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WHO Interns
Welcome to the WHO Internship Programme!
This is an exciting and valuable opportunity for you. In
preparation for your arrival in Geneva, we wanted to
share some information about WHO and your upcoming
internship to make the transition as pain-free as possible.
Prearrival Guide
We hope you will have a wonderful time here and don’t
hesitate to contact us for remaining questions.
Sincerely,
The WHO Intern Board
Table of Contents
About Geneva .........................................................................1
Planning Your Internship .........................................................2
Accommodation in Geneva ......................................................3
Geneva Neighbourhoods .........................................................4
Arriving in Geneva....................................................................5
Transport in Geneva.................................................................6
Getting Settled..........................................................................7
First Day ...................................................................................8
First Week ................................................................................9
Intern Life .................................................................................10
Finding Your Way Around ........................................................11
Annex: Foyers & Residence Contact List
About Geneva
Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland, and is the most populous city of Romandy (the Frenchspeaking part of Switzerland). It is situated where Lake Geneva (French Lac Léman) flows into the Rhône River,
and is the capital of the Canton of Geneva. The population within the city limits is 185,526 (2004) and that of the
metropolitan area — which extends into France and Vaud — is about 700,000. Geneva is widely regarded as a
global city, mainly due to the presence of numerous international organisations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations.– read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva
GENEVA WEBSITES
GENEVA FACTS
Official Geneva Website: http://www.genevetourisme.ch/
Geneva Welcome Centre: http://www.cagi.ch/en/
home.html
Extensive free services for diplomats, international civil servants and NGOs to help meet
housing, transportation, health, leisure and other
needs.
City of Geneva: http://www.ville-ge.ch/
index_e.htm
Geneva Online: http://www.glocals.com/
Online community of Geneva expats
Geneva Info: http://www.geneva.info/
TO WHO
1
Languages: Official language is French but English
and German also spoken
Currency: each Swiss Franc (CHF) divided into 100
centimes
Voltage: The electric current in Switzerland is 220 V.
The electrical plugs have 3 prongs but they can
accommodate the standard European two prong.
Time Zone: Central Europe (Greenwich G.M.T + 1).
Summer time + 1 hr (last weekend of March to last
weekend of October).
International Dialing Code for Switzerland: +41
MAP OF GENEVA
http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000262
WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Planning Your Internship
VISA INFORMATION
Interns and volunteers are responsible for ensuring that they have all required travel documents before the start
of their Internship with WHO. The information presented below is intended to be a guide, but you are strongly
urged to confirm this information with the Swiss Embassy in your home country well in advance of your departure.
Do I need a visa?
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 Ms Heather Quinn at quinnh@who.int.
Steps if you need a visa
We suggest that you contact your nearest Swiss Consulate, explaining 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. If you do require a
visa to enter Switzerland, please 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 and WHO will send you an electronic visa support letter in your name which you will then use as a supporting document when you place your
visa request.
CARTE DE LEGITIMATION
BUDGET AND EXPENSES
The following information is intended to assist you in estimating the cost
of your internship (all figures indicated in Swiss Francs). From the latest
intern survey, estimated monthly expenses are about 1800CHF.
This is an important document that
provides you with your visa to remain in Switzerland. Be sure to follow-up on this with your technical
unit.
Travel expenses
Round trip air/train/bus tickets to/from Geneva: varies according to starting location
Passport/visa application fees: varies
Accommodation in Geneva
Youth Hostel: 26 (member) CHF/night
Foyer/ residence house: 500 and up CHF/month
Room in an apartment: 700+ CHF/month
Apartment: 900 – 1200+ CHF/month
Transportation
Bus: 3.00 CHF per trip or 70 CHF for an unlimited month-long pass (45 CHF if under 25 years old)
Meals
The WHO has a cafeteria in the Main Building open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday. Meals cost
10.00 CHF and up. Cost of a restaurant meal varies but main courses are usually between 15 CHF and 30 CHF
on average, depending on where you go. Add on extra for drinks, starters and dessert. Groceries: Anywhere
between 50 CHF and 100 CHF per week depending on where you shop and how much self-catering you do.
Insurance expenses
Medical insurance: varies
Note: Interns are not covered for non-occupational accidents and illness. Interns receive limited accident coverage but they are responsible for their own world-wide health (illness and disease) coverage during the period of
the WHO contract and must provide proof of coverage before beginning their internships.
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WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Accommodation in Geneva
Finding a place to stay in Geneva is very challenging. There is a general shortage of apartments in the city, so
even residents have a hard time finding accommodation. That goes even more so for students, which is why they
often live in residential establishments (called Foyer, Résidence, Centre etc.). In general, the earlier you start looking, the better. This is particularly true when considering university residences or similar institutions. If seeking
private accommodation, there is probably not much use in starting your search more than two months before the
start date of your internship.
There are two main options:
1.residences/foyers : see the Annex. You can easily book these from your country. After calling or e-mailing
them, they will probably send you an application form. Be aware, since this is the cheapest option for housing they
often book up way in advance. Many require formal applications, which may include a personal statement, proof of
financial support and a copy of your letter of offer from WHO.
2.private apartments/rooms to rent or sublet:
http://www.unige.ch/dase/bulog/form/bourse.php – this is a page
of the University of Geneva, where you can post and consult ads
for private rooms for students
www.tdg.ch – webpage of the “Tribune de Genève”, a daily
genevan newspaper. Go to “immobilier” under “services” and you
will find a good search engine.
www.ghi.ch – a local newspaper that appears every Wednesday
and has ads for private rooms.
www.anabis.ch (in French) – free petit annonces (classifieds) for
Geneva and surrounding areas
www.glocals.com – It’s in English and has been used by many
with notable success but beware of scams!
www.cagi.ch – Register with Geneva Welcome Centre which
sends out weekly emails with lists of rooms or apartments for rent
www.easywg.ch – apartment-share ads like EasyRoomate.com,
can search in English
In addition to the basic rent, garbage disposal costs, cleaning costs,
and utilities are often additional charges. Accommodation is generally
rented unfurnished, but many apartments will be equipped with a
stove, refrigerator and dishwasher. This is one advantage to subletting
as you don’t have to buy as much stuff.
LOOKING FROM HOME
For private apartments, you might have to actually talk to the landlords. Thus, you might have to wait for that until you are in Geneva. It
is also helpful to learn a few words of French if you plan on calling
them.
Glossary
Louer / Location Offre - For Rent
Appartements / Villas - Apartments/
houses
S., Standing - Good quality
G.S., Grand standing - Luxury apartment
or home
Part., Particulier - A private individual is
leasing the property versus an agency
Prop., Propriétaire - Owner
Loc., Locataire - Renter / lessee
Une collocation - Shared apartment
Séj., Séjour - Living room
Ch., Chambre - Bedroom
App.,Chb, Pièce - A single room for rent
within an apartment Chem., Jar. Clot.,
Jardin Clôturé - Fenced or enclosed
garden
Cuisine intégrée - Kitchen has cupboards
and countertops; (normally a French
kitchen has only a sink in a cabinet)
Cuisine équipée - Kitchen has appliances, such as stove, refrigerator,
dishwasher, etc.
Cuisine américaine - Kitchen opens out
onto the living area (usually an
equipped kitchen with appliances as
well)
Plein pied - Phrase used to describe any
one story house
Sous-sol - Basement or storage area
Régie - Landlord
Don’t get discouraged too easily! If you are unable to find an accommodation before you arrive here, stay in a Youth Hostel and start searching again once you are in Geneva. With the
help of the other interns, WHO Classifieds and other newspapers you will definitely find something.
SEARCHING ONCE YOU’VE ARRIVED
If you are looking for something while already here, or if you have someone who is willing to look on your behalf,
check out the WHO Classifieds. You can also ask your supervisor to post an ad on your behalf before you arrive.
Warning
For identifying accommodations in Geneva, abstain from making advance payments or providing guarantee sums in advance of your arrival. You are strongly advised to use the service of recognized "Régies" and established financial institutions.
(If in doubt, please write interns@who.int with your query)
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WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Geneva Neighbourhoods
WHERE IS THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION?
The office is placed on the northern side of the river (Rive Gauche), north of the train station (Cornavin) and northeast of the area called Petit Saconnex, just around the corner of the CICG, the International Conference Centre.
