Credits
6
Prerequisites
None
Language of Study
French
Courses taught in
English
Dates
Jun 2 – Jul 15
Program Countries
Switzerland
Program Base
Geneva
Critical Global Issue of Study
Geopolitics & Power
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Switzerland
International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
(Filling; Apply by Apr 1, 2025)
Immerse yourself in the world of multilateral diplomacy and learn the art of conflict resolution and prevention in an international arena.
At a Glance
Overview
Why study abroad in Geneva?
Build the skills and knowledge required for multilateral diplomacy at the center of the action: Geneva, where you’ll learn from top academics and experts at research institutes, United Nations agencies and other nongovernmental organizations. While immersed in the city of international diplomacy, you’ll enjoy Francophone culture and the summer splendors of Lake Geneva, such as swimming, boating, and picnicking. It’s a great opportunity to build your international network and make contacts with top experts on the use of multilateral diplomacy in conflict resolution and prevention, international humanitarian law, managing complex emergencies, and migration.
Highlights
- Learn the practicalities of multilateral diplomacy from international experts.
- Get practical experience for academic and professional development.
- Immerse yourself in Francophone culture.
- Build a solid professional network of international contacts.
Prerequisites
None required, but students with at least basic French proficiency will be at a linguistic advantage.
Excursions
Visit the International Committee of the Red Cross to learn about their activities, and attend briefings from ICRC experts, one on the ICRC and its principled humanitarian action, and one on international humanitarian Law.
Visit the World Trade Organization (WTO) to learn how it functions and the challenges it is facing.
Attend briefings of the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
Take a guided tour of the Palais des Nation and its library.
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:
- Utilize 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 learned on the program to examine major trends and causes of conflicts in the contemporary international system.
- Conduct an independent project to develop comprehensive policy proposals in the field of diplomacy and security.
- Apply critical thinking to examine non-western perspectives on contemporary international relations and development.
- Demonstrate problem-solving capacities and interdisciplinary analytical frameworks to enhance employability in a rapidly evolving and complex job market.
- Enhance communicative proficiency in French.
Coursework
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.
Key Topics
- Multilateral diplomacy
- International security
- Geopolitics
- International migration management
- Conflict resolution and prevention
French
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)
This course has an 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.
Two Course Options
Two Course Options
Students may choose to take the International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy seminar at either the undergraduate or graduate level
International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy – syllabus
(EURO3000 / 3 credits)
From its base in Geneva, this course provides an in-depth examination of the evolving nature of diplomacy. It considers the impact of the profound changes affecting the contemporary international system with respect to the concept of diplomacy and evaluates how the practice of diplomacy can be adapted to global, regional and local levels. The course also examines the approaches of humanitarian, economic, and environmental diplomacy. It applies traditional and non-traditional approaches to diplomacy taking into consideration the strategies of both state and non-state actors, international and regional organizations. A major emphasis is made on the UN system in a multilateral diplomatic perspective. At the end of the course, each student will produce an original academic paper in their field of interest in international studies
OR
International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy Seminar Graduate Level – syllabus
(EURO5000 / 3 credits)
From its base in Geneva, this course provides an in-depth examination of the evolving nature of diplomacy. It considers the impact of the profound changes affecting the contemporary international system with respect to the concept of diplomacy and evaluates how the practice of diplomacy can be adapted to global, regional and local levels. The course also examines the approaches of humanitarian, economic, and environmental diplomacy. It applies traditional and non-traditional approaches to diplomacy taking into consideration the strategies of both state and non-state actors, international and regional organizations. A major emphasis is on the UN system in a multilateral diplomatic perspective. At the end of the course, each student will produce an original academic paper in their field of interest in international studies.
Independent Project
Independent Project
In the latter half of the program as part of the seminar, you will conduct an independent project on a subject related to international studies and multilateral diplomacy in order to examine in depth a topic of particular interest to you.
Past research projects have included:
- The Evolution of US-Iranian Relations: Options for the Future
- Regional Organizations in Africa and Their Impact on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: A Case Study of the Influence of ECOWAS in Liberia and SADC in Zimbabwe
- ICRC’s Evolved Legal and Cultural Sensitivity with the Development of Intra-State Warfare
- Lethal Autonomous Weapons: A New Front in Global Warfare
- Contemporary Evolution of Counterterrorism Measures in Western Societies
- Effects of Securitization of Migration on Refugee Women and Children
- Cyber Warfare and IHL
- Reshaping the Global Financial Architecture: The Geo-economics and Geopolitics of The New Development Bank (NDB)
- The Theoretical Applications of Asylum Law within Gender Regimes: A Case Study of Femicide in Guatemala
Housing
Nyon
A five-week homestay with a local family in the French-speaking canton of Vaud will enrich your cultural experience during the program. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, approximately 15 miles north east of the city center, Vaud offers a variety outdoor activities and historical sites. The picturesque town of Nyon, where most of the homestays are located, is surrounded by the Jura Mountains and La Côte vineyards, offering leisure activities on weekends.
Living with your homestay family for almost the entire program, you will have the opportunity to 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
You will stay in a hostel during the orientation period.
Faculty & Staff
Switzerland: International Studies and Multilateral Diplomacy
Gyula Csurgai, PhD
Academic Director
Aline Dunant, MA
Academic Coordinator
Annette Boogaard
Homestay Coordinator
Heikki S. Mattila, PhD
Academic Advisor
Elisabeth Meur, PhD
Discover the Possibilities
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Cost & Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.
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HEALTH, ACCESS & IDENTITY
A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
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