Geneva: Global Governance, Economic Development, and Human Rights (Summer)

Economic development is often associated with on-the-ground projects in developing countries such as irrigation and road infrastructure projects, and provision of antimalarials and microloans, for example. Often overlooked is that the development process is also often “governed” through a complex web of United Nations agencies and conventions and multilateral financial and development institutions. Also less well known is that the protection of human rights is typically integrated explicitly or implicitly in these organizations. This course will examine the development process from this global view. Students will gain knowledge and experience in the role major global institutions and actors play in the development process, strategies they use to influence economic development, and the key challenges they face.

Designed for students specializing in international relations, public health and other fields, this ten-week program combines coursework on global topics such as the right to health, food security, and political and economic freedom with a professional internship in an international workplace. Along with carefully focused coursework, students will have the opportunity to play a role in a global organization such as the United Nations or the World Health Organization through an in-depth professional internship. The program will draw on the unparalleled resources of Geneva and will include expert guest speakers and visits to international organizations.

Geneva is a unique city; although situated in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, its population is one-third non-Swiss, making it one of Europe’s most international metropolitan centers. The presence of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Red Cross, and more than 250 other international organizations, allows for both coursework and internship placements in English, the common language of Geneva’s multilingual and cosmopolitan community.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in one required course and one internship course. Each course carries four Boston University credits. Students must enroll for a total of eight credits.

Program Details

Requirements	Program is open to rising seniors and graduate students. Completion of three full years of undergraduate study is required. Due to the competitive nature of internship placements in Geneva, priority will be given to qualified candidates who have also had relevant work, internship or volunteer experience. Admissions requirements for all programs
Program Dates	Summer Term: May 29-August 6, 2012
Cost	Summer 2012 Tuition & Fees: $8,200 Cost includes tuition, housing, field trips, and emergency travel assistance coverage. Financial aid is available. The cost for Summer 2013 has not yet been announced and will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at Boston University. Additional expenses for summer.Study Abroad arranges a trans-Atlantic group flight that is not included in the program fee. It is recommended that students take this flight.
Credits	Upon successful completion of the program, students earn eight Boston University credits. Students must enroll for a total of eight credits.
Housing	Geneva Housing: Students are housed in a newly renovated student residence hall centrally located in town.  It is located on a street adjacent to Lake Geneva and only a few blocks from the main classroom/administrative building of the program. The residence is a former hotel which has been renovated to accommodate students in a dormitory-style set-up. Participants of the program are placed in doubles or triples and share bathrooms. Rooms are completely furnished. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the building. A light breakfast is provided each weekday morning. There are also communal kitchens on each floor. Sheets and basic cooking utensils will be provided. Access to public transportation, which extends to all parts of the city, is close to the facility.
Application Deadline	Summer Term: February 1

Download a description of the Geneva: Global Governance, Economic Development, and Human Rights program.

Program Staff

The Geneva: Global Governance, Economic Development, and Human Rights program is administered by staff in  our Boston and Geneva offices. In Boston, a program manager facilitates the admissions and pre-departure procedures, and maintains contact with students prior to their arrival in Geneva. The Boston Office also houses administrative personnel who are responsible for everyday operations. In Geneva, the staff comprises of a director and administrative, academic, and housing personnel.