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Switzerland

International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy

Examine the evolving role of multilateral diplomacy in international relations and responses to security challenges from the center of Geneva.

At a Glance

Credits

16

Prerequisites

Relevant previous coursework

Language of Study

French

Courses taught in

English

Dates

Sep 2 – Dec 15

Program Countries

Switzerland

Program Excursion Countries

France, Belgium

Program Base

Geneva

Critical Global Issue of Study

Geopolitics & Power

Overview

Why study abroad in Geneva?

A global hub for diplomacy, Geneva is home to more than a dozen major international organizations such as the Red Cross, World Health Organization, United Nations agencies, and the World Trade Organization. While delving into high-level multilateral diplomacy, you’ll enjoy the gastronomic and cultural riches of this city and bohemian districts like Carouge, a Mediterranean-style hamlet modeled after Nice. You’ll meet with experts in Paris to discuss different issues related to international security and diplomacy from a French perspective, and you’ll go to the European Union headquarters in Brussels to get acquainted with issues involving the EU.

Highlights

  • Network with experts at international organizations and research centers.
  • Travel to Paris and Brussels for a week and delve into hot-button EU issues.
  • Discuss with experts the major geopolitical challenges affecting international relations.
  • Rapidly improve your French language skills through intensive instruction.  

Prerequisites

Previous college-level coursework or background in international studies or a related academic discipline, such as political science or prelaw, as assessed by SIT.

program map

Excursions

Exploring the European Union in Brussels

The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is also considered the de facto capital of the European Union, as it hosts a number of key organizations. You will visit a European Union related organization, where you will meet with EU officials and become well versed in EU issues and structures as you participate in ongoing debates about the evolution of regional integration in Europe. You will find that Brussels reflects both traditions of multicultural Belgium and the rapid growth and influence of EU organizations.

International Affairs in Paris

Hear from French foreign policy experts and get their take on international affairs. It’s not all work and no play in the city of love and croissants. You’ll have time to explore Paris — a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture — and practice your French. Enjoy a group dinner and say à votre santé!

Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.

Academics

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to: 

  • Apply effective networking skills in the international community of Geneva. 
  • Operate in a new cultural environment in Switzerland by using French language and interactive research skills. 
  • Apply the analytical skills of geopolitics and strategic foresight learned on the program. 
  • Conduct appropriate and ethical applied research skills to develop comprehensive policy proposals for conflict prevention and resolution. 
  • Demonstrate personal autonomy, critical thinking, and problem-solving capacities. 
  • Enhance communicative proficiency in French.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes.



Coursework

Access virtual library guide.

The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course information, including course codes, credits, overviews, and syllabi.


Key Topics

  • The evolving role of diplomacy in contemporary international relations
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  • Regional and global security challenges in an evolving geopolitical context
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  • European Union challenges and perspectives
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  • Economic and environmental diplomacy

International Relations and Multilateral Diplomacy

International Relations and Multilateral Diplomacy –  syllabus
(INTS3000 / 3 credits)

This seminar provides an in-depth examination of the evolving nature of diplomacy in contemporary international relations. It considers the impact of the profound changes affecting the contemporary international system on the concept of diplomacy and evaluates how the practice of diplomacy can be adapted to global, regional, and local levels. The seminar also examines the approaches of economic, environmental, and humanitarian diplomacy. It evaluates traditional and nontraditional approaches to diplomacy, taking into consideration the strategies of both state and non-state actors as well as international and regional organizations. A major emphasis is put on the position of the UN system and the European Union in a multilateral diplomatic perspective.

International Security, Peace, and Stability

International Security, Peace, and Stability – syllabus
(INTS3005 / 3 credits)

This seminar provides a thorough background in international security studies. The multidimensional security approach takes into account politico-military security, human security, and the links between international stability and sound economic and sustainable development. It not only addresses national security strategies but also the roles of intergovernmental and regional organizations in helping to prevent and manage conflict and build peace. The seminar also addresses environmental security.

French

Beginning French I – syllabus
(FREN1003 / 3 credits)

Beginning French II – syllabus
(FREN1503 / 3 credits)

Intermediate French I – syllabus
(FREN2003 / 3 credits)

Intermediate French II – syllabus
(FREN2503 / 3 credits)

Advanced French I – syllabus
(FREN3003 / 3 credits)

Emphasis on speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Students are placed in intensive beginning, intermediate, or advanced classes based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing.

