Virtual Internships 2024
Special Award
Trip to Switzerland
June 18 - July 2, 2025
Madalitso Chimalilo, Veronica Choolwe, Lusako Lwesya, Mwange Mwange, Tina Mwamba
2-week trip to Switzerland as a reward
Our five Virtual Interns 2024 from UNILUS in Zambia showed an excellent performance and won the Special Award: A 2-week trip to Switzerland. During their stay, they travelled around the country, visited different cities and places and were able to gain many impressions of Switzerland. The Special Award – as well as the virtual internships – were generously funded by the Staub Kaiser Foundation.
Wednesday, June 18 After their flight via Dubai, the five Zambians were welcomed by Sabina Balmer (B360 Team) and their host families at Zurich airport. During their stay, the former interns could stay at the houses of Christine and Stephan Mueller Wepfer and Anna Meyer in Wetzikon.
Thursday, June 19 The first full day of their trip, the Virtual Interns had time to adapt and get to know Wetzikon and its surroundings.
Friday, June 20 Together with three board members of the Staub Kaiser Foundation (Tashi Albertini, Francesco Albertini, Walther Bachman) and Karen Müller (B360 Team), the five Zambians visited Ebenalp in the canton of Appenzell (Alpstein). In beautiful but hot weather, they enjoyed the view and a nice lunch before they went on a short walk up the mountain. They rounded off the evening in Zurich.
Saturday, June 21 After a calm morning, the interns travelled to Zug where they first took a walk along the beautiful lake and then visited the city together with Taylor Rohner (B360 Team), finishing the day with dinner at Freiruum
Sunday, June 22 Sunday was without big plans and they spent the day around Wetzikon and with their host families.
Monday, June 23 The week started with a visit of the B360 office in Zug. The five interns did the last preparations for their presentation at the upcoming B360-Annual Event. After lunch at the office and some pictures together with the B360 team, they travelled back to Wetzikon.
Tuesday, June 24 This day was a special and very important day for B360. In the evening, the Annual Event took place at Tanzwerk101 in Zurich. After a brief rehearsal in the afternoon, the interns had the chance to meet some of their internship mentors as well as members, friends and donors of B360. As part of the B360 presentation with different speakers, the five Zambians gave the audience insight into “their” Zambia.
Wednesday, June 25 The start of a 3-day-trip: Together with Reto von Arx (B360 expert), the five former Virtual Interns travelled to the city of Bern. After visiting the capital, they moved on to Geneva by train.
Thursday, June 26 In Geneva, the interns had the chance to meet the Scenario X team. Two of the Zambians did their internship for this start-up and met their mentors for the first time “in real life”.
Friday, June 27 After two nights in Geneva, it was time to travel back to Wetzikon.
Saturday, June 28 On Saturday, the Zambians visited the old town of Lucerne together with Rahel Keller (B360 Team). From there they went on a boat trip to Vitznau, where they took the mountain railroad to Rigi Kulm to enjoy the great view.
Sunday, June 29 Sunday was again a day off, enjoying the host families and Wetzikon surroundings.
Monday, June 30 Chocolate day! Together with Taylor Rohner (B360 Team), the group visited the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg. Inspite of the heat, everyone indulged in plenty of chocolate. A highlight of the visit was the impressive chocolate fountain and the “Lindor” area, where many Lindor chocolates were sampled and enjoyed.
Tuesday, July 1 Time to enjoy a free day and the heat in Switzerland.
Wednesday, July 2 After two exciting weeks full of highlights, it was already time to pack the bags and get ready to fly home to Lusaka. The five interns were seen off by their host families and Karen Mueller (B360 Team) – their backpacks filled with great memories and souvenirs, new experiences and inspiration.
Madalitso Chimalilo
One of the most memorable experiences was staying in Wetzikon with Christine, Stephan, and Anna. Their hospitality was warm and genuine – they shared not only their home, but also their traditions and amazing food. This cultural exchange helped me realize the importance of human connection beyond borders. It was my first time staying with a host family, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for Swiss life and values. The friendships formed there will stay with me long after the internship.
Veronica Choolwe
My first time in Switzerland was unforgettable from the warm evenings with host families, stunning Alpine views and public transport that runs like magic.
Lusako Lwesya
My personal highlight was exploring beautiful towns like Lucerne, Bern, Geneva, Zug, and Zurich. Going up Mount Rigi and the Alpstein mountains, cruising on Lake Lucerne, and sharing those moments with my fellow interns was unforgettable. A special memory for me was getting to take this trip with my girlfriend. One thing that really surprised me was how easy and efficient the transport system is in Switzerland it was a first for me.
Mwange Mwange
I absolutely loved the mountains – their beauty was breathtaking, and the peaceful atmosphere made it all feel magical. The scenery was stunning, with fresh air and landscapes that were easy to admire and hard to forget.
The people were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the trip feel warm and meaningful. Every interaction added something special to the experience.
I learned a lot too – through the places we visited and the conversations we had. It was both educational and eye-opening.
And the biggest highlight? Definitely the amazing food and living with Chrigi, Anna, Ari, and Stefon. Sharing a home with them made everything even more memorable. Their kindness, laughter, and hospitality turned the trip into something truly special.
Tina Mwamba
For me, the highlight was exploring Lucerne. From the lake to the mountains, the city's charm made me feel as though I were entering a postcard. I had time to think and refuel. I had never seen snow-capped mountains in the summer before! For the first time, I also used a self-service checkout at a store; it felt both modern and effective. It was an unforgettable experience to meet people from various cultures in Switzerland and have deep discussions about life and work. It made me realize how interconnected the world is.
B360 and the virtual interns 2024 would like to thank everyone who supported our interns before and during their stay. A special THANK YOU to the Staub Kaiser Foundation who made this trip possible, to the host families Müller-Wepfer and Meyer who opened their houses for the interns, the committed Board Members, Experts and team members who accompanied our guests and all the stakeholders for their contribution towards the success of this trip.
