Geneva Summer Abroad Program on Trade, Technology and Development

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
Trade, Technology and Development
JUNE 24 - JULY 13, 2010


Information session - Nov. 19, 2009, 5-6:30 p.m. in Healy room 104
Georgetown University campus
R.S.V.P. to kersth@georgetown.edu


Geneva and the Jet d'eau

“…Here is how I would sum up the immense value of the Geneva Program -- for those who want a general public tour of the United Nations or the World Trade Organization, call the number on the website. But for those who also want to attend exclusive meetings with chief negotiators, debate crucial questions of global governance with professors and students from around the world, and spend a summer hiking, swimming, and hearing both Grand Opera and French Reggae in one of the most beautiful places on earth, apply to the Geneva Program!" ~Sarah Thompson, CCT Master of Arts candidate, Georgetown University, Summer 2008 Participant

Why Geneva?

As the hub of international governance, Geneva is an ideal location to study the World Trade Organization and trade, technology and development. This six-credit graduate program is unique in that it looks at technology's growing and dynamic role in developing country economies - such as in creative industries, telecommunications and other services.

The program is priced competitively, so students can earn six credits for less than the cost of six credits taken on the Georgetown campus during the academic year.


Program Overview and Information

The program’s specific areas of study are:

• International Trade and World Trading System
• Legal Frameworks for and Political Implications of Trade  Liberalization
• Trade and Economic Development
• Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
• Global Services Economy

The Geneva Program offers students on-site, behind-the-scenes visits with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and missions to the WTO, United Nations organizations, and missions of developing countries. Students will also network with practitioners and academic experts via workshops, simulations, discussions, and classroom lectures.

The program lasts just under three weeks and is an intensive program, with classes meeting Monday-Friday roughly 9-5 each day.  It is hosted by the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

Students earn six graduate credits from Georgetown University upon completion of the program.

The program is open to graduate students. Undergraduate juniors and seniors can apply with permission of the Geneva Program Director.  Students from outside Georgetown are also welcome to apply with the same caveat.

Georgetown students - The program counts toward the International Business Diplomacy (IBD) Certificate, with approval from IBD.

Dr. JP Singh, Associate Professor of Communication, Culture & Technology, serves as the Program Director.

Dates and Deadlines
Program dates: June 24-July 13, 2010

December 1, 2009: Early application deadline

February 1, 2010: Regular application deadline 

Apply online at http://oip.georgetown.edu/os

Language of Instruction
English

Coursework

Students enroll in CCTP 788 Trade Technology and Development for six Georgetown graduate credits.

Students outside of the Georgetown CCT graduate program, should check with their home departments to verify that the courses can be counted toward their degree requirements.

Students also receive a Graduate Institute certificate.

CCTP-788 Trade, Technology and Development (6 credits)


The Graduate Institute campus - The Barton Villa    

• Course meets June 25-July 12, 2010
• Week 1 focus on core features and current issues in the world trading system
• Week 2 focus on development and trade in manufacturing, agriculture and services
• Taught by Dr. J.P. Singh, Associate Professor of Communication, Culture & Technology at Georgetown University and by practitioners and faculty from the Graduate Institute in Geneva
• Includes lectures, discussion, simulations, and on-site visits to various international organizations and missions.

Faculty

The courses in the program are taught by a number of distinguished scholars including:

  • Dr. JP Singh
    CCT Geneva Program Director, Associate Professor of Communication, Culture & Technology
  • Faculty from the Graduate Institute to be posted soon....

 

 

Costs

The program fee for Summer 2010 will be released in late November 2009, but it is expected to be much less than the cost of taking six credits on the Georgetown main campus in the summer.  The fee includes tuition, housing in single rooms, health insurance, some meals as part of excursions and events, excursions, and public transportation within Geneva.  Airfare to/from Geneva, passport fees, most meals, and other individual expenses are not included in this fee.


Funding and Scholarships
For information about scholarships and financial aid, refer the Office of International Programs' website.

If you receive federal financial aid, contact your financial aid counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services to ask about a funding plan for a summer course of study.

Accommodations
Students reside in single rooms as the former Carlton Hotel in Geneva.  Rooms have small kitchens and private baths.

What to Do in Geneva
The immediate area around the hotel, the Les Paquis neighborhood, features a variety of ethnic restaurants, bars, cinemas and supermarkets.

Geneva also offers lots of opportunities open air summer concerts, movies, and is a great base for for cycling, exploring the Swiss countryside, and hiking.

There are also a number of cultural events scheduled to occur during the summertime in Geneva. One of the largest being the Montreaux Jazz Festival.

Geneva has an excellent public transportation system including trams, trains, buses and taxis. Every student will receive a Geneva Free Transportation Card, providing free, unlimited transportation within Geneva for the duration of the trip.

For more information about things to do in Geneva, check out the Geneva Tourism site.

CCT Geneva Blog

Check out the day-to-day activities in Geneva on the CCT Geneva blog. The site features pictures and detailed descriptions of the events that occurred as part of the program.


Admission Requirements  

The program is open to graduate students and advanced undergraduates, with approval, from Georgetown and other U.S. institutions. 

To apply, students must submit the following:

  • Application
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of interest
  • Transcript(s)
  • and other supplemental materials listed on application form

How to Apply

December 1, 2009: Early Application Deadline
February 1, 2010: Regular Application Deadline

Apply online: oip.georgetown.edu/os

Program Alumni Comments

Summer 2008

"Like many prospective students, I was first drawn to the CCT graduate program because of its cutting-edge coursework. When I discovered that CCT also offered the Geneva Program, I knew this was the right program for me. As someone who had worked several years in international diplomacy but also wanted to study the history, rationale, and current challenges of global governance, I recognized that Geneva was my Raison d'être.

Here is how I would sum up the immense value of the Geneva Program -- for those who want a general public tour of the United Nations or the World Trade Organization, call the number on the website. But for those who also want to attend exclusive meetings with chief negotiators, debate crucial questions of global governance with professors and students from around the world, and spend a summer hiking, swimming, and hearing both Grand Opera and French Reggae in one of the most beautiful places on earth, apply to the Geneva Program!"

-Sarah Thompson, CCT Master of Arts candidate, Georgetown University

"The program in Geneva was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I've had in my academic career. I learned more information about more topics than I ever thought possible in such a short time. As intense as it was at times, it was a worthwhile experience and it continues to have a positive impact on me, both personally and professionally."

-Katrina Pariera, CCT Master of Arts candidate, Georgetown University

"The Geneva Program was an intense and unforgettable experience. Waking up every morning and seeing the gorgeous scenery of Lake Geneva was amazing! I majored in political science and international relations as an undergrad, and the Geneva Program allowed me to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of global governance and trade issues. I highly recommend the program -- whether or not you have a background in IR."

-Kristine Quinio, CCT Master of Arts candidate, Georgetown University

"CCT's summer program in Geneva entitled Globalization, Governance, and Technology, is without a doubt one of the most rewarding experiences I have had at Georgetown. As an International Business Diplomacy (IBD) Certificate Candidate, I felt that these courses complemented the IBD courses I had already taken and that it went one step farther in bringing many of the themes together. The courses are challenging and thought provoking; discussions with important business, government, and political leaders and scholars led to intellectually stimulating discussions and debate. More specifically, the Geneva Program allowed me to see more of the diplomatic and political side of the IBD certificate, while still learning nuances in the economic realm through classes such as The Global Services Economy. Essentially the Geneva Program brings many of the issues to life, allowing students to watch and take part in the debate regarding issues such as the WTO, regionalism, globalization, human security, technology and international governance as the experts themselves are going through it. I highly recommend this program and truly believe that it has given me an immense value added for any career I choose."

- Juliana Michelsen, School of Foreign Service, International Business Diplomacy certificate, Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree candidate, Georgetown University

Summer 2007

"Before Geneva, my concept of the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the United Nations, the International Telecommunications Union, and other international institutions was nebulous to say the least. However, after visiting these institutions and watching them in action, I was able to develop a clearer concept and understanding on how international policies are created and implemented. The exposure to live and current issues was fascinating to witness firsthand and observe how negotiations over complex and contentious issues are carried out amongst country representatives."

- Alex DeJong, CCT '09

"I felt like I really got a feel for the city life and how these international organizations work. I felt really lucky to be in such a beautiful city and have access to some of the greatest minds in these international organizations.

Another perk was being in class with students from all over the world. It was really beneficial to be exposed to so many different opinions that I hadn't considered before."

- Kalliope Kokolis, CCT '09

Summer 2006

"Here are some of the things I loved about the trip:

  • Lecture from the Chief Economist of the WTO (a really unprecedented opportunity)
  • The Geneva music festival
  • Seeing how some countries leaders do not live in fear for their lives (the parliament building in Geneva completely unguarded)
  • Really friendly people at La Terrasse.
  • I also think a lot about how surreal it looks on a sunny day - a lake in Switzerland, bordering France, Mont Blanc in the backdrop, a perpetual rainbow in the fountain, swans swimming around, and businesspeople on their lunch breaks having picnics on the grass and park benches surrounded by blooming flowers.
- Alaina Harris, CCT '07
Contact

Please contact Heather Kerst if you have additional questions.

Please note that Georgetown University reserves the right to adjust program fees or cancel any program without prior notification; however, every effort will be made to provide information on cancellations in a timely manner. In the event of cancellation, Georgetown University will refund program deposits and 100% of recoverable program fees.

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