Stories and experiences from Summer and Winter Programmes's participants
Mariana Xavier
Bachelor in International Relations, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Brazil
2012 Winter Programme on the United Nations and Global Challenges
The Winter Programme on the UN and Global Challenges was overall an incredible learning experience. We were few students, from very different countries and regions, with the opportunity of getting to know and study in one of the most international and multicultural cities in the world.
The first week gave us a clear idea of how the UN bodies and other International Organizations work, focusing on very current and important issues in the multilateral setting. On the second week, we were given more freedom to develop our own projects and ideas, specifically in the areas of development, security or human rights. The professors were simply outstanding, and their diverse backgrounds and areas of knowledge stimulated comprehensive and engaging discussions. Other than this, the course's organization promoted a series of social events for the students, that contributed for us to better know one another and to get to know the city and its surroundings.
All in all the course was a valuable and unforgettable experience in every aspect, allowing us to expand our minds on the most fundamental issues of current international relations.
Yuhei Ito
Bachelor of Environments, Urban Design & Planning, Melbourne, Australia
2012 Winter Programme on the United Nations and Global Challenges
The Winter Programme on the United Nations and Global Challenges, gave me fundamental knowledge regarding international communities and the skills to analyze multilateral relationships. Moreover, thanks to the excellent programme, passionate lecturers and wonderful colleagues, I gained great confidence in striving towards my life ambition of working for the United Nations.
The design of the programme was very unique in the way that people from different disciplinary background can fully participate. Coming from an urban planning background, I was nervous in beginning classes regarding international relations and political science. However, since all the topics started with a comprehensive introduction and explicit explanation of issues, I could actively engage in the discussions and appreciate all classes.
It was amazing how passionate the lecturers were in educating the students in this programme. They remained in the classroom after lectures and during breaks in order to answer all kind of questions. Besides their professional knowledge and experience, I was impressed when they shared their belief in international cooperation. In addition to curriculum and academics, the interaction with colleagues was another advantage of the programme. All participants come from different parts of the world. The diversity of students enabled us to have great discussions. Personally, I was fortunate to meet students from Latin America, which gave me whole new insight into diplomatic history. The two weeks in Geneva allowed for me to learn the importance of having a space or platform for discussion, where different ideas and interests meet together.
Anita Sandana
Master of International Relations, Geneva School of Diplomacy
2011 Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance
When I signed up for the Summer Programme in International affairs and Multilateral Governance, my goal was solely to refresh my knowledge of international issues related to the fields of Environment, Migration and Humanitarian affairs. I was eager to participate in interactive workshops and debates lead by a team of experts and pool of field practitioners.On the last week, I realized how much the progamme surpassed my expectations and greatly impacted my life.Not only did I learn from the presentations and workshops, I had also been able to connect with a large pool of international candidates who shared a same vision. For me, exchanging ideas and knowledge with graduates,professionals and diplomats from all over the world was truly beneficial. The programme was a great place to build solid friendships and extend my professional network.
It was such a memorable experience that I wished It would not have ended so fast.
I feel extremely grateful for having been given the incredible opportunity to be part of the programme and I certainly would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone interested in International Affairs in the relaxing and beautiful scenery of Geneva.
Jean-Yves Barba
Database/ M&E Officer, International Organization for Migration, Nairobi, Kenya
2011 Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance
I decided to participate in the Summer Program in International Affairs and Multilateral Governance to cement and enrich many of the concepts to which I have been exposed during the past 4 years of intense engagement with migrant communities in East Africa. The program was such an eye opener on global issues that are gripping our world, introduced in a thematic, hands-on and case-based approach. I was highly satisfied with the content of the classes and the overall organization of the seminar facilitated by renowned experts. The intensive 3 weeks seminar also gave me an opportunity to meet young professionals just like myself and debate a host of issues ranging from the economics of migration to global warming. Coming from a nontraditional backgound, engineering, I believe that the program offerd me a solid foundation and teased my interest just enough so that I can now confidently contribute to discussions of international nature and enhance my prospects for graduate studies.
Guillaume Amigues
Research Analyst, Global Agenda Councils - World Economic Forum
2011 Summer Program WTO, International Trade and Development
The Summer Programme on the WTO, International Trade and Development has been a great learning experience for me, both at the professional and personal level. The programme is well designed and provides three very valuable perspectives on the issue: a strong trade theory background, insights on more practical aspects, including the inner workings of the WTO, and reflections on the connection between trade and other issues such as agriculture, intellectual property or climate change. The very strong academic cast put together by the Graduate Institute generally strikes a good balance between these different themes. Beyond the lectures, the workshops in smaller groups opened deeper discussions on specific topics and provided opportunities to interact directly with the professors.
The diversity among the participants is both a strong asset and a challenge of this Programme. Arguably the most impressive achievement of the Graduate Institute is that, by cleverly mixing the above-mentioned themes, it provides participants with different levels of previous knowledge with new thought-provoking insights throughout the course. The good mix of participants, including young professionals, experienced trade practitioners and students from all over the world makes up not only for very stimulating debates but also for a highly enjoyable atmosphere and some memorable moments on the shores of Lake Geneva.
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