Interactive map of Geneva’s Districts: http://www.ville-ge.ch/en/quartiers/index.htm
this may be helpful in trying to orient yourself with respect to WHO however the website itself is in French. Google
maps is also useful to navigate to and from your potential home to WHO, and can give a rough estimate of your
commute time.
If you want to look up the street names you find mentioned in the ads, there is a searchable map of Geneva at
http://etat2.geneve.ch/topoweb4/main.aspx
Plainpalais
It is located on Rive Gauche, but still relatively close to the WHO (by bus or tram it will take about 30 min, there are
good connections in all directions). Neighbouring districts are Carouge, Acacias, Vieille Ville and Champel. As the
University of Geneva is close by, there are many cafés, pubs and clubs for young people. In or fairly close to Plainpalais you will find everything you might wish for, from small boutiques and bookstores to supermarkets, theatres,
cinemas, museums, nightspots, sports centres and the university park (Parc des Bastions). If you need to do some
grocery shopping past 7 p.m. or on Sundays, you can go to one of the many small stores that are open 7/7 and
until 10 or 11 p.m. On Wednesdays and Saturdays there is a flea market on the Plain of Plainpalais (from early
morning until about 4 p.m.). In general the plain is used for all sorts of events, such as circuses, markets, fairs, etc.
You may find housing in a shared apartment with wooden floors and high ceilings from CHF 600.
Les Pâquis
As Geneva’s “Red Light District,” it is one of the most animated neighbourhoods of the city! There are a lot of nightclubs, bars, boutiques and restaurants. If you come to Geneva by train, “les Pâquis” will be the first district you’ll
visit, as the Cornavin Train Station is located just next door. You are not far from Lake Geneva as this district faces
the harbour of the Right Bank. There are also two beautiful parks in “les Pâquis” which are both behind the train
station: the “Parc des Cropettes” and “Parc Beaulieu.” One of the best places to be when the weather permits it is
the Bain des Pâquis where you can swim in the Lake Geneva, eat in a reasonably priced restaurant (reputed for
one of the best fondues in town!) or enjoy a Turkish bath. If you like kebabs, “les Pâquis” is probably the best place
for you to be in Geneva.
Carouge
One can talk about the rich history of this little “town”, but actually it is just separated from Geneva by the Arve
River. Carouge is in fact a whole different kind of atmosphere compared to the centre of Geneva, especially when
you go to Vieux-Carouge: the old houses, the market square, little (and expensive) boutiques, little parks, the remarkable church, artisan stores, etc. You get the feeling that you're not really living in such an international city like
Geneva, but just a little town, although it's only a few minutes away from the downtown Geneva! You can get there
by tram (12 & 13) and bus (14, 18 & 21). Going there by car can be tedious as parking spaces are scarce. For
more information on Carouge, you can always visit its official website: www.carouge.ch
Ferney-Voltaire
This is a village in neighbouring France. Dis/Advantages of living in Ferney: 1) Housing might be a bit cheaper
than in Geneva, though prices have risen a lot lately; 2) There are some big supermarkets that are cheaper than
the ones in Geneva, though you could go there on a Saturday to shop, just as most of people living in Geneva do;
3) It is rather close to the WHO by bus (about 15 min.), though the bus doesn’t go very frequently (at rush hours
every 15 min., during all other times much less, last weekday bus is at midnight, weekends there is a night bus).
Highlights: Saturdays (morning until about 2 p.m.) there is a very nice market offering homemade cheese, fresh
veggies, fruit, fish, meat, bread, pasta, flowers, etc. Cinemas Voltaire which most often show films in the French
version, sometimes also in the original version. How to get to Ferney: Bus F leaving from the back side of the train
station and passing the WHO on its way will bring you there. You have to buy a “zone B” ticket for CHF 3,20 for the
zone Nation-France or CHF 3,80 for the zone Cornavin-France. Bring your ID as you will cross the French/Swiss
border, and sometimes you will be checked, even in the bus.
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WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Arriving in Geneva
GETTING HERE
By Air
Geneva ’s airport is a major European hub with direct links on 40 different carriers. The airport features a business
centre, world class shopping and top flight arrival services including a range of transportation options. (flight information 0900 57 15 00; www.gva.ch)
By Train
The city’s main train station – the 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).
