Hi,
I'm Kenyan and in my final year, BSc Environmental Engineering. I have applied to EPFL for masters. I only have 3 months work experience which won't be enough to get a job in Switzerland and I'm interested in finding out how I can get an internship (praktikuum/stage) just in case I don't get admission. I speak English, French(C1), German (B1), Kiswahili. 'nobody_important' mentioned that a lot of companies in CH accept trainees. Can anyone direct me on how to look up these companies? Thanks

You should realize that these internships rarely pay enough to live on (even a very frugal lifestyle.) They are primarily meant for young people still living with their parents.

Here is a thread with more information:
legal minimum wage? praktikum?

Not meant to sound cynical - this is the first time I heard somebody is "complaining" about the US citizenship... I recall the time when I finished my master degree in the US - it was very difficult for me to even get interview opportunities (for the jobs I wanted) because many US firms did/do not even want to interview (do not mention hire) foreign students. I felt really lucky that I got a good job offer in Switzerland even I spoke no European languages. Then I relocated in Switzerland a few years ago. Yes, the industry you want to be in might be going through some tough time... but there are 2 key things - think of what value you can add (to your target positions and firms) and network. Good luck.

Most US citizens who live outside the US but are obliged to pay top-up income tax to Uncle Sam complain at one time or another ...

Anyway, to whom are you referring? The OP, who posted in May 2009?

BY now the original poster shold have a couple of years experience. I wonder if s/he is still trying to get to Switzerland. With the experience, s/he should have a better chance of landing a job. Does AIG still have presence in Switzerland?

Thank you very much MathNut...much appreciated