What are you studying and what attracted you to the Geneva Graduate Institute to complement your education?

I am currently in the second year of a Master of International Relations at American University’s School of International Service. I applied to participate in an exchange at the Graduate Institute to study within Geneva’s international community and network with other peers and professionals. Prior to my time here in Geneva, I had only studied international affairs from within the US. I received a BA in International Politics from Pennsylvania State University, and I knew I had to study international relations from a more global perspective, so I applied to the Graduate Institute.

I was drawn by the Institute’s proximity to the United Nations and the option for students to apply for a library pass and study in the UN. I also appreciated the intensive French courses offered at the start of the fall semester. I met my closest friends in Geneva in the French courses during my first few days at the Institute, so I’m grateful to have had a language crash course and to have met them!

What is it like studying in Geneva compared to Washington, DC?

Students at the Institute are incredibly motivated and driven to network, learn, and pursue amazing careers in international relations, and I would say DC schools have a similar atmosphere. I’ve been working remotely for the US State Department throughout my time in Geneva and it’s great to discuss and learn from peers who are interning for their governments or international organisations in Geneva. The community atmosphere within the Institute is special. Even as students strive for good grades and compete for incredible job opportunities, people are always willing to share their experiences or expertise to benefit their peers.

Have you encountered any opportunities while in Geneva that you would not necessarily have had access to without going abroad?

I’m grateful for my time at the Institute because I’ve been able to take in-depth, focused classes. I’m currently in a course called “The Many Faces of Iran: Regional, Nuclear, Military and Internal Dimensions”, for example. It’s rare to find a course focused only on Iran, so I appreciate the opportunity to apply my academic background from other courses on conflict resolution, security, and diplomacy within one case study all semester.

What stands out to you from your time at the Institute?

The friends I’ve made, and the academic atmosphere created by peers and professors at the Graduate Institute stand out to me. I’m inspired by the diverse knowledge, interests, and expertise of my colleagues here in Geneva and I look forward to keeping up with everyone’s careers as we move forward in our graduate programmes!
 

Geneva Graduate Institute Exchange Programme

This interview was published in Globe #33, the Graduate Institute review.