FROM THE AIRPORT INTO TOWN
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).
Ticket machine
EXIT DOOR
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 such as this clip
use this link: http://tpg.ch/fr/horaires-et-reseau/plans-dureseau/index.php
For more information on transport from the airport: http://
www.gva.ch/en/Desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-67/
Taxi
Taxis are an alternative, albeit an expensive one, to the bus system. Taxis can be ordered by telephone or picked
up at the 60 or so taxi ranks located around the city and at the airport. The fare from the airport to the city centre
varies from CHF 30 to 35 and depends on traffic flow, time of day and number of passengers.
Within Geneva, including the airport, the amount to be paid is as shown on the meter. The driver will make a small
additional charge for luggage. The tip and VAT are included in the fare, but it is nevertheless customary to give
one or two francs. For taxi information, visit www.taxi-phone.ch or Taxi-Phone: 022.33.141.33 or AA New Cab:
022.320.20.20
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WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Transport in Geneva
PUBLIC TRANSIT AROUND TOWN
Geneva’s public transport system provides very comprehensive coverage of the city. For schedules and route
maps, visit the Transports publics genevois website at http://tpg.ch/fr/index.php. You can get free maps of the bus
lines at the TPG information centre inside the Cornavin train station or download them from the website above.
Purchasing Tickets
FARES
Daily tickets can be purchased from bus stops (before
boarding) using coins (the machine does not return
During the
change) or a pre-paid card (CHF 10, CHF 20, CHF 50) that Day
can be bought from local newspaper stands (“Tabacs”).
Monthly passes must be initially purchased at the Geneva
bus office (Cornavin or in Cours de Rive) but then can be
re-filled at tabacs around town. To purchase a monthly
pass, you will need a passport, address and passport
sized photo of yourself.
Prices vary according to the number of zones crossed and
duration of validity.
Weekly Fare
Adult
Under 25 years
Valid for 60minutues: CHF 3.00
(2.20*)
Valid for 3 stops: CHF 2.00 (1.80*)
Valid for the day (24hrs): CHF 10
(7.30*)
CHF35
CHF23
Monthly Fare CHF70
CHF45
Annual Fare
CHF450
CHF650
* This price is the reduced fare price for holders of the
Swiss Half-Price Card
Noctambus – The Night Bus
Geneva night buses run after the regular buses and trams
end for the night. These buses have more limited routes than the regular buses. For schedules and route maps,
visit http://www.noctambus.ch/accueil.htm
Water Taxis – Mouettes Genevoises
For a scenic crossing of the lake on beautiful sunny days or at dusk when the lights illuminate the lake shore, take
a “Mouette Genevoise” for a ride across the lake. There are various routes that run every ten minutes from 7:30 to
18:00. For schedules, visit http://www.swissboat.com/en/shuttles.php
UNIRESO – http://www.unireso.ch/pages/index.shtml is the partner website for travel within and around Geneva
Warning
The transport system runs on the honour code as passengers board at all available doors. However, tickets are checked randomly (but rarely) by roving controllers commonly known as the “Green Jackets.” The fine if you get caught without a ticket is
CHF 100.
FINDING YOUR
WAY
The TPG website has
a very useful route
planning tool. Add ‘To’
and ‘From’ as well as
the desired time of
departure or arrival
and it will calculate
the best routes for
you.
FROM
CHOOSE IF
YOU WANT
TIME TO
INDICATE THE
ARRIVAL OR
DEPARTURE
TIME
TO
TIME
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WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Getting Settled
PHONE SERVICES
USEFUL NUMBERS
All phone numbers in Switzerland start with 0. Landline phone numbers in Geneva start with 022 and cellular phone numbers with 079 or 078 or 076. To call
Switzerland from other countries, just dial the international line code (usually
00), followed by 41 (for Switzerland), then the local phone number without the 0.
For instance: 022 123 45 67 will become 00 41 22 123 45 67
111
Information for Switzerland
118
Fire Brigade
(emergencies)
To make international calls from Switzerland, dial 00, then the country code and
the desired phone number. If you are unsure use this http://
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/dialing.html
117
Police
140
Road help
Calls to abroad can be made from the public telephone booth with a telephone
card (PTT taxcard on sale at post offices and Tabac kiosks) or from your computer for free using Skype.
