2007 Testimonials

USA
2007 Summer Programme on the WTO, International Trade and Development
When I arrived in Geneva for the WTO Studies Program in 2007 I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Would it be a worthwhile educational program? Am I going to gain personally out of the experience? Would I gain special insight into the topic of international trade law? My answer to all of those questions quickly became 'yes'. One thing that I did not expect was such a variety of professors, trade professionals, businessmen, and scholars who not only taught relevant and important trade issues, but also engaged in passionate debate and discussion. Outside of the classroom, students were able to attend lectures, tutorials and site visits. From these activities, we came into contact with many prominent officials and made a variety of business contacts and at the same time, gained real insights into international trade policy. The size of the program was perfect as everyone was able to engage in discussion and activities. In addition, having a mixture of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as mid-career professionals ranging in age from nineteen to fifty, showed the vast diversity of the program and helped to 'broaden our horizons'. Also, the program directors did a wonderful job of organizing social and cultural gatherings that provided a well-rounded experience and highlighted all the wonderful qualities of Geneva. The program overall was an enriching experience not just educationally, but also personally. Geneva is truly a quant cosmopolitan city that I would love to call home some day.

 

USA
2007 Summer Programme on the WTO, International Trade and Development

I enrolled in the Summer Program on WTO studies as a means to reposition myself in job market. The summer program on WTO studies was the perfect fit. The WTO studies program provides a combination of intensive lectures and tangible experiences through various WTO missions and trade organizations, and evening lectures on current trade issues. This structure provides a core course curriculum, while allowing each student the opportunity to customize their experience based upon their set of preferences. The WTO studies program was valuable academically, and the students selected to participate are of a high quality. I would encourage any student interested in trade policy to apply to this program and not think twice about attending. Since I attended the program, I have accepted a research position at The World Bank. During the interview process it became apparent that I was being considered for the position, in large part, because of my participation in the WTO studies summer program at the Graduate Institute. 

Attorney, Mexico City, Mexico
2007 Summer Programme on the WTO, International Trade and Development

As a lawyer interested in international trade law, I found this program to be extremely useful. Having the best professors in the field and being able to discuss the topics instead of just attending a lecture allows the student to fully understand the world trading system. Additionally, visiting the World Trade Organization building as well as several missions of Member States to the WTO, international organizations and law firms gives the student a practical understanding of the development of international trade law. I would highly recommend this program to any student, lawyer or economist interested in international trade law.

United Kingdom / Switzerland
2007 Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance

Sometimes when working closely on a subject, immersed in day-to-day details, it is easy to lose sight of the larger framework. Even more so when physically working in an area and industry that has many cross-currents of opinion regarding the benefits and detriments to society, security and overall welfare. It is important to be able to take a step back from time to time, and see how other views have developed, or are developing. The compromise to be achieved is how to gain a sufficient level of informed opinion, that is relevant and challenging, in a necessarily limited period of time.

This is a location-specific advantage of Geneva, the multilateral equivalent of the Silicon Valley 'cluster effect'; access to a concentration of academics and practitioners involved in many of the most important debates in international relations. A second location-specific advantage of Geneva is the place itself: a relaxed and cosmopolitan small city, without many of the pressures of larger urban centres. This enables someone coming to the Summer Programme to be able to think about the issues at hand rather than get swept up in, and spend time dealing with, problems of transport and issues of personal security that are unfortunately present in some other cities.

The Graduate Institute's Summer Programme, for me then, presented an opportunity to listen, learn and engage in the debates that surround my work, in a place conducive to examining them.

In short, both a stimulating and relaxing environment.

Barbados
2007 Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance

Intensive - that is the best way that I can describe the Graduate Institute's Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance. The course featured morning classes, afternoon workshops and then sometimes lectures in the evening. But, there was also time to interact with other participants outside of the academic setting - opera, dinner, excursions beyond Geneva. The setting of the Graduate Institute campus is absolutely gorgeous - right on Lake Geneva; and in the distance was my constant landmark of the Jet D'eau. Visits to international organisations - UN, ICCR, WTO, WIPO - all served to reinforce the fact that Geneva, home to so many international organisations, is a fitting location for the Summer Programme.

The multi-cultural blend of the participants was crucial to my enjoyment of the course, as was the experience gleaned from those in the field, and the various personal anecdotes that added to the theoretical discussions. Through the Graduate Institute, I secured an internship at the International Organization for Migration, which is proving to be a wonderful experience. I am working in the Migration Policy, Research and Communications department on projects related to the International Dialogue on Migration.

Perhaps the best facet of my experience in Geneva has been the people that I have met from so many parts of the world. I have made contacts and new friendships that will surely last a lifetime. For me, this has been in many ways a surreal experience, and I have had ample opportunity to practise my French. I am eternally grateful for the support from my family, friends and the University of the West Indies for their support in this (ad)venture.

South Korea
2007 Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance

The short summer study in the Graduate Institute was the 'once in a life time experience' for me. As the hub of international governance, Geneva was a unique location to study globalisation, governance and technology, as the programme was titled. The Summer Programme enabled me to develop the precious relationship with the extraordinary people, who had different backgrounds from all over the world, in and outside of the classroom. Along with the regular curriculum, the programme provided many events with different the guest speakers. Participating in the events was the priceless opportunity to learn the insightful views on current international affairs from the working professionals from the different international organisations.

Geneva itself is a pleasant city to be around. It provided me not only the beautiful nature to enjoy but also a lot to think about, such as the role of myself as a world citizen. After attending the Summer Programme in Geneva, with the unforgettable experience at the Graduate Institute, I had an opportunity to discover a new part of myself. I will miss Geneva and the Graduate Institute a lot.