Resident Assistants

Boston University’s Geneva Program

Aerial view of Leman lake with fountain, Geneva, Switzerland

Interested in becoming a Resident Assistant?  Then read on!

RA’s  live and work in the BU residence building .  Their task is to  maintain a safe and secure living environment conducive to the academic success and physical, social, and emotional well-being of the residents.  There are normally 2 RAs and 40 – 60 students at any time.  We recruit RAs for an academic year, but you can be considered for one semester.   Our residence is located close to city centre.

Suitable candidates should fit the profile below:

Graduate between 22 & 30 years old

At least one year of experience of living  in  a student residence (‘dorm’)

Fluency in English

Physically fit to be able to accompany students on hikes.

Engaged in full time higher education, or working for one of the NGOs or IGOs in Geneva.

Swiss or EU nationality or C permit  allowing you  to reside and work in Switzerland.

Able to offer responsibility, commitment, maturity and sensitivity

Good communication and leadership skills.

Patience and a sense of humor!

Other assets a bonus:

Previous experience as a resident assistant.

Familiarity with  American culture.

Familiarity with Geneva and Switzerland

First aid training.

ALTE B2 or higher level of French

Responsibilities:

The RA is the out of hours contact for any student inquiry concerning the non-academic aspects of the program.  He or she is also the ‘eyes and ears’ in the residence and is expected to report back any problems. He or she should be able to identify and offer assistance to students that are struggling to adjust, or refer them to a more senior member of the staff. He or she is also responsible for reporting breaches of the residence rules.

In addition the RA must:

Assist with arrivals and departures; help with orientation;  work with the Student Life office and the other RA to enforce policies & rules; actively support and encourage students in achieving a successful semester in Geneva.

RAs must reside in the residence and participate in ‘on-call’ rota on alternating weeks.  During an academic year of 35 weeks an RA may be on call for half of that time.  They are also expected to accompany students on program-organized excursions on some weekends.

Compensation:

• Private furnished bedroom with en suite bathroom.
• Bedding provided
• Access to a shared fully equipped kitchen.

• Access to WIFI and communal areas of the residence.

• Monthly TPG pass and cell phone bills
• Free onsite laundry facilities.
• All expenses covered while assisting BU staff with student activities and excursions.

See our webpage for more information about our residence:

Housing Information

Previous students and US citizens.  

BUGeneva welcomes applications from people already established in Geneva, as well as previous students on the program and those from Boston University. Applicants must find daytime employment themselves as well as securing the relevant legal documents for residency and work in Switzerland.  BUGeneva does not assist in this.
If you would like to apply please send your CV and letter of motivation via the form submission below: