Geneva
Reporter
Contact at destination
Year of visit: 2001
Country: Switzerland
Region: Geneva
Institution: Hopital de la Tour
Department: Accident and Emergency
Work / Study undertaken: A&E Medicine, And SOS Medecin
Description of destination
Geneva is certainly a beautiful city. Apart from the aesthetic aspects and the 'internationality' of the city, its very easy to get around with its wonderfully efficient bus service - I don't think I waited more than 3 minutes for a bus!
Were the local people friendly?
Extremely. They were more than happy to help out when you'r completely and utterly lost!
Did you feel safe and if not why not?
Yes, I very safe city.
What did you do in your spare time ?
My spare time consisted mainly of the weekday evenings, and the weekends. Switzerland is served by a very efficient transport net and hence most of the country could be experienced in the 7 weekends I was there. As for the evenings after work, reading in the park overlooking the famous fountain was most relaxing indeed.
Is there anything that you would particularly recommend others to do?
Go for a run by the lake and try and keep up with the rowing boats! And of course do plenty of sightseeing - Geneve is right in the heart of Europe and serves as an excellent base. On the medico-cultural side of things, SOS Medecin is great way to see how the Genevois live.
What was the climate like?
Quite variable during March and April, but much more sunny weather than in England!
What was your accommodation like?
Quite good, perhaps as I was living with a friend.
Was it provided?
No
If not who arranged it?
I was living with a friend there.
How much did it cost?
Nil
Did you enjoy your visit?
Very much indeed.
Did you find it useful medically?
I certainly did learn a lot of A&E. This is something I hadn't yet been exposed to back home. I managed to see a wide range of conditions from the trivial 'I've cut myself shaving' to the univerally common MI, to the rare abdominal pain which turns out to be Behcet's syndrome.
Has it improved your french?
This certainly was the case. I even learnt that the Swiss had a few variations on the language - noinante for ninety.
How has it increased your knowledge of French culture?
Working in a French environment and socialising in this group really did give a new slant on the culture. SOS Medecin was a great way to see how people lived - from the CHF 45million estate to the not so rich appartments, to the farmhouses on the city's outskirts.
If you went back would you do anything differently?
No regrets whatsoever!
How did you get there?
By air - many airlines get you there - Swiss air and Easy Jet are some of them
What was the approximate total cost?
£1100
Is there any other information that you think may be useful?
If you're a student, make sure to take an ISIC card - everything is much cheaper - a swim at the local pool was only CHF 2.