Mobility and Exchange Incoming

Introduction events

UniBE International organizes a series of introductory events for exchange students. The introductory events are divided into modules that take place before and at the beginning of your exchange semester to prepare you in the best possible way. More information about the individual modules can be found below.

During the semester the Erasmus Student Network Bern organizes a diverse social and culture program for exchange students.

Introduction Week spring semester 2020 (Image: UniBE International)

Modules

Module 1: Getting ready for Bern!

This module is mandatory and takes place about 6 weeks prior to your arrival in Bern. "Getting ready for Bern!" is an online event and takes place on Zoom. The information event consists of two parts:

Information regarding your arrival in Bern and about studying at UniBE
Introduction to the course registration systems (KSL/CTS and ILIAS).

During this event, you will thus receive important information for the preparation of your exchange, which will allow you to come to Bern stress-free and prepared. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet other exchange students, so that you will already have your first contacts after your arrival in Bern.

Module 2: Introduction Week

The introduction week takes place on site in the week prior to the semester (Monday - Saturday) and is mandatory for all exchange students. The introduction week prepares you optimally for your exchange and connects you with other students – the introduction week is the first possibility to make friendships that often last beyond the semester in Bern.

The introduction week consists of various activities, such as:

Welcome & General Introduction
Information events (ESN, libraries, university sports, etc.)
University Tour at your institute
Cross-Cultural Meet&Greet: An interactive event to get to know each and reflect about interculturality
City tour of Bern
Day trip

You will receive the detailed program before your exchange.

Module 3: Welcome Reception

UniBE International welcomes all new exchange students with an “apéro”. The welcome reception usually takes place a few weeks after the start of the semester.

Module 4: Connect with local students

In your application for an exchange semester at the University of Bern you can indicate whether you would like to meet Bernese students who will be doing an exchange semester at your home university the following semester.

If you choose this option, we will put you in touch with the students during the semester, provided we receive applications for your home university.

Impressions

Day Trip to Thun 2023

"I loved the introduction week ...

" ... because I met my friends there and it was nice to know that I wasn't the only one who was new there. The trip to Thun was one of my favourite ones. We had a wonderful guided tour in the city of Bern as well! It was a surprise for me that these beautiful experiences were a gift from the University of Bern."

Lunch Student Union 2023

... it was not only academic talks ...

"I appreciate all the activities we did in that week, because it was not only academic talks about how the university and courses are but also social and cultural activities such as a city tour, a trip to Thun, a welcome apero… etc. Everything so well organized and providing all the important information we needed for our stay and making interacting with all the people very easy."