(01)
251.5 Intoxication
1.51
MOBILE PHONES
144
Switzerland’s largest mobile phone companies are Swisscom, Sunrise and Orange. All three of them provide nationwide coverage with their networks. Other
providers include M-Budget Mobile, Coop Mobile, yallo, Salut mobile, Mibilzone,
Tele 2, Cablecom and Lebara. Most students use yallo, Lebara, M-Budget Mobile. Before you choose a mobile phone or a subscription, you should check a
few offers to see which one fits your needs best (www.comparis.ch). Pre-paid
top-up cards are for sale in many supermarkets and the post office.
022
748
4950
111
Duty pharmacy (Open
pharmacy at night)
BANKING
162
Weather forecast
163
Traffic conditions
187
Avalanche bulletin
The largest banks are UBS and Credit Suisse, but there are many other smaller
banks like Cantonal Banks, Migrosbank, Bank Coop, and Raiffaisenbank. Banks
are usually open from 9:00 to 17:00 but may also close between 12:00 and
14:00 as well as Saturday and Sunday. ATMs can be found almost everywhere
but be aware that your home bank may charge a fee to withdraw from a foreign
bank.
Ambulance
SOS Doctors on call
SHOPS
Grocery Stores: The most common stores (found throughout the city) are Coop and Migros, the latter being
slightly less expensive, as well as Denner, which is the cheapest but doesn’t
have a large choice (i.e. no fruits and vegetables).
Shopping Hours
Luxury Grocery Stores: Manor (a department store) and Globus
Monday to Wednesday: 8:30 – 19:00
Markets: Outdoor markets selling everything from fresh produce to books.
Thursdays: 8:30 – 21:00
You may prefer to do your fresh food shopping at a market although they are Fridays: 8:30 – 19:30
more expensive: the best one is probably the one in Plainpalais, on TuesSaturday: 8 – 18:00
days and Thursdays. There is another food market on Saturday mornings on Most shops are closed on Sunday
the Boulevard Helvétique, in Rive
If you need a shop outside normal opening hours, the shopping centre at Cointrin airport train station is open 7
days a week from 8:00 to 20:00, including holidays. Additionally, at Cornavin train station a wide range of food
and drinks can be bought from vending machines and the convenience store is
open until 22:00 every day.
POST OFFICE
Generally open from 8:00 to
17:00 or some version of this.
The central post office near
the train station is open till
20:00 as well as on Saturdays and Sundays.
7
HEALTH SERVICES
SOS Emergency Doctor Service: 022 748 49 50 or www.sosmedecins.ch/
The Association des Medecins du Canton de Geneve: www.amge.ch/
Pharmacies: Pharmacies are generally closed at night but at least one will
be open all night based on a rotating schedule. For a list of all Geneva-area
pharmacies as well as the rotation schedule, visit http://www.pharmaciesgeneve.ch/cad_gardes.html
WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
First Day
WHAT TO BRING
Letter of Agreement
Passport
Some money for lunch
GETTING TO WHO
Bus # 8: From Monday to Friday, WHO can be reached by bus number 8- with the destination board on the bus
indicating OMS (Örganisation Mondiale de la Sante = OMS, aka WHO). The number 8 bus stops directly in front of
the main entrance of WHO (which is the terminus of this line). It runs from Veyrier via Rive (the centre of town) and
Place Cornavin (main railway station).
Bus F: You may also take the bus F from Cornavin and disembark at the bus stop Vie-de-Champs. Then, walk 5
minutes to the main entrance of WHO. This bus also operates on the weekends.
BADGE
Assuming you arrived by bus, get off and follow the crowd towards the main entrance of WHO. When you enter the
main building, turn to your immediate left to get your badge. The security officer will ask you for your contract or letter of Agreement, and your passport (with any necessary visas inside). Then they will take your photo, and within a
few moments, hand you your WHO badge that you will need to enter the building. This magnetic card enables you
to open all the entrances to the building.
WHERE DO I GO NOW?
