Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Do I need to apply for a visa and work permit? Only if you are serving in Switzerland for the academic year; summer FiR do not need a visa.
When I arrive in Geneva, am I responsible for arranging my own transportation to the Château? No. The Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) and RAs will be met at the Geneva airport by a Switzerland Program staff member and ride the train back to the Château.
Are FiR responsible for being "on-duty" in Switzerland every few weekends? No, FiR are rarely "on-duty" in Switzerland. There tend to be very few issues on weekends that require immediate assistance, so if the FiR is away traveling, the staff can help. If both of these staff members will be traveling on a particular weekend, they will request that the FiR is present in the Château during that weekend.
I may have a family member(s) or friend(s) visit during my time in Switzerland. Are they allowed to come and stay at the Château, and if so, is there a cost? Yes, family and friends may stay in the Château, provided that (1) all visitor stays are cleared in advance by the Director; (2) the stay does not compromise your primary task of serving as the FiR and engaging students; (3) you remain responsible for your guests at all times (for example, they can never be on resident floors by themselves). The guest(s) may stay in your apartment guest room, or if your guest room is being used by your family, they may be given a room nearby. Please note that meals for guests can be purchased online.
I have heard the cost of living is expensive in Switzerland. Is that true, and if so, what is "expensive"? Yes, Switzerland is expensive. The cost of food, clothing, transport, etc. is very high. For example, a basic ticket to the movies is approximately $20. A Big Mac, fries, and drink at McDonalds is $14. A 60 minute train ride to Geneva is $26 (so round trip is $52!). Fortunately, Pepperdine University takes care of its FiR very well. They provide you with a furnished apartment, a global healthcare plan, all breakfasts, lunches (M-Th), dinners (M-W), academic excursions, the Educational Field Trips, and more at no cost to you. We recommend that you budget for and purchase the following when you arrive:
Transport "Half-Pass": at 185 CHF per year, the half-pass allow you to travel on all public transport at half the cost. In just a few trips, this pass pays for itself! For example, a round trip ticket to Bern from the Château is 34 CHF instead of 72 CHF. A round trip to Zurich is 74 CHF instead of 148 CHF. We highly recommend that you purchase this online immediately - the program will submit the application on your behalf and have the pass ready when you arrive!.