Tips by destination

Housing

Geneva has several residences for foreign students and interns (Résidence Rothschild(opens in new window), Résidence Grand Morillon(opens in new window), Résidence Carlton(opens in new window), Centre Universitaire Protestant (in French)(opens in new window)). AGLAE (in French)(opens in new window) (Association Genevoise pour le Logement des Apprentis et Etudiants) maps out student and intern housing in the city. There are also online rental platforms.

Social activities

Glocals(opens in new window) is a large ‘expat community’ that organises activities for and by expats.

General

Centre d’Accueil de la Genève Internationale(opens in new window) is the city’s website with information specifically for expats moving to Geneva.

Transport

UNIRESO 10(opens in new window) is a low-cost ticket for public transport in Geneva. If you are under 24 years of age, you may be entitled to free public transport.

Housing

Start your search as early as possible. There are several online platforms.

Transport

Copenhagen is very cycling and walking friendly. You can rent a bike through various platforms.

Transport

Public transport is not reliable. It’s best to take a taxi or rent a car.

Housing

Neighbourhoods where many expats live are Gigiri, Westland, Parklands, Spring Valley, and Ruaka.

Transport

There are several options:

• Matatu, these are privately owned minibuses that are a popular form of public transport in Nairobi.

• There is a dedicated UN bus system, but it is more expensive. Ask your colleagues about it.

• Private taxis.

Social activities

Being part of a WhatsApp group of UN interns is very important, as there is not really a central point of contact for interns at UN Habitat. The WhatsApp group shares interesting information and plans all kinds of social and cultural activities. It can be useful to already be part of that group even before you leave. Ask your internship supervisor about it.

Housing

• Kolping House(opens in new window) is an affordable residence in a good location.

• Astoria (Queens) is an affordable, good neighbourhood with a good connection to Manhattan.

• online platforms.

Sometimes, you may be asked to pay a sum of money to apply for a flat or room. Don’t fall for this.

Housing

Flemish interns can request accommodation at Fondation Biermans Lapotre(opens in new window), the Belgian-Luxembourg student residence. This is part of the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris(opens in new window), where you can also request accommodation.

To rent accommodation in Paris, you need a ‘guarantor’. That person is listed in the lease to pay the rent when the tenant is unable to do so themselves.

Transport

Navigo Easy Pass(opens in new window) is a handy card on which you can load tickets for various forms of public transport.

Vélib(opens in new window): rental bikes.

Culture

In France, all state monuments and state museums are open free of charge to young people aged between 18 and 25. See the overview of all the places you can visit for free in Paris(opens in new window).

Transport

Bring your bike! This is the cheapest mode of transport and the infrastructure in Strasbourg is perfectly suited to it.

Housing

Online rental platforms.

Transport

In Italy, you need a ‘codice fiscale’ to get a public transportation pass. As the lead time for that application can take several weeks, it is advisable to apply for it at the Italian embassy in Brussels(opens in new window).

Visa

For an internship in South Africa, you need to apply for a volunteer visa at the South African embassy in Brussels(opens in new window).

Housing

Try to find accommodation without load shedding. This is a controlled measure in which the electricity supply is temporarily interrupted in certain areas to prevent an overload of the power grid. There are regions in South African cities that do not face load shedding because they are connected to a hospital’s power grid, for example.

Transport

Public transport is not reliable. It’s best to take a taxi or rent a car.