We suggest that you confirm your arrival time with your supervisor and arrange for a staff member (either your supervisor or administrative assistant) to meet you in the main entrance. There are phones near the main entrance to
call your supervisor when you have finished registering for your WHO badge and they will come meet you. To make
an internal call, dial the last five digits of the phone number you've been given for your supervisor or you can dial by
name, typing in his or her last name using the alphabetic keypad on the phone. Your office may be in the main
building, UNAIDS building or one of the secondary buildings C, X, L, or M. If you're going to make the trek to the
department on your own, ask the security officer in the badge office for directions to your supervisor's room, or the
room of his or her administrative support.
DRESS CODE
You may be relieved to hear that there is not a specified dress code at WHO. However, many people wear dress
pants, with a blouse for women and a dress shirt for men. Men will often wear a tie. While some UN agencies have
a "no jeans" policy, it is not uncommon to see people at WHO wear jeans to the office from time-to-time.
Also keep in mind that not all offices have air conditioning so during the warm summer months you will want to
dress with that in mind.
A special tip: wear something nice on the first day. No, we're not saying this because "first impressions count". It's
because the photo used on your ID badge will be taken when you arrive, and you'll be carrying this with you each
and every day while at WHO.
DESK SPACE
Most interns will temporarily occupy free desk space and accordingly may move several times throughout their internship. Most interns will have regular access to a computer, however this is not guaranteed and interns can be
expected to use the library computers if there are no free computers within the department.
COMPUTERS AND EMAIL
Often your department administrator will register your information into computer system before you arrive, but if not,
it doesn't take long to do. An e-mail address and computer log-in is typically generated within 24-hours of having
your details entered into the system. To get your username and password to log on to the WHO computer system
you need to visit the ITT helpdesk on the second floor of the main building. (http://intranet.who.int/homes/itt/)
If you arrive and do not yet have computer login information, ask who handles the department's "White Pages" (this
is WHO's internal directory of telephone numbers, office and e-mail addresses). Until you receive your WHO computer account, you are able to log onto computers as a visitor but you will not have access to your WHO email or
Outlook Calendar. Once you are set up, you can also check your WHO email account using http://outlook.who.int
For any requests regarding your computer, contact the help desk ext. 12040
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WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
First Week
STAFF ORIENTATION SERVICE (SOS)
The SOS Front desk is located the 2nd floor of the main building. Their role is to facilitate the administrative tasks
that staff must face on arrival and departure but they help new interns too.
CARTE DE LEGITIMATION
If you will be with WHO for more than three weeks, you will need a "Carte de Légitimation". This is something you
will need to apply for within your first week at WHO.
All staff members, volunteers, interns and fellows must hold a valid Carte de Légitimation, irrespective of whether
they live in Switzerland or in France. This card is a work and residency card issued by the Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs to WHO staff members stationed in Geneva.
Complete details and the application can be found on the WHO Intranet site: http://intranet.who.int/homes/sos.
What you will need to apply:
3 copies completed of the application forms provided on WHO intranet http://intranet.who.int/asp/ccr
2 recent, identical, black and white photos (35mmx45mm) not longer than 3 months old with your name on the
back. There is a photo booth on the RC (ground) level of the main building, behind the Naville kiosk.
Photos costs 8CHF.
3 photocopies of your passport including relevant pages with name and photo and pages with your visa (if you
needed one)
2 copies of your contract
Completed forms are to be submitted to SOS Service Desk. A few days after submitting your forms, you will
receive an email to pick up your "Attestation Letter" which you use until your Carte de Legitmation arrives. It takes
a while for your Carte de Legitimation to be processed and the SOS will email you when it does.
WHO INTERN NETWORK
The WHO intern group is part of the UN Intern Network Geneva (UNING). The purpose of the UNING is to
enhance interactions and promote joint activities and initiatives throughout our
community. It is a great way to get to know the other interns inside the
WHO INTERN BOARD
WHO, and organize social activities with them.
The
WHO interns board is reThe WHO Intern Board is active in organizing:
•New Interns Coffee: a chance to meet other interns that join at the same
sponsible for many activities and
time that you do
also represents the needs of the
•Intern Lunches
•Intern Drinks with interns from all UN agencies
intern to WHO. If you are looking
To get on the Intern email list either contact interns@who.int or ask at the
for other ways to get involved at
SOS office for more information. Adding your email to WHO interns list is
the only way to contact all the other WHO interns and to learn about the
WHO, the Intern Board is always
social activities organized by the WHO Intern Board.
looking for help.
