Learn and think about major global challenges and how these are being addressed by the international community, with focus on the core mission of the UN and emphasis on role-playing
The programme is open to junior and senior undergraduates with a strong interest in international affairs. A unique opportunity to network and create sustainable bonds!
Geneva, a perfect place to meet experts and visit international organisations
Key international relations challenges with a focus on 2 areas
- Understanding the un system and its actors: a clear mapping of the United Nations system since its creation as well as its different working bodies and agencies.
- Re-inventing the united nations: an exploration of challenges encountered by the United Nations and a debate on future perspectives for international cooperation.
At the end of the 2 weeks, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core mission of the UN and how it frames some key global issues such as human rights and environment.
- Develop critical analyses on key issues of peace and security, human rights and humanitarian challenges, international development, North-South relations
- Debate on future perspectives for international cooperation, via conference simulations and role play as well as a couple of social events to get introduced to international Geneva.
- Discuss with academics and practitioners on what could be done to reinvent global governance in a time of high international uncertainties (prospective analytical tools)
Download the flyer
Click here to check out the 2015 schedule (example of past programme, subject to change)
Format : 26 hours of classes per week over 2 weeks
- Lectures with Faculty members from the Graduate Institute, Geneva
- Afternoon workshops and visits of the United Nations
- Small-group study and simulations
- Model United Nations: Conference simulation where students are transformed into diplomats/government officials and learn how to negotiate
- Roundtable on hot topic of international affairs
- Individual advising on post-graduate studies and career in international affairs
- Social events (optional) : discovery of the city of Geneva and friendly evenings with participants
- Lectures and discussions concepts and key issues of peace and security, human rights and humanitarian challenges, international development, North-South relations and the future of global governance.
Participants' Profiles
- Undergraduate and MA students in social sciences
- Young professionals who would like to strengthen their understanding of international affairs and international trade
- Applicants are expected to be proficient in English, although English language certificates are not required
Application Process
Winter Programme 2015: applications opening in August 2015
Next session : 4-15 January 2016
The following steps will guide you through the application process:
- Complete the online application form
- A non-refundable administrative fee of CHF 50 will be charged to complete and validate your online application. Payment is made through Paypal
- Further to the completion of the form and the payment of the application fee please remember to “VALIDATE” the form
- Only complete and validated applications will be considered
- You will receive an automatic email confirming that your form has been submitted
- The admission decision will be communicated by email as per the schedule below
- To confirm your participation in the programme you will need to pay the tuition fee by credit card or wire transfer within 3 weeks further to receipt of your admission letter
As part of the online application, students will be required to submit the following:
- A 15-line essay which explains why you are interested in this particular programme and how this programme will meet your academic, professional and personal goals
- Details of two referees, involved in your studies or work environment
Deadline and Evaluation
As places are limited, we encourage students to apply before 15 November to secure a place in the programme.
An academic evaluation is made by the International Programme's Office to determine if the candidate’s profile is a good match for the Programme.
| Application Deadline | Decision notification | |
| Early decision | 15 September 2015 | End of September 2015 |
| Regular application | 15 November 2015 | End of November 2015 |
Upon acceptance, admitted candidates will receive a formal letter of admission with the tuition fees invoice by email.
Summer Programme Fees
Tuition Costs
Winter Programme on the United Nations and Global Challenges (2 weeks)
| Swiss Francs | |
| Student rate | 2,800 |
| Professional rate | 3,000 |
Summer Programme on International Affairs
and Multilateral Governance (3 weeks)
| Swiss Francs | |
| Student rate | 3,000 |
| Professional rate | 3,800 |
Summer Programme on the WTO,
International Trade and Development (2 weeks)
| Swiss Francs | |
| Student rate | 2,800 |
| Professional rate | 3,500 |
The tuition fee includes teaching costs, course materials, and the use of Graduate Institute facilities. It does not include travel costs to Geneva, accommodation or other living expenses in Geneva.
The Graduate Institute only accepts payments in Swiss francs.
Other Costs
The estimated cost of living per day in Geneva (accommodation in a youth hostel, meals, transportation in Geneva) is approx. CHF 100-150.-
Approx. daily budget for:
- Accommodation: CHF 85-150.- (students residence or youth hostel)
- Lunch: CHF 15.-
- Evening meal in a restaurant: CHF 20-30.-
- Public Transport: If you stay in a hotel or hostel, you will receive a free transportation card. The Weekly Pass costs between CHF 40 and 50 (depending on the distance of travel).
Please foresee extra funds if you plan on participating in any leisure activities (travel, excursions, cultural events, etc.). The students service will help you plan your stay and accomodation further to the confirmation of your registration.
Financial Assistance
Unfortunately, the Programme is unable to provide any financial assistance to candidates. However, we will be happy to provide a letter of reference to your sponsors or scholarship committee upon request.
Withdrawal
In the event of cancellation before 15 April (Summer Programmes) or 15 November (Winter Programme), 95% of the paid tuition fee will be refunded. After that date and before the start of the Programme, 65% of the tuition fee will be refunded. No refund will be given after the start of the Programme.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://graduateinstitute.ch/home/study/programmes/summer_winter/winter-programme-on-the-UN.html
but the link is no more active