INCOMING mobility

Université catholique de Lille, France

When I look back at my exchange semester at HEG Geneva, I feel like I lived a very special chapter of my life. Before arriving in Switzerland, I was excited, but also a little nervous: new school, new country, new people… I didn’t know what to expect. But very quickly, I realized that this experience would change me in a positive way.

At HEG, I really enjoyed my courses. I took classes like Mergers & Acquisitions and Entrepreneurial Finance, where I learned a lot. It was not only theory from books, but also very practical. The professors tried to show us how things work in real business situations, and this helped me understand subjects that used to feel difficult. I felt motivated to study and participate, because what we learned made sense.

But what marked me the most during this exchange was the people I met. I became friends with students from many different countries such as Mexico, Germany, and Belgium, and also a few French students. With some of them, I created real friendships that I know will continue even after the semester. I am usually not someone who opens up easily, but this exchange helped me to change that. I felt more confident talking to new people and sharing moments with them.

I also met Swiss students who were not in the exchange program. I really enjoyed spending time with them as well. They showed me parts of the city and told me more about life in Switzerland. I hope I can see them again in the future.

Geneva itself was another positive surprise. I loved the city from the first week. It is calm, safe, international, and I always felt comfortable there. With my friends, we traveled a lot around Switzerland and the region. We visited Lausanne, Montreux, Gstaad, Annecy, Yvoire and other places. Each place was beautiful and different. We even went skiing not long ago, and it was amazing to experience a ski trip together.

In the end, I can easily say that this exchange was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned new things, I discovered a new culture, I met wonderful people, and I also discovered new things about myself. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. If I had the chance to do it again, I would say yes without any hesitation. Thank you to HEG for this unforgettable semester !

Armelle Coz IBM, 2025/2026

IPAM, Porto Portugal

Looking back on my time at HEG, it wasn’t only focused on classes or studying for exams, it was about this lifestyle that Geneva, as a city, provides and the overall atmosphere and learning in such a cool location. If you're wondering what it's actually like to be a student here, here's my take.

Starting with academic aspects, I thoroughly enjoyed my classes. The topics were relevant,and most professors did not make classes boring as they engaged with students. One thing I really appreciated was that the schedule was well distributed. You don’t feel overwhelmed by having everything piled up at once; the timetable is laid out in a way that gives you breathing room such as 3 hour lunches. It made it much easier to keep up with the work without feeling like I was spending every waking second in class or studying for it.

Of course, the setting plays a huge part in it. Geneva has just this great multicultural environment. You feel it when you step off campus. It’s a city where the whole world seems to meet, and to be a student in that kind of atmosphere is pretty inspiring. You’re constantly meeting people from different backgrounds, which definitely broadens your horizons. It’s not just a place to study it’s a location that allows you to have a greater understanding of how multicultural cities work.

One of the highlights of being here is definitely the travel opportunities that I experienced. Because of the placement of the school in the area that it is in, it is easy for travel in the region. While being at HEG, I definitely took advantage of the travel opportunities that the region afforded me. The trips to different cities during the weekend such as Chamonix and Annecy, definitely added a fun element to my time as a student here at HEG.

So all in all, my experience in HEG was a thoroughly positive one. Between the classes, the global atmosphere of the city, and of course being able to travel around and visit all of these amazing places, I actually felt as though I got just the right mix of education and life. It also helped with my personal life by teaching me how to better adapt to different circumstances and be more responsible. This is an experience that I am very grateful for, and one that I would definitely recommend to any person seeking a great environment to spend their Erasmus program.

Leonor Azevedo IBM 2025/2026

Haute École Léonard de Vinci - Brussels, Belgium

When I first decided to come to HEG Geneva, I thought I knew what to expect. Coming from Belgium, I assumed the transition would be almost invisible since we share the French language. I was wrong, but in the best way possible. Geneva has a completely different energy. It feels much more dynamic and international than what I was used to back home. While the language is the same, the culture here is unique, and adapting to it has been a huge part of my growth.

