The University of Geneva

I just wanted to write a blog about the University so most of you will know what you will be going into when starting your semester or year abroad here. I had absolutely no idea what to expect of the University which is why I think this post will be very useful to you. I will keep adding throughout the semester any important points I think you will need to know.

Studying at the University of Geneva:

One of the main reasons as to why most of us Erasmus students chose Geneva was because the University of Geneva offers courses in Translation and Interpretation – something that is not offered in many other universities. You can also try doing subjects from two different faculties such as three translation modules and two business modules. I currently study in the faculty of translation and interpretation which is based at Uni Mail (Pont d'Arvre tram stop).

History of the University of Geneva:

The University of Geneva was founded in 1559 by Jean Calvin. This University has 16, 500 students of more than 150 different nationalities. It is perfect for branching out and meeting people. In fact, the University of Geneva is known for its reputable international reputation, through the excellence of its education and the quality of its research. Throughout many years it has created ties with many national and international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the International Telecommunications Union, etc. This is all adding to the prominence of the University and increasing its ranking to 95th in the world, (51st last year for linguistics).

UNIGE also offers around 290 types of degrees covering a wide range of fields such as medicine, sciences, social sciences, law, languages, business, etc.

The University has many campuses in Geneva, but the main central ones are:

Unimail - Boulevard du Pont-d'Arvre 40

Campus Bastions - 5 Rue de-Candolle

Uni Dufour - Rue Général-Dufour 24

Centre Medicale Universitaire - Rue Michel-Servet 1

Sciences I (physique) - BD D'Yvoy 16

Sciences II (physique, chimique, biologie, sciences de pharmaceutiques) - Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30

Sciences III (biologie) Bd D'Yvoy 4

University Features:

Amazing libraries which are very spacious, well divided into departments, filled with useful facilities such as printers, scanners, photocopiers and computers and many plug sockets for chargers.

In-campus café that serves cheaper coffee and snacks.

The University is surrounded by cafés and restaurants where you can go in and study, such as Pain Quotidien, Paradiso or Birdie.

Quite a large Erasmus grant given to you (80% at the start of the semester and 20% at the end).

Erasmus:

I found that the University was very welcoming in terms of its exchange students. We had a welcome day at the start of the year, which I must admit was so useful in terms of understanding about the University and what our next move was. We were given a little welcome pack with our student card and a little booklet. We were attended a lecture where they explained to us every possible detail of the University. We were told about sending off our student permit, our insurance, if we needed medical help how we would find it, about sports facilities, about important events and speeches held in the University (there was one given by Ban Ki Moon), etc. Following this there were many little stools outside campus with subject clubs and different associations such as the ESN (student) association.

The University also organized a separate faculty welcome session where the head of departments would speak to us about choosing courses and exams. I found this super helpful because where as in the UK you get given your timetables, in Geneva you can chose your timetable based upon the subjects (I chose them so that I would be in University only twice a week). This meeting also gave you the opportunity to meet your professors and ask them any queries you may have.

Personal Experiences at the University:

I have chosen some very interesting subjects such as Thème (translation) English to French, French to English and Spanish to French. These are by far favorite classes – I find them challenging of course, but I also find them the most educating and rewarding. My Spanish to French translation teacher is very helpful in terms of explaining the difference between synonyms and why you use certain words instead of others – If you study Spanish and French I strongly advise you take her class – Thème ES-FR.

What I have learnt from the University:

Honestly I feel like I have learnt a lot from the University, especially in terms of my French. It has helped me feel a lot more confident when speaking in and out of class.

What is Different to UK Universities/ Teaching at the University:

Points system – you are graded between 1-6 points, 4 being the pass note.

You need to send your work to the teachers about 5 days before your next lesson so they have time to mark it. If you miss their deadline by 1 hour they will not mark it.

Tips:

Buy a small little book where you can write down any new vocabulary you learn. It is quite important and also makes you realize how much you actually learn when you’re abroad.

---

Photo gallery