GETTING CONNECTED
WHO Intranet: All types of information can be found from the WHO Intranet (http://intranet.who.int/) - latest news,
press releases, information on events - e.g. lunchtime seminars, learning opportunities, selected WHO resources.
This is one of the best ways keeping yourself updated in WHO.
EZ Collab: This is the official electronic community providing a forum of useful information to interns. Our online
WHO intern community can be accessed by sending a request for invitation to the following email
interns@who.int. You will then receive an email inviting you to the group, you only need an email to set up an
account. This network does not require a WHO login so you can access it before you arrive at WHO (http://
ezcollab.who.int/whointerns). There are features to post announcements, initiate a discussion or add an event to
the calendar. This is an ever-evolving project so please feel free to make suggestions for improvement!
Facebook: This is the official electronic intern community which is a helpful resource if you want to ask current
interns some questions before you arrive. However, the group address changes with each year so you will have to
search for the most current group.
9
WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Intern Life
CAFETERIAS
• The restaurant provides fixed menus as well as à-la-carte menus. The cafeteria provides three different “plats
du jour” in addition to a vegetarian dish and a daily special as well as a selection of desserts and a salad bar. It
is open for lunch from 11.30 to 14.00 Monday to Friday. The snack-counter is open from 8.00 to 17.30 from
Monday to Thursday and 17.00 on Friday. There is also a cafeteria on the ground floor of the M Building, open
from 8.00 to 16.00.
• Vending machines for snacks and hot and cold beverages are located throughout the main building and in the
annexes.
RITAZZA
The Café Ritazza, in the main building, offers a variety of coffees and other hot and cold beverages, pastries,
sandwiches and snacks. It is open between 07:30 and 16:30, from Monday to Friday. This is a common spot for
afternoon tea or interdepartmental meetings.
NAVILLE KIOSK/NEWSTAND
Newspapers, magazines, books, postcards, chocolates, souvenirs, etc. (but no cigarettes or tobacco) are on
sale at the Naville Kiosk situated in the main hall, next to the central block of elevators It is open from 7.30 to
16.30 non-stop from Monday to Friday.
PHOTO BOOTH
An automatic camera booth is installed next to the Naville Kiosk. The charge for four passport-size color photographs is nominal, and very handy for your Carte de Légitimation.
THE BIG PAINTING
This is a very frequent meeting spot used for Intern Events. It is located in the main building, a few steps down
from Ritazza.
THE 8th FLOOR
Take the elevator from the main lobby to 8th floor rooftop terrace which is a lovely place to escape the chaos. In
the summer you have an incredible view over the city and on a clear day the view of Mont Blanc is spectacular.
FITNESS CENTRE
The WHO Fitness centre is organized by and for WHO staff. A part of the WHO Staff Association, the fitness
centre offers exercise classes and the possibility of individual fitness training. The Centre is for the use of members only with an annual fee of CHF. 20.- per person. All Members have been given the code to unlock the door
to the fitness centre. See the map on page 11 for locations. Showers are available in the basement of the Lbuilding, across from the elevators. Once you arrive at WHO, you can check the intranet site that has more information: http://intranet.who.int/sites/fitness/generalinformation/
LIBRARY ORIENTATION
The library is situated on the lower level of the main hall, the WHO Library is open from 8.30 to 17.00 from Monday to Friday. Library orientation sessions provide to newcomers to WHO and also to current staff, an introduction to services offered including general library procedures. An overview of WHO general information resources
is also presented. A tour of the physical facility is also arranged. The best way to find out the upcoming dates is
to contact the library directly. http://intranet.who.int/homes/lnk/libraryservices/trainingandorientation/
LUNCHTIME PRESENTATIONS
There is a wealth of information available at WHO during your internship. Many departments organize lunch-time
seminars to share their work, or present the work of an invited guest. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements
in the elevators and also on the WHO Intranet under Today's Announcements or Today’s Events. There are also
opportunities for interns to make presentations on the projects and/or research that they have been working on
during their internships at WHO.