The academic side of things was intense, but I genuinely loved the classes. The curriculum focuses heavily on practical skills, which is exactly how I like to learn. My absolute favorite course was Technologies émergentes. It wasn’t just about reading slides or memorizing definitions. We actually got to build things. I loved diving into Quarkus, and having the opportunity to build Large Language Models was a highlight for me. It felt like we were working on the cutting edge of technology rather than just following an old syllabus.

To balance out the high-level software engineering, the CCNA coursework was incredibly valuable. It forced me to look at IT from a different perspective. It gave me a much better approach to understanding how networks actually work.

Life on campus was also a major plus. The school has very good infrastructure, which makes a big difference when you have to spend long hours studying. I also have to mention the cafeteria because it is amazing. It’s rare to find a student canteen that you actually look forward to eating at, but the food there is great. It became the main spot where my friends and I would hang out, eat, and debrief after a lecture.

Another thing I really appreciated was the connection with the Université de Genève. I loved the fact that we could benefit from their infrastructure as well. Being able to head over to the UNIGE campus to use their libraries or study spaces gave me a change of scenery when I needed it. It made the student experience feel much bigger than just our building.

Outside of school, the city surprised me. There are a lot of festivities in Geneva throughout the year, so it never felt boring. Plus, the people are so nice. You often hear that big cities can be cold or unfriendly, but I found everyone to be welcoming and helpful.

Overall, my time at HEG Geneva has been a mix of hard technical work and great social experiences. I feel ready for the professional world, but I also have memories of a campus life that was genuinely so much fun.

Elise Grelaud IG, 2025/2026

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Leaving my home university in Brazil to spend a semester at HEG Geneva was a massive shift, not just geographically, but in terms of academic culture. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, the atmosphere felt distinct less like a traditional university and more like a professional environment. HEG has a unique way of making you feel like a young professional from day one. Everything, from the way classes are organized to the overall structure of the day, reflects the Swiss commitment to precision and efficiency.

Being in Geneva adds a layer to the experience that is hard to find elsewhere. The school is situated in a city where global decisions are made every day, and that energy definitely filters into the classroom. Walking into the building, I was constantly surrounded by people from dozens of different countries. It is a true multicultural hub where diversity isn’t just a concept; it is something you experience in every group project and conversation. Learning to navigate these different cultural perspectives was perhaps the most valuable part of my time here. It forced me to adapt my communication style and to truly understand how people from different backgrounds approach the same problem.

The university itself is incredibly well-structured for exchange students. The facilities are modern, and there is a sense of order that makes it very easy to focus on your personal and academic goals. Coming from Brazil, the contrast in the educational system was eye-opening. The approach at HEG is very direct and career-oriented, which helped me gain a lot of confidence in my own professional abilities. I particularly valued the emphasis on collaborative projects, which forced me to adapt to different working styles and cultural expectations a skill that is essential in any international setting. The professors often bring their own professional experiences into the classroom, making the transition from theory to practice feel seamless. It is an environment that encourages you to take initiative and to think globally, providing the perfect bridge between being a student and entering the international job market.

Beyond the classroom, studying in Switzerland pushed me toward a new level of independence. Navigating a new city, improving my French in daily interactions, and keeping up with the high standards of the school required a lot of discipline. This semester has been about much more than just earning credits; it has been about testing my limits in a new culture and coming out of it with a much clearer vision of my future. As I prepare to return home, I realize that HEG didn’t just provide me with a place to study; it gave me a new perspective on how to operate in a globalized world.

Paula Orsini IBM, 2025/2026

Tecnologico de Monterrey,Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico

I completed my seventh semester as part of an international exchange program, an experience that was both highly challenging and profoundly enriching, marking a significant milestone in my academic and personal development. From the outset, one of the primary challenges involved adapting to an educational system that differed substantially from the one to which I was accustomed, as well as adjusting to daily life in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, I was required to navigate a new cultural, social, and linguistic environment.

