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Switzerland EDIA Resources

CERN

Switzerland

  • The Science Abroad: Switzerland program allows science students to complete a research course at a prestigious overseas facility, collaborating with international colleagues. In Switzerland, students engage with world-leading particle physics research at CERN through the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider.
  • If you are thinking about applying for the Science Abroad: Switzerland program but want to know how and if your individual EDIA needs, based on your lived experiences and unique identities can be met, we encourage you to use this online resource as a planning tool.
  • Photo by Sanvi Dubey, a former Summer Abroad student in the 2024 Science Abroad: Switzerland program. This image captures the CERN building. 

Accessibility & Mobility
  • Genève Aéroport provides free assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility (PRM). The airport directs travellers to its dedicated PRM page (including trip preparation and contact information) and notes that assistance is provided by GVAssistants. Students who anticipate needing support should request assistance in advance (typically via your airline or the airport’s PRM process) so staff can support check-in, security, and boarding as needed. Genève Aéroport also references an Invisibility Disability Project and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as a discreet way for travellers to indicatethey may need additional time, patience, or support while navigating the airport. If you use mobility aids, require extra time, or anticipate sensory/medical needs, it is recommended to (1) notify your airline early, and (2) consult the airport PRM pages before departure to understand where and how assistance is delivered on arrival or departure.
  • Language Tip: Note that most staff speak French and English, but having key phrases in French can help (e.g. “J’ai besoin d’assistance” – “I need assistance”).
  • Switzerland has an extensive and reliable public transportation network, and the Geneva region (where CERN is located) is well-served by trains, trams, and buses. For rail travel across Switzerland, SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) is the primary operator and provides guidance on accessible travel for passengers with reduced mobility, including planning accessible journeys and requesting assistance. SBB’s Contact Center Handicap can be contacted to arrange mobility support at stations (including from abroad via a dedicated number). Geneva’s public transit operator (TPG) publishes practical guidance for riders with reduced mobility (e.g., where to wait at stops and how boarding typically works). Geneva is widely recognized for accessible public transit.
  • Wheelchair-accessible taxi/van services are available in Geneva but typically must be booked in advance (rather than hailed on the street). Uber is operating in Geneva for on-demand travel. If you have mobility needs, plan ahead by confirming vehicle type (e.g., wheelchair-accessible van) and booking earlier during peak commute times or large events.
  • Switzerland is a mountainous country, and its topography is commonly described as three major regions: the Jura, the Alps, and the Central Plateau. About half of Switzerland’s surface area lies above 1,080m above sea level. In the Geneva/CERN region, travel is largely within the Swiss Plateau/Lake Geneva area, which is generally more manageable than Alpine regions, but you may still encounter slopes, uneven sidewalks, ad older infrastructure depending on where you travel in the city and the surrounding towns.
  • Switzerland’s warmest period is generally June to August, and MeteoSwiss notes that July is typically the warmest month, with heatwaves possible and maximum temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. For Geneva among May to August, the average high can reach 26 degrees Celsius and low as 10 degrees.
  • Students are advised to pack breathable/light layers for cooler morning/evenings or indoor spaces, and bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat). If you are sensitive to heat, plan hydration and take breaks during midday travel.
  • Students will be staying in an in off-site hotel located on the French side of the border. Students can commute to the program site using public transit buses. Because students will be crossing an international border during their commute, please carry your passport with you when travelling between France and Switzerland. Border checks may occur occasionally, and students should allow extra time for commuting on days and checks are in place.
  • The hotel has an elevator, and students will be housed in a single/double room (TBC) with an ensuite washroom. At this time, it is not yet confirmed whether rooms have air conditioning. Students should plan for the possibility of no A/C and pack accordingly (light layers, breathable sleepwear, etc.).
  • If you have specific accessibility and mobility needs that may not be supported by the hotel, you do have the option to stay in other suitable accommodations. These accommodations are paid for separately and may be more expensive than what the original accommodation would cost.  If you require a private accommodation for health reasons, you are required to research your own accommodations in the area that are in close proximity to CERN. Please note that Summer Abroad does not book private accommodations for students, and that students are also responsible for additional incurred fees (paid directly to the hotel or booking website). 
  • We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.  

Mental Health & Well-Being
  • Switzerland has a well-developed health system and mental health support is broadly available, but, as in many countries, stigma and reluctance to disclose or seek help can still exist. Research with Swiss youth and young adults documents stigmatizing attitudes toward mental disorders, which can contribute to hesitation around talking openly about mental health or accessing services. In practice, Summer Abroad students may find that peers and workplaces are professional and respectful, while still feeling unsure about when to disclose a concern, especially in a new setting. Planning ahead: know who to contact and what support you prefer to reduce stress if concerns arise.
  • General & Emotional Support Hotlines in Switzerland: These services offer confidential, free, and anonymous support for various concerns, from anxiety and depression to general worries and acute crises.
    • Tel 143 – Die Dargebotene Hand (The Offered Hand):
      • Number: 143
      • Availability: 24/7
      • Languages: German, French, and Italian (the official national languages)
    • Heart2Heart English Hotline:
      • Number: 0800 143 000
      • Availability: Daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Swiss time)
      • Language: English
  • Emergency Services:
    • Ambulance: 144
    • Police: 117  
  • If you require support for any mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Summer Abroad so we can work directly with you to provide necessary accommodations and support during your program. All Summer Abroad students have access to International SOS, (U of T has partnered with International SOS to provide medical, security, emotional and logistical support and expertise for U of T’s international travelers). If you require a doctor or counsellor in Switzerland, iSOS can arrange English-language counselling and help you find a mental health professional in your area. However, please plan for delays: based on previous experience feedback, the iSOS intake form and assessment process can take time, and appointments commonly require 7 business days to secure, and availability can be limited.
    • If you anticipate persistent or ongoing health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor, or healthcare provider before traveling to develop a continuity-of-care plan.
    • If you require academic or disability related accommodations, register with U of T Accessibility Services in advance to ensure proper documentation and support are in place before departure.
    • Be flexible with appointment time slots and consider telehealth options to increase availability.
    • If you are unsure where to start, contact the Summer Abroad office at summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.
  • If you are bringing medication with you into Switzerland, remember to check if your medication contains a controlled drug. You can check with the Embassy of Switzerland in Canada to make sure your medication is legal. You should always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, with your doctor’s prescription.
  • Reminder: Students with pre-existing concerns must meet with their Accessibility Advisor to discuss needs and prepare relevant documentations before applying for Summer Abroad.  

