Stories and experiences from Summer Programmes's participants
Assia Jazairy
Algeria, Associate Resettlement Officer, UNHCR Damascus Branch Office
2010 Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance
When I decided to embark on the International Affairs and Multilateral Governance Programme, at the Graduate Institute, I was not sure how could Public Goods, Humanitarian Law and Migration issues be all taught, in such a short time. I was therefore surprised at how well designed and coordinated the courses were, and to see that they challenged one yet enabled one to deepen one’s knowledge and understanding of complex issues at one’s own pace. There were plenty of opportunities to engage in fruitful dialogues with the lecturers who were keen to share their expertise and with practitioners at workshops and during visits to several international organisations and NGOs based in Geneva.
The location on the shore of the lake was a truly inspiring setting, and the atmosphere was congenial. Finally not only have I widened my horizons on international affairs but at the same time, broadened my circle of friends with whom intense debates continued after the classes
Maile Miller
U.S.A., University of Southern California, B.A. International Relations
2010 Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance
I am very thankful for the people I met from all over the world at the Graduate Institute. The students that completed the course alongside me were inspirational, achievement-oriented, intellectual, and a fun, international bunch. I am thankful for the opportunity of getting to know them as well. Geneva is a beautiful city, and I loved walking/running around the lake to exercise and swimming in it when it warmed up a bit as well.
Roberto Toso
Director, Europe and Eurasia Division, Chemonics
2010 Summer Programme on the WTO, International Trade and Development
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all your effort and dedication to ensure that the summer program was a success. The quality of professors and experts and well as the thoughtful organization of the program was excellent. The combination of academic rigor and insider's experience was extraordinary. Discussing issues from a broad economic, political and legal point of view by experts in the field was the main ingredient of this unmatched summer program. Last but not least, the "Swiss watch" organization was also superb and contributed to the smooth and efficient running of the activities.
Beverly Barrett
U.S.A., Doctoral Student in International Studies, University of Miami
2010 Summer Program WTO, International Trade and Development
The summer program on WTO, International Trade and Development was extraordinary for the knowledge provided by leading professors, the strong interests of the students, and the exquisite setting being on the lake in Geneva. The opportunity to learn on world trade from the professors and practitioners closest to policy making is a truly unique experience. Students coming from all over the world make the interactions dynamic, and being together in the beautiful and international city of Geneva makes the experience unlike any other.
For those interested in international trade, the course is the perfect complement to studies in international economics. Beyond the economics and politics of trade, the emphasis on the process of negotiations and the types of trade (in agriculture, services, and non-agricultural market access) provides useful specificity that is valuable for research and work in international trade. A big thank you to all those administrators and professors that the Graduate Institute who designed the thoughtful and purposeful program, and to the amazing students who made it a spectacular two-weeks in Geneva.
Victoria Vidal
France, M.A. in International Relations from Dublin City University
2010 Summer Program WTO, International Trade and Development
I registered for the International Trade and Development programme with the hope of bettering my knowledge on the principles governing the World trading system.
My expectations were highly satisfied in many aspects. Indeed, the teachers are of the highest calibre in terms of academic expertise as well as professional and field experience. They gave us the chance to understand clearly what are the challenges facing the WTO and the world trading system today, as well as the many stimulating debates which surround these great institutions. The information session on the possibilities of completing a PhD was personally very enlightening as I am now applying for this programme at the institute…
Besides the intensive and rewarding academic program, we had the opportunity to be amongst people from very different backgrounds who stimulated the course with varying outlooks and thus enriched the debates we had in class as well as outside. It also gave us the chance to make contacts and meet with very interesting, intelligent and friendly people.
To finish with, the Graduate Institute made our time easier through a very well organised administration that was able to provide us with the appropriate information regarding our arrival and our stay in Geneva. The Graduate Institute also made our time in Geneva fun. We were offered nights out which allowed us to meet with other students in a more informal atmosphere. Visits were also organised at the week end in this beautiful region, which definitely made our time very special.
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