Location:

Geneva, Switzerland

Program Type:

Intern Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Work Types:

Business, Social Sciences

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Payson Center has designed a topical, six week, summer study abroad program designed specifically for undergraduates who are interested in learning more about International Development (IDEV) in the European headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations: Geneva Switzerland. The Summer for Development program offers the unique opportunity to complete a four (4) credit summer course while also gaining field experience interning for three weeks at the esteemed International Centre for Migration, Health and Development (ICMHD).

The course offered is called Urban Resilience to Climate Change and explores the nexus between the contemporary processes of urbanization, resulting social, environmental and economic vulnerabilities and potential strategies to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate changes The “in class” portion of the course will last two weeks (June 15 – July 24, 2015) for five days a week, with at least 3 hours of class per day. Some of these class sessions will include field visits (travel time will not count as classroom time.) The course will be hosted by and held in the offices of the International Centre for Migration, Health and Development (ICMHD) on 11, Route du Nant d'Avril CH - 1214 Geneva Switzerland. ICMHD is a non-profit institution established in 1995. Its mandate is to work on research, training and policy advocacy in all areas related to migration and health. ICMHD develops, in particular, databases and information that can provide the evidence on which policies and programs can be constructed to promote and protect the health and welfare of people on the move, the people they leave behind and those they come into contact with as they move. It undertakes rapid situation assessments and formulates responses in natural and man-made disasters that displace people. It develops and implements monitoring and evaluation of evolving conditions and the impact interventions have on the health and welfare of displaced people. It has a broad network of members and cooperating partners in all regions of the world, including humanitarian relief workers, UN personnel and policy makers.

Immediately after completing their coursework, the students will conduct a three weeks internship (July 6 – 24, 2015) at the International Centre for Migration, Health, and Development (ICMHD).

Setting Description:

Beyond its stunning location in the European Alps and its wealth of amenities and public services, Geneva is home to one of the highest concentration of international organizations and non–profits in the world. The U.N. agencies spearheading programs for the main issues discussed in this course are headquartered in Geneva, be it the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for migration and refugees, or the World Health Organization (WHO) for public health. The International Red Cross Committee and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria also have their main offices in Geneva, as do dozens of smaller nonprofits and relief agencies. For students, this is the ideal location to be exposed to the day-to-day organization and workings of international development actors, and to develop contacts with these agencies. In fact, field trips to many of these agencies are included in the curriculum. Geneva is an international city, where students will enjoy ample opportunity to practice their la

Cost:

$7000