Curriculum
Orientation
The year in Geneva begins with a three-week orientation to prepare students for academic and cultural life in Geneva. The orientation is organized in three parts: French language courses, familiarization with everyday life (cooking classes, practical tours, scavenger hunts), and site visits (Red Cross Museum, United Nations, US Mission, etc.)
French language classes include classroom and outside the classroom sessions in order to help students to find their way into the urban geography and culture of Geneva. Students practice oral and written French communication in immersion classes (small groups, 2-3 levels). Courses in Swiss Francophone Literature and History of Switzerland and Geneva are given to advanced and high intermediate students.
Day trips outside of the city of Geneva (par ex., Château de Chillon, Salève) conclude the orientation.
Curricular Tracks
Students apply to one of three program tracks in Geneva. Students in all tracks are expected to study French or take a course taught in French each semester. Students are expected to take at least one university course per semester.
Track A: Geneva International Internship Semester Course Requirements
Students admitted to this track intern in an international organization three to four days per week and take the following courses:
- Themes and Issues in International History: Humanitarianism, State-Building, and Development (taught in English)
- Practicum in International Organizations
- At least one university course in French or English
- French language course at the Smith Center, depending on language ability.
Track B: University Studies in French or English Course Requirements
Students admitted to this track enroll in four to five courses each semester.
- Two to three university courses in French or English, depending on language ability
- One or two Smith Center courses
- French language course at the Smith Center, depending on language ability.
Track C: Advanced Program in International Studies and Development Course Requirements
Students admitted to this track enroll in four to five courses each semester.
- Two graduate-level courses at Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, in French or English
- One to three university courses, in French or English
- French language at Smith Center, if all other courses are taught in English.
Credits
All Track A students earn 14 credits plus an additional 2 credits for orientation. All Track B and C students earn 16 credits per semester plus an additional 2 credits for orientation.
