Survey of International Organizations

  Switzerland

Fribourg

Term: Summer 
Dates: July

Description: The Survey of International Organizations (SIO) provides an overview of the purpose, functions and significance of international organizations based in Switzerland and other parts of Europe. It shows what these economic, political and humanitarian organizations are trying to achieve and why they are more critical than ever in today's world.

The structure of the program revolves around regular coursework and relevant field visits. The interdisciplinary courses are organized into modules in the following fields of study: economics, political science, law, and religion. The courses are held from Mondays to Thursdays with the remaining time allotted for students to see the day-to-day operation and meet with distinguished representatives of the major international organizations based in Geneva, such as the United Nations, UNHCR, the International Labor Organization, the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. In addition to Geneva, the SIO has scheduled an excursion to the EU Parliament, the European Court for Human Rights, and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France.

The Survey of International Organizations offers students an intellectually stimulating, innovative and diverse program of study and maximum exposure to the cultural and political life of contemporary Switzerland, Europe and the world of international diplomacy.

Highlights: Interdisciplinary Studies

Operating in an increasingly interdependent world, and in particular in international organizations, requires interdisciplinary thinking. The University of Fribourg is uniquely well suited to provide such an education as it has a long-standing and innovative tradition in interdisciplinary studies and has always served as a meeting ground for the world's diverse races, religions and cultures.

On-site Visits

- Geneva: UN, UNHCR, ILO, WTO, WHO, ICRC,
- Strasbourg: EU Parliament, European Court for Human Rights, Council of Europe

Cost in US$: $ 3500

- Approx. 100 hours of contact time over a four-week period
- On-site visits to international organizations in Geneva and Strasbourg
- Housing
- 2 meals per day
- Books and Class Reader
- Special events
- Excursions

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Switzerland Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

American College Program - University of Fribourg's Mission Statement: The American College Program (ACP) offers students an intellectually challenging and diverse program of study meeting the high academic standards of this leading Swiss university. The program involves full immersion in the French and German language, enrollment directly into courses at the University of Fribourg, access to university libraries, and maximum exposure to the cultural and political life of contemporary Switzerland and Europe.

Year Founded: 1925