Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to the Geneva Graduate Institute. What are you studying at the Institute?
My name is Vayunamu, and I am from Abuja, Nigeria. I got my Bachelor’s in International Relations in 2019 and started working while also planning to get my Master’s down the line. Because I did my Bachelor’s in the United States, I wanted to do my Master’s in Europe to get a different experience with both the academic approach and the general way of life. This is how I found the Institute and applied to start in the 2024 school year, continuing in the same field with the International Relations/Political Science (IRPS) programme. I also saw Geneva as a great place to be due to its opportunities and centrality.
What has your experience been like as a student in Geneva so far, and how have you connected to the student community?
Academically, I have been enjoying my programme. Hearing the perspectives of coursemates from all over the world has been great as I’ve learned so much. The course materials and the approaches of my professors have also been novel to me, and I'm glad I get to build on my previous educational experiences with this one.
My experience as a student in Geneva has been fraught with the infamous struggles of finding housing, work, and financing my studies — issues that have of course impacted the social side of the experience. Still, this has also been one way I have connected to other students, as many of us are going through the same things and can be there for each other. Volunteering at the free grocery store for students, for example, has allowed me to meet students from other institutions, make broad connections, and grow my network.
What do you hope to achieve as GISA President?
I hope to make students feel more connected and supported. My priorities include improving access to resources, strengthening community, and working to see that GISA and the administration are more proactive to student needs. I aim to foster an environment of quality work, collaboration, and reliability.
What impact would you like to see GISA have in the 2025-2026 academic year?
I would like GISA to keep on strengthening its role as a bridge between the administration and the student body, and push for student-centered support that is more proactive than reactive. I hope that the Board, the initiatives, the class reps, and the various working groups can yield tangible results that leave a positive legacy after the academic year.
What would you say to newly arriving students at the Institute?
I would say three things to the new students: get involved, make the most of your time here, and don’t be scared to ask for support when you need it. This is a new environment, so be open to new experiences and take advantage of what the Institute and Geneva have to offer. To get involved, stay informed with what is happening with the campus community, the initiatives, and also the broader Geneva community. Finally, don’t be hesitant to reach out for support when you need it. The campus community is ready to help whether it’s something academic or personal. Just contact GISA and we will connect you!