Credits
7
Prerequisites
None
Courses taught in
English
Dates
May 29 – Jul 13
Program Countries
Switzerland
Program Base
Nyon/Geneva
Critical Global Issue of Study
Development & Inequality
Gain professional experience at a think tank, NGO, start-up, or private business in the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland.
7
None
English
May 29 – Jul 13
Switzerland
Nyon/Geneva
Development & Inequality
With its vast network of Swiss and international NGOs as well as vibrant technology and finance sectors, the city of Geneva is a global player in humanitarian action, international relations, and human rights. You will complete a six-week internship with an organization working in the fields of sustainable development, impact investment, innovation and AI, fintech, public health, human rights, or environment and climate change as you explore concepts of global governance, social impact, and the ways technology can be leveraged for public good. Before starting the program, students work with SIT program leadership and internship mentors to apply for an internship at one of SIT’s partner organizations. During your time in the Geneva Lake Region, you’ll build a network of professionals and experts from leading international institutions, think tanks, and companies through site visits each week and will leave the program with new professional skills, insights, and inspiration.
None.
During the program you will visit international institutions such as the World Trade Organization, NGOs like World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), museums like the Red Cross Museum, and companies and start-ups in the field of social impact. In your free time during the weekend, you may travel on your own by train to visit cities in the three linguistic regions of Switzerland: French, German, and Italian. You will have the SwissPass which will allow you to travel by train, bus, and boat throughout Switzerland free of charge. You may see the stunning scenery for which Switzerland is famous: the Alps, multiple lakes, charming towns, and mountain villages. Sample famous Swiss delicacies such as fondue, raclette, and of course, chocolate.
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.
Internship Practice & Seminar – syllabus
(ITRN3006 / 6 credits)
This course and seminar is based on a framework of four pillars: internship placement and practice; site visits and briefings to international institutions, companies, NGOs, and start-up organizations; thematic lectures on social impact in global contexts; and discussion/reflection sessions on internship experience to enhance professional and personal growth.
Students will be informed of the areas of internships available and their placement in the summer semester at least four weeks before arriving in Switzerland. They will receive a list of SIT partner institutions and will apply individually with step-by-step guidance from the SIT Switzerland team. Students can undertake their internship in areas of social impact such as civil society initiatives, social entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, and think tanks leading to achievement of the SDGs-2030.
Potential Internship Sites Include: