Yorgo Homsi: A Life-Changing CERN Summer Student Experience

At CERN: Summer Student 06/2025 - 08/2025

Now: Electrical Engineering Student 

For many students around the world, working at CERN feels like a distant dream. For Yorgo Homsi, an Electrical Engineering student from Lebanon, that dream became reality.

With one year left before completing his bachelor's degree, Yorgo joined CERN as a Summer Student and discovered much more than a professional opportunity. He found a place where he could grow, learn, and build friendships that will stay with him forever.

A Surprise That Changed Everything

Yorgo first learned about the CERN Summer Student Programme through his university.

"My university usually sends local job opportunities," he explains. "One day they sent an opportunity in Switzerland. I was amazed, so I applied. Then I completely forgot about it because I never expected to be accepted."

The acceptance email arrived on what seemed like a very ordinary day.

"I was coming home from university, tired after classes, when I received an email saying, 'Congratulations, you have been accepted at CERN.' My parents didn't believe it. We all thought it was spam! It is still one of my favorite memories."

First Steps at CERN

Arriving in Geneva was exciting, but like many international students, Yorgo had to adapt quickly.

"My first day was a little difficult because I didn't understand how the trams worked," he laughs. "But I was determined to improve my French and so I was speaking with everyone I was meeting."

One of his first memorable moments was seeing CERN's famous Globe.

"As soon as I saw it, I stopped and I had to take a picture if it."

Working on Real Projects

At CERN, Yorgo joined a team where he worked alongside two French colleagues on projects regarding how to collect data from the ATLAS experiment.

"My task was to help create servers to collect the data from the ATLAS Experiment. What I really loved was that it was directly connected to my studies. It gave me practical experience that I can continue using throughout my future career."

For Yorgo, one of the most valuable aspects of the experience was seeing how the knowledge from his degree could be applied in a real-world environment.

Discovering Switzerland

The Summer Student Programme is not only about work and lectures. Students also have the chance to explore Switzerland and meet people from all over the world.

"I went hiking almost every weekend," says Yorgo. "I tried to discover as much of Switzerland as possible and visited many places around Geneva like Läderach."

But surprisingly, some of his favourite memories came from simple everyday interactions.

"You might think it's silly, but one of my best memories was visiting different shops and trying to speak French. Every time I entered a store, I would say, 'Le français, c'est mon language préféré, mais c'est préférable pour moi de parler anglais' ('French is my favorite language, but it's probably better for me to speak English'), so people would know I don’t speak well French”.

Finding a Family Away from Home

When asked about his best memory from CERN, Yorgo doesn't mention a project or a lecture.

"The most important thing was creating a family here", he says. "Whenever I want to feel happy, I remember my memories at CERN, my interactions with my supervisors, and my friends."

For him, the atmosphere at CERN stands out from many other places.

"It feels like a family environment. Everyone wants to help you improve. People give advice, support each other, and genuinely want you to succeed."

Looking Toward the Future

After completing the Summer Student Programme, Yorgo will return to university to finish the final year of his bachelor's degree.

One lesson he learned at CERN is that success is about much more than grades.

"At CERN, it's not only about your academic results. It's also about the projects you've worked on, what you've built, and what you've done in your free time. Being curious and involved really matters."

His long-term goal is clear: he hopes to return to CERN through one of its student programmes after completing his master's degree.

Encouraging Others to Apply

Yorgo describes himself as a naturally shy person, which made applying to CERN feel intimidating at first.

"I don't usually like showing off my achievements, even on LinkedIn. But when I saw the opportunity, I thought, 'What do I have to lose if I apply?'"

Looking back, he believes taking that chance was one of the best decisions he has ever made.

"Being here is incredible for your personal growth. Contributing to CERN is something you can be proud of. It helped me learn so much more about engineering and about myself."

Dream Career

He admires Siemens, a company whose tools he already uses during his work at CERN.

"I would love to work in the control systems field. It's an area that really interests me."

New Skills and New Confidence

The summer wasn't only about technical development.

"I improved my French a lot. I also became much more confident socially."

The change is something he notices every day.

"When I arrived, I was very shy. Now I can talk freely with people. The environment here is healthy and supportive. People treat you like family."

Staying Connected Through the Alumni Network

For Yorgo, the CERN Alumni Network is an important way to stay connected long after the programme ends.

"It's great because it shows future employers that I really worked at CERN. But it's also a way to stay connected with the CERN community and participate in your events."

A Final Message for Future Applicants

Before leaving, Yorgo has a last message for future summer students at CERN.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't spend all your time in your room. Go out, meet people, and explore. Build friendships with your colleagues and learn from everyone around you."

He believes the relationships students build can be just as important as the technical experience.

"Talk to people, learn from them, and stay in contact. The advice you receive can help shape your future."

Looking back on his summer, one thing is certain: CERN was much more than an internship for Yorgo Homsi. It was a life-changing experience that gave him confidence, friendships, professional skills, and memories that will stay with him for years to come.

Are you a CERN Summer Student with a story to share? We'd love to hear about your experience. Get in touch with the Alumni Relations team and help inspire future generations of students through your journey.