Overall, participation in an exchange program constitutes a complex process, as it entails establishing oneself almost entirely from the beginning in a foreign country. This includes securing accommodation, learning to navigate the city, adapting to unfamiliar customs, and developing a structured daily routine without the immediate support of family. Initially, this transition can be overwhelming due to the novelty and unfamiliarity of the surroundings. However, over time, the experience fosters a growing sense of independence and selfsufficiency, allowing individuals to manage their responsibilities more effectively.

One of the most valuable aspects of my exchange experience was the opportunity, provided by HEG, to interact with students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds. The predominantly international student body created a dynamic multicultural environment that facilitated the continuous exchange of ideas, cultures, languages, and traditions. Through these interactions, I developed a broader and more nuanced understanding of global perspectives, which significantly enriched my critical thinking and intercultural competence. Furthermore, I established meaningful relationships not only with international peers but also with students from my home country, which contributed to a strong sense of mutual support and community while abroad.

From an academic standpoint, the exchange experience was highly formative. HEG offered institutional support throughout the program; nevertheless, during the initial phase, the academic workload was particularly demanding, and class schedules differed considerably from those I had previously experienced. With time, I adapted to these academic expectations and successfully achieved a balance between my academic commitments and personal life.

Despite the challenges encountered, the exchange experience enabled me to develop essential transferable skills, including effective time management, resilience, and personal responsibility. In conclusion, although the program presented significant academic and personal challenges, the knowledge acquired, the interpersonal relationships formed, and the overall experiential learning rendered the experience exceptionally valuable, making it one of the most meaningful phases of my university education. I am therefore grateful to HEG for providing me with the opportunity to engage in this experience and for broadening my perspective on academic life and living in a foreign country.

Ana Cristina Rodriguez Carlos IBM, 2025/2026

Université Alfonso X el Sabio, Madrid, Spain

My name is Iusra, I am a university student at Alfonso X el Sabio in Madrid. This past year, I had the incredible opportunity toparticipate in the Erasmus exchange program and study at the Haute École de Gestion (HEG) in Geneva, Switzerland. Thisexperience has been one of the most enriching and transformative periods of my academic and personal life.

From the very beginning, I was drawn to Geneva for several reasons. First and foremost, Geneva is a global city, home to manyinternational organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. As someone with ambitions ofworking in an international environment, I knew that Geneva would offer unique professional opportunities. The city is full ofnetworking events, internship possibilities, and exposure to multinational companies that can open doors for future careers.

Another important motivation for choosing Geneva was my desire to learn French. Although I had some basic knowledgebefore arriving, living in a French-speaking environment helped me improve quickly. Attending classes, navigating daily life,and interacting with locals gave me the chance to practice and develop my language skills in a natural and immersive way.Learning French is not only valuable personally but also a key asset professionally, especially in fields like internationalbusiness and diplomacy.

One of my favorite aspects of studying at HEG was the incredible cultural diversity on campus. I met students from all overthe world and had the chance to make friends from many different countries and even continents. This diversity enriched myexperience tremendously. Through conversations, group projects, and shared moments, I was able to learn about differentcultures, perspectives, and ways of life, which helped me grow both as a person and as a global citizen.

Academically, the HEG provided a new perspective and teaching style that complemented what I had learned in Spain. Thecourses were practical, internationally focused, and often involved collaboration with people from various backgrounds.Living in Geneva also gave me the chance to enjoy a high quality of life, explore stunning natural surroundings like LakeGeneva and the Alps, and experience a new culture in depth. 

In conclusion, my Erasmus experience in Geneva was more than just a semester abroad, it was a life-changing journey oflearning, growth, and connection. I feel more confident, independent, and better prepared for the future.

I won´t forget this experience in my life and I am very grateful I got the chance to attend this school.

Iusra Mohamed IBM, 2024/2025

École Léonard de Vinci,  Belgium

Arrival in Geneva

I’m Joachim QI, 20 years old, currently studying at Haute École Léonard de Vinci in Computer Sciences, specialized in Application Development.

During my studies, the opportunity was afforded me to pursue an international exchange for a semester at the Haute École de Gestion (HEG) in Geneva, studying Business Informatics. My interest lies in embarking on new adventures that push me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to confront challenges and test my adaptability in entirely unfamiliar environments I intended to explore an academic, social, and cultural atmosphere and gain advanced skills simultaneously.