Research Methods and Ethics

Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus
(ANTH3500 / 3 credits)

The Research Methods and Ethics seminar provides the theoretical, conceptual, and practical tools for conducting field research in a new cultural environment. The main emphasis of the seminar is on the development of interactive research skills involving the collection of primary data. The theoretical part of the seminar includes lectures on qualitative methods of research in social sciences and, in particular, international relations, interactive research techniques, and the development of a research proposal. The seminar also includes a number of practical exercises such as organizing and conducting interviews with experts in Switzerland, France, and Belgium; development of a research proposal; preparation of an application for review of research involving human subjects; a local case study; and the integration of interviews into a research project. The ethical implications of field research are examined throughout. The seminar helps develop the skills necessary to navigate both the local and international environments of Switzerland. Students undertake a number of field visits to learn the specificities of local and international culture and institutions. The overall aim is to enable students to master experience-based learning processes and prepare them for the development of an Independent Study Project (ISP), which is largely based on data gathered from primary sources.

Independent Study Project

Independent Study Project – syllabus
(ISPR3000 / 4 credits)

The Independent Study Project (ISP) is conducted in Geneva over four weeks near the end of the semester. Students pursue original research on a topic of interest to them. The ISP offers students a unique, interactive research opportunity in their field of interest in international studies. In most cases, topics of ISPs grow out of lectures, briefings, and discussions from the International Security, Peace, and Stability seminar and the International Relations and Multilateral Diplomacy seminar. Students directly apply the concepts of experience-based learning and interactive research skills learned in the Research Methods and Ethics seminar. The ISP provides students with practical experience for academic and professional development. Students can interview leading experts in fields related to their research project and can create a solid professional network and form a concrete base for future academic and professional career choices.

Sample ISP topic areas:

  • Conflict resolution and multilateral diplomacy processes
  • New threats to global security
  • Roles of international agencies in developing countries
  • Europe and the global power shift
  • Peacebuilding and nation building
  • New approaches to security
  • Human rights and international law
  • Migrations, refugees, and internally displaced persons
  • Protection of humanitarian spaces in conflict zones
  • Humanitarian aid in complex emergencies
  • Non-state actors and international humanitarian diplomacy
  • Geopolitics of natural resources
  • Environmental diplomacy
  • Security strategies of the European Union

Browse this program’s Independent Study Projects / undergraduate research.

Homestays

Nyon

You’ll live with a local family in a village or town near Nyon for 14 weeks during the semester. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, approximately 15 miles northeast of the city center, Nyon and the surrounding area boast a variety of outdoor activities and historical sites. Your homestay in the French-speaking canton of Vaud will enrich your cultural experience during the program.

The picturesque town is surrounded by the Jura Mountains and La Côte vineyards, providing leisure activities on weekends. You will also have the option to participate in local arts groups and sports, enabling you to meet Swiss peers.

Living with your homestay family will help you improve your French language skills and gain insight into the traditional values of Switzerland, such as tolerance, federalism, neutrality, and direct democracy. You will commute to classes and program activities in Geneva just like the locals, using the region’s excellent public transportation system.

Excursion & Orientation Accomodations

Students will stay in a hostel for their first two nights in Geneva during orientation. During excursions to Brussels and Paris, students will stay in centrally located small hotels.

Career Paths

A diversity of students representing different colleges, universities, and majors study abroad on this program. Many of them have gone on to do amazing things that connect back to their experience abroad with SIT. Learn what some of them are now doing. Recent positions held by alumni of this program include:

  • Research associate at Albany Associates, London, UK

  • Intern at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland

  • Intern at NASA, Washington, DC

  • Education volunteer with the Peace Corps, Namibia

  • Graduate student (MA in development studies), Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland

  • Head of Community Management, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, Switzerland

  • Intern with U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Faculty & Staff

Switzerland: International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy

Gyula Csurgai, PhD bio link
Gyula Csurgai, PhD
Academic Director
Aline Dunant, MA bio link
Aline Dunant, MA
Academic Coordinator
Annette Boogaard bio link
Annette Boogaard
Homestay Coordinator
Heikki S. Mattila, PhD bio link
Heikki S. Mattila, PhD
Academic Advisor
Elisabeth Meur, PhD bio link
Elisabeth Meur, PhD
Assistant Academic Advisor and Lecturer

Discover the Possibilities

  • Cost & Scholarships

    SIT Study Abroad is committed to making international education accessible to all students. Scholarship awards generally range from $500 to $5,000 for semester programs and $500 to $3,000 for summer programs. This year, SIT will award nearly 1 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students.

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  • ACCESSIBILITY

    Prepare for an accessible educational experience with SIT Study Abroad! In-country conditions and resources vary by site. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact [email protected] for more information.

    Accessibility Overview
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  • Cornell Senior Awarded International Affairs Fellowship

    Surayya Diggs of Cornell, an alumna of this program, says students interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy should study abroad.

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