Brain Club USB: Play with us, beat us (if you can)!
Since mid-December 2024, dozens of Ukrainians in Bern (and beyond!) have had a fixed plan for Thursday evenings—they gather in teams and spend the night answering 36 questions using their knowledge, wit, logic, and teamwork. Well, okay, maybe not all 36 questions every time (if they don’t find the answers, we make sure to tell them afterward, so their knowledge bank grows anyway). But sometimes, the process matters just as much as the result, right? Especially when that process brings both enjoyment and tremendous value.
Honestly, I can’t think of another activity that helps Ukrainians learn about Switzerland and its people so easily and effectively.
And this "process" isn’t simple, either! Each game is filled with knowledge about Switzerland, and every round features a special Swiss-themed segment—because integration is key! Today, our players come to the club after work, studies, or German courses, and they already know so much about the country they now call home. In fact, they could probably challenge many locals! We explore a wide range of fascinating topics: Swiss literature and cinema, traditional crafts and customs, national records, water resources, famous brands, culinary delights, and much more.
The Club’s Mission: Learning Through Play
At its core, our club is about continuous learning. The knowledge we gain while searching for answers to tricky questions becomes part of our shared Swiss cultural experience. Winning is great, but in the end, every participant leaves as a winner.
A Milestone Celebration: Our 10th Game!
In mid-February, we celebrated a special milestone—our 10th game! The evening had a festive atmosphere, exciting surprises, and a unique prize crafted by Ukrainian engineer Mykhailo Mishutin for the winning team. To say the game was a success would be an understatement! The energy, the excitement—you can see it all in the photos.
Today, the club has nearly 40 registered players and four fully formed teams. The level of competition is rising, and so is the sophistication of the questions. As the editor and host, I see this firsthand. And of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible organizational support of Yevhen Hnytskyi—thank you! A huge thank you to USB for believing in this idea and supporting it. And most of all, thank you to our amazing players, who bring passion and excitement to every single Thursday night. You make these three hours an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Lily Bauer, Question Editor & Host With the support of Ievgen Gnitetskyi (Organization, Administration, Club Membership)
Photo Kateryna Kryvinska