I have been impressed with the organization and support since my arrival at HEG.

Thanks to clear guidance and effective resources, I found my marks in HEG quite easily. Further help in integration was given by the student association, of which I later became a member. The members of this association became the mainstays throughout my semester.

Group projects in a lot of courses gave me an opportunity to interact with local students. Such interactions, however, were most enriching since an opportunity like this means being able not only to learn something new from people but also to share your knowledge. In the given semester, I have developed already several big projects: the development of the first version of the video game and a simulated mission as AI consultant for the company. These experiences helped me tackle concrete challenges, strengthen my technical skills, and widen my creativity.

Social experience

Building relationships with people was the most rewarding experience of my Erasmus. I got to meet some amazing people both in and out of school, and make lifetime memories. Free student activities, such as badminton, allowed me to get to know people outside the classroom and expand my social circle. Interacting with people played a very important role in making my Erasmus journey fulfilling.

In addition to academics, I spent much of my free time discovering Switzerland-for instance, by making short journeys and hiking trips which enabled me to witness striking landscapes that would make your breath catch in wonder at the abundance of natural beauty the country was bestowed with. Speechless before diversity and cultural richness of Switzerland: Interlaken, Bern, Lucerne, and Lausanne from urban areas, or its countryside for hiking trips.

These trips not only deepened my love for nature but also helped me in creating unforgettable memories.

Like any experience abroad, being far away from home came with its challenges. However, the resources provided by the school were instrumental in helping me through these moments. The health center, most especially, proved to be a good partner in keeping me fit throughout the semester. I was able to stay focused and make full use of this incredible experience through these support systems.

Conclusion

This Erasmus semester in Geneva was truly a life-changing experience. I will end this journey far more mature, wiser, and confident than I was at the beginning. Whereas previously I was very unsure whether I wanted to do my master's afterwards, now I am sure I want to come back to Switzerland to start my life here. In this semester, I found surroundings that embark oninnovativeness, collaboration, and personal growth.

Let me put it this way: my Erasmus period in Geneva was waymore than an academic exchange. From cultural discovery toambitious projects, passing through meaningful connections, thisjourney will remain a cornerstone in my personal and professionaldevelopment. I recommend this adventure to all those who arewilling to get out of their comfort zone and start a life-changingjourney.

Joachim Qi IG, 2024-2025

Pontifica Universidade Católica do Paranà, Curitibia, Brazil

It seems like it was just yesterday when I filled out my first form for my studies in Switzerland. What felt like a distant dream is now coming to an end. Studying in such an international city, home to various world organizations, embraced by the Alps and Lac Le Man, was the perfect experience to share knowledge, perspectives, and dreams.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Stéphanie, Nicole, and the entire International Relations team for all the support provided during this incredible semester. HEG is a spectacular university. From the beginning, I was captivated by the innovative and practical approach of the management and business courses. The professors, true experts in their fields, not only conveyed knowledge but also shared their professional experiences, providing valuable insights. Team projects at HEG were a living testament to its practical approach. Collaborating with peers from different nationalities and backgrounds was not just a task but an opportunity to apply theories in real-world scenarios.

As I bid farewell to this university, my heart is filled with mixed emotions, yet I am overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude for having gained the most from this enriching experience. I made a conscious effort to take advantage of the opportunity to attend engaging classes with renowned professors at HEG, going beyond the credit requirements of my Brazilian university to dive even more deeply into learning. During my stay here, I not only refined my French but also improved a lot my English, expanding not only my academic knowledge but also my language skills. Thinking about the challenges I've faced during my time at HEG, I see that every obstacle has helped build my resilience and adaptability. These experiences have become an important part of my educational journey, adding depth to my overall understanding. Additionally, the impactful teaching approach of the professors at HEG has greatly influenced my ability to handle and overcome these challenges. Their insightful methods and hands-on guidance have left a lasting impression on my academic and personal growth.

