Discover the dynamic fusion of macroeconomics and global finance with social responsibility and sustainable business in Switzerland and Greece.
16
Relevant previous coursework
French
English
Aug 30 – Dec 12
Switzerland
Greece
Nyon/Geneva
Development & Inequality
Combine your interest in ethical banking, sustainable finance,circular economy and cryptocurrencies in Geneva and Switzerland, one of the world’s leading financial centers and a major international hub for international organizations and NGOs. While learning about global finance from a socially responsible and sustainable business perspective and alternative financial systems and intermediation, you’ll build networks with experts at leading financial institutions, nongovernmental organizations, universities and think-tanks. You’ll have the option to intern with a sustainable development company, start-up, or intergovernmental organization or a Swiss or international NGO or conduct research in sustainable development and finance, ethical banking, impact investing, or cryptocurrencies.
During a two-week excursion to Greece, you’ll gain insight about the recent international financial crisis and examine the impact Covid-19 had on the country’s financial system and economy. You’ll get a first-hand view of the recovery and state of society from Greek and international experts on the ground. You’ll also experience the richness of Greek culture, history, and cuisine.
Previous college-level coursework or background in economics, finance, business administration, public policy, international relations, government, sociology, or ethics and social responsibility, as assessed by SIT.
During a two-week excursion in Greece, you’ll spend time in Athens exploring Greek history, culture, and cuisine while getting an up-close look at the impact of the Greek economic crisis and Covid-19 on the country’s financial system and population. You will have the opportunity to visit famous archaeological sites such as the Acropolis of Athens, the site of the oracle of Delphi and museums, and enjoy local taverns and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
In Athens, meet with Greek and international experts and visit financial institutions like the Center of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE) to learn about measures taken to bring the economy back from the brink. You’ll also have a lecture at the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE), a privately-funded think tank, where you’ll learn about the growth prospects of the Greek economy after the economic and health crises.
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.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
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.
Research Methods and Ethics of Banking and Finance – syllabus
(ETHC3500 / 3 credits)
This seminar covers the financial code of ethics and addresses sustainable financing, socially responsible investment (SRI) issues, ethical banking, legal and practical aspects of integrating environment, social justice, and corporate governance (ESG) issues to institutional investment. The seminar gives a detailed overview of major institutional actors in European and global networks in the field of banking and sustainable financing and the legal tools in the fight against tax avoidance and money laundering. This course is highly practice oriented, with field visits and briefings at companies, organizations, or NGOs. Lecturers are drawn from academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, government agencies, and research centers, and are experts in their fields.
Alternative Financial Systems and Intermediation – syllabus
(IBUS3000 / 4 credits)
Banking institutions thrive on financial intermediation, the process through which banks take funds from a depositor at a low rate of interest and lend them to a borrower at a higher rate of interest. However, recent successive crises in the international financial system have drawn attention to the important role played by financial intermediaries. Alternative financial intermediation systems are defined as non-market (stock or bond) and non-modern banking sources, including external financial channels that make it possible for an individual or a small enterprise to access credit that would not otherwise be available to them through conventional banking systems. Alternative financial channels are proving to be equally important funding sources in both developing and developed countries. This seminar aims to explore alternative forms and practices of financial intermediation (formal and informal) and their role in the empowerment of individuals and groups that are usually not serviced by conventional banking channels and institutions. Modules include solidarity economies and intermediation, complementary and cryptocurrencies, microfinance and social entrepreneurship, blockchain, and Islamic banking.
Beginning French I – syllabus
(FREN1003 / 3 credits)
Intermediate French II – syllabus
(FREN2503 / 3 credits)
Advanced French I – syllabus
(FREN3003 / 3 credits)
This course has an emphasis on speaking, comprehension skills, and grammar through classroom instruction to provide broader access into the host culture and enable participation in daily social life. Students are placed in intensive beginning, intermediate and advanced classes based on in-country evaluation, including written and oral proficiency testing.
Choose between the following two courses:
Independent Study Project in Finance
Independent Study Project in Finance – syllabus
(ISPR3000 / 6 credits)
For the Independent Study Project in Finance (ISPF), students will do six-week fieldwork and design a project that carries an innovative proposition to address banking or finance issues from a social responsibility perspective. Projects may include proposals for a sustainable business, regulatory mechanisms for financial control and ethical account reporting, or promotion of complementary currencies. Regular reflection and assessment meetings are held with the academic director and academic advisor to review the progress of the ISPF.
Sample ISPF topic areas:
OR
Internship and Seminar in Finance
Internship and Seminar in Finance – syllabus
(ITRN3000 / 6 credits)
This seminar consists of a six-week internship with a sustainable development company, impact investment institution, start-up enterprise, intergovernmental organization, or Swiss or international NGO. Students do an internship and submit a seminar paper in which they process their learning experience and design a socially responsible solution to a problem observed during their internship. The aim of an internship is to enable the student to gain valuable professional experience within the Swiss or international financial environment. The institution and internship activities must be approved by the program’s academic director. Regular reflection and assessment meetings are held with the academic director and academic advisor to review the progress of the internship.
Internship and Seminar in Finance:
Internship Placements in Past Semesters (partner institutions may change from term to term).
A 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, the canton of Vaud offers a combination of countryside, small towns, and outdoor activities. The historical town of Nyon, where the SIT program office is located, offers a magnificent view of the Jura mountains and French Alps just on the other side of the lake.
Living with your homestay family offers you the opportunity to improve your French and gain insight into local everyday life on the Geneva Lake Riviera. You will commute to classes and program activities in Geneva, just like the locals, using the excellent Swiss public transportation system.
You will stay in a hostel during the orientation period in Switzerland and in student apartments during the study trip in Greece.
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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