At a Glance
Smith in Geneva: A Student's Perspective
The Curriculum
The program begins with a three-week orientation including intensive French language study, culture and history courses, and excursions. During the semester, students study in French and/or English and follow one of three tracks:
Track A. Geneva International Internship Semester
Intern at an international organization for three to four days per week; study French; take History of International Organizations and a Practicum course at the Smith Center; enroll in at least one university course. Available fall or spring. Requires 3.0 GPA. Available fall semester for students with at least one year of college-level French or equivalent and spring semester for students with any level of college French.
Track B. University Studies in French or English
Enroll in four to five Smith Center and university courses each semester, including French language. Part-time internship optional. Available for the academic year for students with two years of college-level French or equivalent; and spring for students with at least one year of French or equivalent. Requires 3.0 GPA.
Track C. Advanced Program in International Studies and Development
Enroll in two graduate-level courses at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and two to three university courses each semester. This is a highly selective program available for full-year students with a 3.5 GPA and at least two years of college-level French or equivalent. Space is limited.
Université de Genève
Students enroll with Swiss and international students in the francophone Université de Genève, European Institute and The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID). Students taking courses at The Graduate Institute must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Internship Placements
Students intern in a variety of international organizations and NGOs. Priority placement in internships is for students accepted into Track A, the International Internship Semester. A few part-time internships may be made available for students in Tracks B and C.
Recent placements have included the International Labor Organization, the Convention of the Rights of the Child, UNESCO IBE, American Citizens Abroad, International Bridges for Justice, Fédération Internationale de l'Action des Chrétiens pour l'Abolition de la Torture, and a few countries' missions (ie, Costa Rica Mission). Some internships have led to summer work placements.
The Smith Center and Faculty Director
The centrally located Smith Center houses the offices of the Smith faculty director and the resident associate director, who provide academic advising and friendly guidance. The Smith Center has a study lounge with internet, computers and a printer, a small library, a classroom and a kitchenette.
University Residence Halls
Year-long students share a modern suite with Swiss and international students at the Centre Universitaire Protestant (CUP), near the university and city center, in walking distance of campus, the Old Town and the lake. Fall or spring semester students occupy double rooms, either at Les Berges, a newly renovated landmark building located on the left bank of the Rhône river in central Geneva, or in a cozy women's residence, Home St-Pierre, located in a historic building on the cathedral square of the Vielle Ville (Old Town). All residences provide internet access.
Eligibility
Women and men from four-year colleges are invited to apply. See track descriptions for requirements.
Application Deadlines
Smith student applications for full-year or fall semester are due by February 1. Guest student applications will be accepted until March 15 on a space-available, rolling basis; applying by the February 1 deadline is encouraged.
All applications (Smith and guest) for spring semester will be accepted on a space-available, rolling basis until May 1; applying by the February deadline is encouraged.
2013-14 Program Fee
$28,625 per semester includes orientation, tuition, academic advising and course selection assistance, room, board and a lunch stipend, health insurance, medical emergency coverage, excursions and cultural activities. Students should consult their home institutions regarding financial aid assistance.