It's not a permanent farewell, but a temporary goodbye. Leaving Geneva, I am filled with gratitude and newfound insights, excitedly looking forward to coming back soon. The HEG has earned my respect and affinity, emerging as a perfect option for future studies, perhaps even for pursuing my master's degree. I hope that I also left a good impression for the university. May the connections formed here, the lessons learned, and the moments shared be part of an ongoing journey. I look forward to returning to Geneva to contribute and learn even more. Until soon, with the hope of encountering this welcoming city and the inspiring HEG community once more.

Giovanna Pissetti Muniz IBM, 2023/2024

Kozminski University Warsaw, Poland

In 2022 I officially became a student of Kozminski University in Poland, but this year I was given an unimaginable opportunity to try myself in other country and other university – to participate in Erasmus exchange program. Having applied to HEG university I spent six months as an exchange student in such a wonderful university and country and this period really helped me to develop my skills as well as to gain an amazing experience. University itself is very beautiful, large and modern. All classrooms are very well equipped and there are projectors and TVs in each class. Also, I would like to note the main hall of the university, which has a very pleasant area for students to relax, where they can either play table football or gather and study together. I’ll mention the library in the same way, since there is a huge number of books or materials and separate rooms for “quiet” study, where you can also use computers. But the most delicious part of the university is the canteen. There were always very fresh and tasty dishes, as well as a wide variety of Swiss desserts.

Speaking of the teachers, all are competent teachers with a lot of experience and real internships in very large companies. As an Erasmus student, I was interested to learn from other teachers and see what teaching methods are applied in Switzerland. During the semester there were a large number of interesting and practical projects, both in groups and individually. It was difficult sometimes and there was not always enough time due to the amount of work, but we were always able to freely turn to the teacher and ask for his advice or help.

Also, on my own behalf, I would like to say a huge thank you to the organizational team of HEG University for the super interesting events for us as an exchange students, which diversified our staying in the new country as well as to make studying interesting and inspiring! On the first day, we had a wonderful welcome day, where we were shown the university and the library, we were introduced to each other and given branded gifts and badges. Afterwards we had a delicious lunch together at a restaurant and a 2-hour tour of Geneva which was very exciting. Also, during the semester, we were invited to many events, both traditional Swiss and entertaining for students.

I fell endlessly in love with Geneva and the HEG University itself, as it will forever be a part of my life. Here I met many interesting people as teachers and students both from Switzerland and from different countries. University disciplines and attitude, as well as all professors and their teaching methods gave a huge experience to me not only as a future specialist but pervades me with unforgettable memories as a student!

Kandratsyeva Ahata IBM, 2023/2024

CUNEF Madrid, Spain

My personal experience during all these 5 months at Geneva has been great. This program has completely surpassed all my expectations and I feel I have learned so much both professionally and personally.

I am very surprised with the level and quality of the courses. All the teachers have the best formation and a ton of experience with which they delight students. They are also always open to answer all your questions and doubts which is really helpful for foreign students. Lessons are very practical and focused on real life situations which is certainly a positive thing for us students to learn. The education at HEG is less focused on exams and much more focused on group works, I think this is a very positive part of this university as students become able to understand how real life works. Moreover, this university offers a very wide range of subjects upon which to choose, in order for you to freely choose what you would like to learn.

The other thing that impacted me was the excellent atmosphere there is within the university. The HEG has a perfect equilibrium between internationals and Swiss people. They provide a very good attention to Erasmus students which we really appreciate. Swiss people are also very welcoming, kind and helpful. The HEG puts a lot of effort in the integration of every student, due to the numerous events the university has prepared. A welcoming and goodbye lunch, a city tour where we first got to know the Erasmus students, as well as trips to beautiful Swiss cities and chocolate factories. This experience has allowed me to meet people from all around the world which I never thought I could get to know without this Erasmus program.

I would really recommend this university and this experience to anyone who asks me, I am very thankful for everything I have learned. What I liked the most was the perfect equilibrium between the educational part and the personal part of this semester. I believe doing an Erasmus can only benefit oneself and it’s such an enriching experience I will never forget.

Lucia Maria Pérez Yañez IBM, 2021/2022