Smith in Geneva
Home to the United Nations, Geneva is a cosmopolitan city located on the beautiful Lac Léman. Study at the University of Geneva or at the Graduate Institute for International Studies and Development. International internship opportunities are available with human rights, security, environment and development organizations.
Application Deadline
Smith student applications for the 2024–25 academic year, fall 2024, and for spring 2025 are due by Monday, February 5, 2024. Smith Programs Abroad accept applications from students of any gender identity. Guest student applications will be accepted until the second Monday in March (March 11, 2024) on a space-available, rolling basis; applying by the February deadline is encouraged.
The Curriculum
The program begins with a three-week orientation including intensive French language study, culture and history courses, and excursions. During the semester, students study in French and/or English and follow one of the three program tracks.
Choose Your Curricular Track
Track A: International Internship Program
Intern at an international organization at least three days per week; study French; take the core International Relations and Practicum courses at the Smith Center; enroll in at least one Graduate Institute or University of Geneva course. Available fall or spring; can be combined with Track B or C for a year-long option. Applicants for the fall semester may apply with no prior French study. Applicants for the spring semester are expected to have at least one semester of college-level French or the equivalent.
Track B: University Studies Program
This track welcomes students from every discipline in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Students take French at the Smith Center and choose additional courses at the University of Geneva according to their interests, major and level of French. Available for the academic year for students with two years of college-level French or equivalent; and spring for students with at least one year of French or equivalent.
Track C: International Relations Program
Enroll in four Smith Center and Graduate Institute courses each semester, including French language. Take a core International Relations course at the Smith Center along with other International Studies/Development courses at the Graduate Institute. Together with other undergrads, follow the Graduate Institute “mentorship program” (visits in International Geneva institutions and presentations by international professionals). Available fall or spring. Can be combined with Tracks A or B for a year-long option. Applicants for the fall semester may apply with no prior French study. Applicants for the spring semester are expected to have at least one semester of college-level French or the equivalent.
Resident Academic Director: Geneviève Piron, Ph.D.
Smith Faculty Liaison: Brent Durbin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Government
Local program staff: Patile Minassian
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 (practical tours, scavenger hunts), and site visits (City Tours, United Nations, Museums, 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.
A two-day trip outside the city of Geneva (for ex., Burgundy, Swiss Mountains) concludes the orientation.
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 of Geneva or Graduate Institute course per semester. Please note that the University of Geneva is a French-speaking institution.
Course Requirements by Curricular Track
Track A: International Internship Program
Students admitted to this track intern in an international organization at least three days per week and take the following courses:
- International Relations core course (for 2024–25, TBC)
- Practicum in International Organizations
- At least one Graduate Institute course (under some circumstances, replaced by a course at the University of Geneva), in French or English
- French language course at the Smith Center, depending on language ability
Track B: University Studies Program
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: International Relations Program
Students admitted to this track enroll in four to five courses each semester.
- Two courses at the Graduate Institute (usually in English, French available), one at the undergrad level and one at the Master level.
- Smith Center core course: International Relations core course (for 2024–25, TBC) (taught in English)
- French language course at the Smith Center, depending on language ability
- One additional university course in French or English may be available with permission of the Director and Smith College
Recent Internship Placements
A sample of recent internship placements includes:
- American Citizens Abroad (ACA)
- Centre Catholique International de Genève (CCIG)
- Child Rights Connect (CRC)
- CUTS International
- Defense for Children International (DCI)
- Democrats Abroad
- Indigenous People’s Center for Documentation, Research and Information (DOCIP)
- Fédération internationale de l'Action des chrétiens pour l'abolition de la torture (FIACAT)
- Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP)
- The Geneva Observer
- Geneva Water Hub
- Global Migration Policy Association (GMPA)
- Gold Standard
- International Bridges to Justice (IBJ)
- International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC)
- International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA)
- International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- International Publishers Association (IPA)
- Kenes Associations Worldwide
- Plan International
- UNEP-Grid
- World Jewish Congress
- World Heart Federation (WHF)
- Zoï Environment Network
Program Dates
Life in Geneva
Applying
Accepted Students
For resources and information about the Swiss visa application process, please visit the Geneva Accepted Students website.