SEET is the only organisation in Switzerland that supports refugees’ access to higher education, independently of universities themselves. SEET’s Study Support Program pairs refugees with mentors who provide invaluable support in navigating the Swiss system.
We spoke to Giverny Ganz to find out more about her personal motivation in becoming a SEET mentor.
Giverny, tell us a little bit about yourself, your personal study background, and what you are currently doing.
Hi! My name is Giverny and I am Swiss/South African, I grew up in South Africa and moved to Switzerland when I was 18 years old to pursue a Degree in Biology. I completed my MSc in 2019 and have been working as a Scientific Researcher since then.
When and where did you first become aware of SEET, and its Study Support Program?
The first time I was made aware of the SEET programme was in 2019 when a friend of mine was part of the programme. She suggested I become a mentor, since I had just finished my studies and was not yet sure what career direction I wanted to go in, but I did not yet enrol at the time. I then came across SEET again in 2024 and applied to become a mentor in 2025.
What factors inspired you to apply to be a Mentor?
Moving to a new country at a young age and being exposed to different cultural norms and education systems was a challenge for me, but I was lucky enough to have my brother to help support me.
I believe having someone to help or advise or talk to when going through changes or challenging periods in life is very valuable so when I reached a stage where I thought I could provide this to someone, I was inspired to enrol in the programme.
Tell us about your mentee, how your relationship developed, and what support you provided?
My relationship with my mentee developed through effective and clear communication with each other. To establish goals, we make sure we speak clearly and openly about what is realistic and we set priorities based on the mentees wishes.
My role is to make sure I can provide guidance with the knowledge I have of the Swiss system so that we end up with a realistic timeline and set of goals. Since I first met my mentee in 2025, we speak multiple times per week by phone to practice German conversation and meet each other in person when it is suitable for both of us. This may differ depending on the mentor and mentee relationship and the goals of the relationship.
Has your mentoring experience met your expectations? What have you learned from this experience?
When I first enrolled in SEET, I expected that I would provide guidance and support to someone who needed it. Since enrolling I can say that it has been an enriching experience to meet someone who is from a completely different background, to get to know that person and to, not only provide my guidance and support, but also learn from my mentee, and see things from a different perspective.
It has been a valuable experience to encounter challenges together, to answer open questions and to learn from each other. I can say enrolling in this programme has exceeded my expectations!
To anyone considering applying to be a SEET Mentor, would you recommend it, and if so, could you please explain why?
If you are in a position to help, and have the time and the mental capacity to provide support and guidance to someone, I would definitely recommend enrolling in the next cycle. It will not be without challenges, but that makes the experience even more enriching and valuable.
If you would be interested in supporting SEET as a future mentor, donor, partner or volunteer, please email us at: seet@seet.ch Or you can apply here to be a Mentor on our next programme cycle, until 15 October 2026.
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