Many students used the Geneva International Students’ Program as a study abroad semester, but I was constantly amazed at the assortment of reasons that brought this group together. I wasn’t really “studying abroad” and others had come between jobs, after graduation, in consideration of a Master’s degree, or had already been in Geneva for one cause or another. The range in ages and backgrounds contributed to unique classes, opinions, and relationships. In the end, I’m surprised how well we got along!

The program itself was of an interesting design. It didn’t follow the University of Geneva’s normal system and we were rather independent. The course was divided into a series of modules, each examining a different area of study. While the cohesive theme was international relations, we examined many subjects through the lens of Switzerland and the city of Geneva. Our classes included:

• History & Sciences of Geneva
• European Law, European Integration, & Switzerland
• Multiculturalism, Plurilingualism, & Education
• International Relations & International Political Economy
• International Law

These short titles cannot capture the full scope of these classes. Even within these subjects we studied a variety of material relating to Switzerland, Europe, and global issues. Each module was also accompanied with a number of “visits” in the Geneva area in order to gain a different perspective on the material covered. We visited the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Labour Organization, Geneva’s Old Town, the Reformation Museum, and a host of other interesting places.

One of the most unique aspects of this program was the professors. Almost each week we had a different professor providing instruction on his or her area of expertise. This provided a good opportunity to get a variety of perspectives and material from multiple sources. However, the inconsistency was difficult at times. We never had a good chance to really get to know the professors, and by the time a course seemed to be really getting into the material, it was already over. This also contributed to some organizational issues. We were never certain of different professors expectations, or how exactly each would conduct their “section” on the final exam. Also, some professors seemed to view our course as an extra thing to do, just give a couple quick lectures and it was over. Others on the other hand, really cared about us. You could see it by the class organization, their passion for instruction, and desire to relate to us, even if it was only for a couple classes.

A big component of the GISP was also intense French courses. On average, we participated in French classes two to four hours a day. This was a lot, and for me, the results showed. I feel I can speak quicker and have a better grasp on the language as a whole. When we get the results of our exams, I’m hoping to have made the B2 level, which is sufficient knowledge for studying at a French speaking university. The classes were divided into three groups based on our entry level. Each group had different experiences, but my weekly classes focused on different components of the language, including oral, written, and grammer. The professors only spoke French to us, and if we struggled with words, would help us only in French. We debated, discussed, and presented on a variety of topics designed to help us integrate with every day life and current events. I felt challenged by the curriculum, and have definitely improved my French.

Overall, the Geneva International Student’s Program was a good series of courses designed to give students a wide introduction to foreign affairs and different components of European issues, particularly from the perspective of Switzerland. Like most of life, you get what you put into it. If you try and do the readings, participate in class, and attend the visits, you can gain a lot from these four months in Geneva. There were certain organizational aspects could be improved. For example, often the hosts of our visits were under the impression we were specializing in their field, and were surprised when we knew very little of the subject matter. However, I think some of these issues will be worked out with time as the program continues to develop under the new director.

I write this now to record what I’ve done these past few months, but also to offer information to anyone interest in the GISP for the future. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions! It’s been a great time, and I’ve really enjoyed my time with a great group of individuals from all around the world. It’ll be fun to see where we all go from here!

Today, coming home from school I decided to walk instead of take the tram to my bus stop across the city. I enjoyed wandering down new streets and looking through the windows of luxurious, exclusive shops where I saw employees, with calculator in hand, working one-on-one with their rich and famous customers. I crossed over the outflowing of the Rhône River and onto the city’s small island, that in medieval days formed a crossroad for trade and source of economic prosperity. I also passed by the tree-lined Parc des Bastions with its Reformation Wall, from which the figures of Calvin, Farel, Knox, and Beza keep watch over “their” city.

I’ve enjoyed experiencing the city of the genevois, renowned for their unique personality and place in Swiss culture. Geneva didn’t join the Swiss confederation until early in the 19th century. Until that point it had been more or less an independent city-state, giving it a unique flavor and appreciation of independence. This is only one of the many topics we’ve been studying in the Geneva International Students’ Program, a bilingual program designed to familiarize participants with Switzerland and the key role Geneva plays on the international stage.

This is one of the university's central buildings, "Uni Mail." I have all of my classes in here.

While a good program, it has taken some work to re-accustom myself to collegiate life once more. Waking up early, taking the bus and tram into the city, and sometimes sitting through a four hour French course, taught entirely in the language has been difficult. (One of my professors informed us he is allergic to English. . . Great way to learn, not so great to wake up!) I have also found the University of Geneva to be substantially different from any american college, and it has been good to better understand the European system of education. Hopefully I will highlight some of these differences in a later post.

One of Geneva's main shopping districts, Rive. I pass through this modern area of town each day to school.

It’s always difficult to establish yourself in a new community, but my host family has helped to make it a great transition. They are Americans, but having living abroad in Switzerland for the past four years has given them some great perspectives. I’ve fit right into the family and have enjoyed my time hanging out with the five of seven kids who still live at home. It’s a great chance to practice my English in a life where French seems to be slowly taking over!

Each day Lac Léman seems to shine a brighter blue as the days lengthen and morning birds chirp louder. As day wears on the cliffs and snow caps of Switzerland’s northern mountains, the Jura, begin to disappear in a haze, while in the opposite direction the majestic Alps come into focus and are painted a magnificent orange in the late afternoon’s direct light. On my way home I pass by the house in which Marie Shelley was inspired to write Frankenstein and across the lake sits the United Nation’s headquarters. I am constantly reminded of the beauty and diversity of where I live. By the time the Sun sets and the stars come out with lights of the opposite shore shining in the distance, I can’t help but feel rather fortunate.