10
WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Finding Your Way Around
Cafeteria
UNAIDS
Building
Bus Stop #8
Blue Door Fitness SS1 with
Showers
ATM on
groundfloor
$
Ritazza
Post office &
ATM
Phone
Showers SS1
Main Entrance
Big Painting
$
Stairs
Library
News
Kiosk
Security &
Badges
Yellow Door
Fitness SS1
Showers SS2
M Building
Cafeteria
Floor 0
Showers SS2
Main
Cafeteria
11
WHO Interns
Prearrival Guide
Annex: Residence/Foyers
Name
Address
Phone/Fax
Foyer Accueil
8 Rue Alcides-Jentez, 1205
Geneve
+41(0)223209277 +41(0)223222601
Centre International
Reforme John Knox
27, rue des Crets-de-Pregny,
1218 Gd Sacconnex
+41(0)227989161 +41(0)227470099
Centre St. Boniface
14, Avenue du Mail, 1205
Geneve
+41(0)223222600 +41(0)223222601
accueil@cstb.ch
Centre Universitaire
Protestant
2, Avenue du Mail, 1205
Geneve
+41(0)223229000 +41(0)223229099
welcome@cup.dpn.ch
Centre Universitaire
Protestant
2 Boulevard de la Tour 1, 1205
+41(0)227081010 +41(0)227081011
Geneve
cup2@span.ch
Cite Universitaire de
Geneve
46, Avenue de Miremont, 1206
+41(0)228362222 +41(0)228392223
Geneve
cite-uni@unige.ch
www.unige.ch/cite-uni
3 nights minimum,
available during summer
only
Foyer Georges Williams
9, Av. Sainte Clotilde, 1201
Geneve
41(0)223281203 41(0)223281204
foyer@ucg.ch
www.foyerucg.ch
5 nights minimum
Foyer International de
Saint Justin
15-17 St-Justin Rue de
Prieure , 1204 Geneve
+41(0)227311135 +41(0)227388884
justin@bluewin.ch
Foyer Internationale pour 29, Rue Platamour, 1201
Jeunes Filles
Geneve
+41(0)227315560
Fax
Email
Web
accueil@informaniak.
www.foyer-accueil.com
ch
Other Information
Female only, run by
nuns.
http://www.johnknox.ch/
http://www.cstb.ch/
3 nights minimum,
available during summer
only
Women only!
Annex: Residence/Foyers
Name
Address
Foyer Le Carilan
Phone/Fax
Fax
Email
Web
16 Avenue des Communes+41(0)227946150
Reunies, 1212 Grand-Lancy
carilan@caritas-ge.ch
http://www.caritasgeneve.ch/foyers.php
Foyer Levron
20, Avenue. des
Communes-Réunies, 1212
Grand-Lancy
carilan@caritas-ge.ch
http://www.caritasgeneve.ch/foyers.php
Foyer Myrjana
16 Avenue. des Communes+41(0)227945698
Reunies, 1212 Grand-Lancy
+41(0)227388884
carilan@caritas-ge.ch
http://www.caritasgeneve.ch/foyers.php
Foyer Universitaire de 12, Rue Joseph-Girard, 1227
+41(0)223015434
Carouge
Carouge
+41(0)223015477
carouge@arvor.ch
http://
www.foyerdecarouge.ch/
+41(0)223101727
info@homestpierre.ch www.homestpierre.ch
+41(0)227946150
Home Saint Pierre
4 Cours-Saint-Pierre, 1204
Geneva
Pension Clotilde
14, Rue de Mont Sion, 1206
+41(0)223469844
Geneve
Pension Esmeralda
7, rue Simon Durand, 1227
Acacias
+41(0)223439698
Residence Le Voltaire
9, rue Le Voltaire, 1201
Geneve
+41(0)223442460
+41(0)223442460
res.voltaire@span.ch
Residence
Universitaire
Internationale
22, Rue Rothschild , 1202
Geneve
+41(0)227160202
+41(0)227160201
rui@unige.ch
www.ruige.bizland.com
Bureau des logements 4, Rue de Candolle, 1211
universitaires
Geneve
+41(0)223797720
+41(0)223797785
logements@unige.ch
www.unige.ch/dase/bulog
+41(0)223103707
villaclotilde@bluewin.c
h
Other Information
Run by the same
people, all booked
through Carilan office
For women only