTERNSHIP
What happens if I decide to extend my internship?
If an extension of your internship is agreed with your supervisor, the period of your internship could be extended up to a maximum total service of 8 months (including accrued leave days). ITC would prepare the necessary paperwork and would request an extension of your CDL.
Can I take leave during my internship?
You will accrue 2.5 days per month of leave during your internship. This can be taken at any stage during the internship, with the prior agreement of your supervisor. You may choose to take this monthly or to cumulate the leave to take as a longer holiday.
Can I have flexible work time during my internship?
The internship programme requires that you work 8 hours a day. You may however discuss with your direct supervisor some flexibility upon arrival.
Can I work in Geneva during my Internship?
The Carte de Légitimation is not a work permit. If you wish to find work for the weekends, and your supervisor is in agreement, it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary official documents.
What happens if I am ill during my internship?
You must have the necessary medical insurance to cover you during your internship. If you are ill, you should contact your supervisor (or the administrative assistant of your section) by phone or e-mail to advise that you are unable to come into the office. You should submit a medical certificate for any period of sick leave of three days or longer.
END OF THE INTERNSHIP
Can I keep my ITC badge and/or my Carte de Légitimation as a souvenir after my internship?
No. Both the ITC badge and the Carte de Légitimation must be returned at the end of the internship. The ITC certificate of internship will not be issued until these have been returned.
What happens if I lose my ITC badge or Carte de Légitimation during my internship?
You will need to request a new badge that will cost you CHF 40. The Carte de Légitimation is a legal document and its loss must be registered to the Police. An official form is available in HR to report any loss or theft.