2SLGBTQ+ Students
  • According to Equaldex, same-sex marriage is legal in Switzerland in force since July 1, 2022. Since 2020, Switzerland amended Criminal Code Article 261 bis to penalize certain forms of discrimination and incitement based on sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services (however, note that this does not automatically mean comprehensive protection across all areas such as housing or employment). Students should be aware that legal protections can vary by domain.
  • Local resources: Geneva LGBTQ+ organizations (e.g. Dialogai) for community support.
  • Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additional resources as well as explore your accommodation options.  You may also contact the U of T Sexual & Gender Diversity Office via sgdo@utoronto.ca or by phone at (416)946-5624. 

Women Travellers
  • According to the Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory for Switzerland, Switzerland is generally a safe destination, but petty crime (including pickpocketing and purse snatching) can occur in public places, particularly in major cities such as Geneva, and thieves are especially active in airports, railway stations, and trains.
  • Safety Tips:
    • Keep valuables secure (especially phones and wallets)
    • Stay alert in crowded areas and transit hubs
    • Avoid leaving bags unattended.
    • Sit near the drive or in well-lit areas when using public transit late at night
  • Emergency contraception (morning-after pill) has been available in Switzerland without a prescription through pharmacies for many years, and it is typically provided after a mandatory pharmacist consultation (i.e., behind-the-counter dispensing with assessment and counselling), If you need emergency contraception while abroad, a practical starting point is to visit a local pharmacy and ask to speak with the pharmacist as soon as possible.
  • If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”) 

Racialized Students
  • Switzerland is not a mono-racial or mono-ethnic society, and it has long been shaped by immigration. The Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reports that in 2024, 41% of the permanent resident population aged 15 and over had a migration background. OECD data also indicates a large foreign-born population share (e.g., 31.2% in 2023), reflecting Switzerland’s diverse demographic profile. The permanent foreign resident population includes many nationalities; the largest citizenship groups include Italy, Germany, Portugal, and France (among others). Diversity is often more visible in large, internationally connected urban areas. The FSO reports that the share of residents with a migration background is above 65% in the canton of Geneva.
  • At the same time, experiences can vary by setting. Students may find that attitudes and day-to-day interactions differ between major city centres and smaller towns, and some students who are visibly “foreign” may occasionally encounter staring, intrusive questions, or othering behaviour. This is not necessarily hostile, but it can feel uncomfortable or isolating.
  • If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO). 

Students in Multi-Faith Communities
  • Switzerland has a religiously diverse landscape, alongside a growing share of people who report no religious affiliation. Swiss reporting based on Federal Statistical Office data notes that people with no religious affiliation were 36% (2023), while Catholics were 31% and Evangelical Reformed were 19%.
  • Access to worship (Geneva/CERN area): Geneva is internationally connected and generally offers more multi-faith options than smaller towns, though service language and scheduling may vary.
    • Islam: Geneva’s main mosque is the Mosquée de Genève (Petit-Saconnex), operated by the Fondation Culturelle Islamique de Genève.
    • Judaism: Jewish worship options are available in Geneva, and the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities’ directory lists multiple synagogues/prayer rooms in the city (useful for planning location and contact details).
    • Christianity: English-language options are available in Geneva, including Holy Trinity Church Geneva (English-speaking Church of England chaplaincy). A major Reformed/Protestant landmark is St. Peter's Cathedral, which posts worship/service information through its official site.
  • In Geneva, many services and announcements may be in French, and in other parts of Switzerland, German is common. Students seeking English-language worship may need to plan ahead and confirm schedules in advance. Besides, some minority-faith services may have fewer time options, and weekend travel may be needed depending on the location.
  • If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience.  

Dietary Resources 
  • Finding halal food in Switzerland is generally easiest in larger cities such as Geneva, where you will find a range of Middle Eastern, Turkish, South Asian, and other restaurants with halal options. A practicalstarting point is Halal Trip’s Geneva directory, which compiles halal restaurants and locations in the city (students should still confirm details directly with the restaurant, especially regarding cross-contamination and whether alcohol is served). For students who prefer to rely on recognized certification for products/services, Switzerland has halal certification bodies such as Halal Certification Service (HCS Switzerland), which can be a useful reference point for understanding halal certification in the local context (certification status will vary by business).
  • Kosher options in the Geneva region may require advance planning, and some resources are located just across the border in France. Habad Genève provides a practical list of kosher grocery options in Gaillard (France) near Geneva, which can be helpful for students staying in the Geneva/CERN area. If you keep kosher, it is recommended to contact the community resource in advance to confirm hours, ordering timelines, and availability.
  • Switzerland has a wide range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. HappyCow’s Geneva directory is a widely used tool for locating vegan/vegetarian restaurants and checking user-updated details (hours, maps, and reviews).