FAQs
Find some frequently asked questions and their answers here:
SEET (Support Education, Empower Together) is a Swiss non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting refugees in (re)starting their higher education in Switzerland.
SEET provides a comprehensive support programme for refugees (called “mentees” in our programme) that includes:
- Individual mentoring: Each mentee is assigned a mentor who supports them on the path to their education and to overcome cultural, administrative, and structural hurdles together. They provide guidance to mentees through the application process to Swiss higher education institutions and/or scholarships and are a source of support.
- Networking and skills: Mentees as well as mentors receive professional education training at the beginning of the support programme. In different workshops, mentees can also learn specific skills such as how to write a resume, practice successful job interviews, or develop IT skills as preparation for their academic and professional integration. In addition, regular networking events take place among the mentees and those supporting them. This builds up a network within the university sector which benefits the mentees during the application process and beyond.
- Situational Financial Support: Every year, SEET provides a financial sum for each mentee to help them overcome financial hurdles on their educational path. Within the amount assigned, each mentee can ask SEET to cover the costs for language courses or other courses required to access university. These could range from university fees to other costs related to preparatory activities such as laptops, books, or other materials.
SEET supports refugees living in Switzerland who had to interrupt their education due to displacement and are now seeking to resume their higher education or commence it anew.
Each mentee is paired with a mentor who provides personalised support, helping to navigate mentees both through their respective application processes, and during their studies. Each mentor and mentee partnership has a touch point to a volunteer member of the SEET team as a ‘Buddy,’ providing additional assistance where required.
SEET’s support programme is offered free of charge to eligible participants, thanks to the contributions of volunteers, donors, and partners.
Interested individuals can apply annually through the application form available here on SEET’s website. The application process typically starts at the beginning of January each year, which is followed by an interview with a member of the SEET team. The official start of the programme is usually in May and the duration spans twelve months.
Our mentors are volunteer students or young professionals with experience of the Swiss education system.
A mentor helps their mentee to enroll or stay enrolled in the appropriate degree programme at a college or university. Every mentee has a unique life situation, which is why a mentor's tasks can vary depending on the respective needs. However, our mentees often require support with:
- A contact person who helps to answer questions and always offers support.
- Support in clarifying their own interests and goals for their professional future, taking into consideration resources such as time, money, and language skills, as well as personal commitments (e.g., family or work).
- Help with everyday questions, as well as administrative matters, which could include social welfare queries or IT issues.
- Insight into the Swiss education system and the numerous opportunities it offers.
- Support with the recognition of credits and diplomas from their home country, or other countries.
- Help with the search for suitable German language courses.
- Support in registering for studies, writing applications, and preparing for job interviews.
SEET accompanies this process. At the beginning of each year, a mentoring agreement is made, in which the mentee's goals and the next steps are defined.
Together, the mentor and mentee discuss how they wish to structure their partnership. At the final wrap-up, the goals achieved by the mentee, and a review of what went well (or less well) is conducted together. The aim is to ensure that the mentee and mentor clarify together what is still necessary to bring the mentoring partnership to a successful conclusion.
You are suitable as a mentor if you meet the following requirements:
- Current study or recently completed studies at a Swiss university.
- Effective communication skills, reliability, and openness.
- Willingness to invest approx. one hour per week, for one year.
- Availability for regular meetings or calls with your mentee.
- Regular participation in SEET events in Zurich (participation in mentor training, kick-off event, reflection meeting and wrap-up are mandatory).
- German or English language skills at minimum C1 level.
- Experience with mentoring, teaching, coaching, or supporting refugees is helpful.
You can contribute by:
- Becoming a volunteer: Join as a team member and support us in areas like fundraising, IT, or event management.
- Becoming a mentor: Join as a mentor and help to support a refugee.
- Donating: Provide financial support to sustain and expand SEET’s programmes. Donations can be one-off or recurring, allowing you to contribute in a way that suits you. Every donation makes a meaningful difference.
- Partnering: Collaborate on joint initiatives, share resources, and help extend SEET’s reach. Partnerships enable you to contribute through the provision of sponsorship, the sharing of expertise, or via the organisation of community programmes, all of which have a direct impact on the communities served by SEET.
- Become a follower and advocate: Spread the word, follow us on social media, and interact with our content.
SEET is based in Zürich, Switzerland, and supports refugees living in multiple towns and cities throughout the country.
SEET undertakes regular monitoring and evaluation of its programmes, including in-person events two to three times during the program life cycle. In addition, qualitative and quantitative feedback is sought from all participants, as well as input from academic institutions. All these tools are utilised to ensure a continuous improvement and impact, for the benefit of the current and future programme participants.