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International Affairs with the Graduate Institute Virtual for Summer 2021 - from Geneva, Switzerland

lush green garden area with flowers and trees on the edge of Lake Geneva

The Graduate Institute's Summer Program on International Affairs provides students a unique opportunity to examine and understand the role international organizations to protect and ensure human rights and humanitarian action, health and environment, and global migration. Throughout the program, an interdisciplinary approach allows students to acquire knowledge in Political Science, International Relations, International Economics and International History. More specifics on this year's modules can be are listed under course details.

Program Dates

June 16-July 14, 2021 (dates are tentative). The online schedule is still being finalized, but students will have two options for participation based on their time zone. 

Program fee

Students will be responsible for 3-credits AU tuition for their participation in the program. 

Course Details

Students will be involved in lectures and discussions that will deal with the international organizations and how global governance tackles some of our worlds' most pressing issues. 

AU Students are required to select at least three modules to receive 3 AU credits. Please note, due to limited space for AU students in this program, only students wishing to receive 3 AU credits for the program may apply (i.e., applications for two or fewer modules will not be accepted).  

Important: Please list the three modules you wish to take in your Statement of Interest. 

  • Module One June 16-19: Cinema, International Relations and Human Rights' Advocacy
  • Module Two June 21-23: Security and Insecurity Today
  • Module Three June 28-30: Humanitarianism: Its History and Politics
  • Module Four July 5-7: Governance of Global Health in the 21st Century
  • Module Five July 12-14: Digital Technologies and International Relations

During the course, participants may have the opportunity to virtually interact with top officials and connect with international organizations. Students from around the world will participate in the program, creating not only an opportunity to network with others across disciplines and sectors, but across many international borders.

At the end of the 3 modules, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the founding and functioning of international institutions
  • Analyze their cooperation challenges in specific cases, such as migration issues
  • Appraise key global issues such as security, human rights, humanitarian action, climate change and the environment
  • Engage with leading academics and practitioners about the future of such challenges

Application Deadline

March 22, 2021

Important: AU Students are required to select three modules to receive three AU credits. Due to limited availability, we can only accept applications from students wishing to receive three credits. Please list the three modules you wish to take in your Statement of Interest. 

If more space is available, applications will move to a rolling basis after this deadline until early April. You will be notified by email with a decision regarding your application for the program.

Please note: This program is competitive and submitting an application does not guarantee admission.

Apply Now

Suggested Program Match

The interdisciplinary nature of the program is designed for graduate students with an interest in international affairs, global governance, and international organizations, and is ideal for those who wish to improve their knowledge and expertise of current issues in global governance negotiations.