Academics

Field of Study: Social Sciences 

Take your classroom discovery of global and international studies into the world in this enriching program from the Global Studies Institute at the University of Geneva. A series of interdisciplinary courses highlight such topics as international trade, politics, economics and management, the environment, human rights, migration, and global health. Following the spring term, you have the option to participate in an full-time summer internship with a local organization or company on the Spring + Summer Internship package.

Unique study opportunities

  • Visit international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Labor Organization through a course on International Geneva.
  • Explore the complexities of environmental diplomacy and international environmental law.
  • Take an interactive Model United Nations seminar.
  • Study development economics and international business at the Faculty of Economics and Management.
  • Gain international work experience interning at a local, non-governmental, or international organization on the Spring + Summer Internship package.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

French Language Study: Required 

The University of Geneva offers courses taught in English and French, with French-taught courses available to students with requisite language skills.  

A French language course is required during the semester. Courses are available from beginner to advanced levels and the higher levels include theme-based offerings. Language instruction is split into written, oral, and grammar sections; you'll enroll in two sections that combine into one UC course typically worth 5.5 quarter/3.7 semester UC units. If you have completed two or more years of university-level French, you can replace the French language course with an elective course taught in French.

Prior to arrival, a placement exam will help determine your French language level. 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Five courses for a minimum of 25 quarter/16.5 semester UC units
  • One French language course; a combination of two sections from written, oral, and grammar themes. Students with two years of university-level French can substitute with an elective course taught in French
  • You may take two courses for pass/no pass

Current Program Courses

In addition to your French language course, you’ll choose four elective courses. The University of Geneva has a limited selection of courses taught in English. If you have two years of university-level French, you have access to a broader range of courses taught in French.

Global Studies Institute

As a UCEAP student, you will take courses at the Bachelor level through the University of Geneva’s Global Studies Institute. Courses vary by year and discuss topics including international relations, environmental diplomacy and sustainable development, economics and management, international law and foreign policy, political science, migration, and technology. Most courses are upper division and range from 5-6 quarter/3.3-4 semester UC units.

A Model United Nations Seminar provides an interactive simulation to develop practical skills in negotiation and public speaking. A course on International Geneva explores a range of global issues and involves visits to organizations around Geneva and guest lecturers from local organizations. 

Faculty of Economics and Management

Economics majors with a strong background in the subject may also access courses at the Faculty of Economics and Management. Courses cover topics such as business and human rights, development economics, and international management. Eligible students may be able to take one to two courses with approval to supplement coursework at the Global Studies Institute. 

Course Restrictions

The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) offered through UNIGE do not receive UC credit; they do not carry any credit at the host institution and have no form of assessment. These courses do not count towards your program requirements.

Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.

Catalogs and resources

  • Global Studies Institute Course Catalog: Filter by language of instruction and term and look for courses at the Bachelor level.
  • Faculty of Economics and Management Course Catalog: For eligible Economics majors. Filter by language of instruction and term and look for courses at the Bachelor level.
  • French as a Foreign Language Courses: Language instruction is split into written, oral, and grammar sections; you’ll enroll in two sections that combine into one UC course.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

This program is an ideal environment for challenging your independence and self-sufficiency. Navigating daily life and classes will take a proactive and responsible approach.  

The structure and format of each course is determined by the professor. The online course catalog will list the dates and times of the class meetings and whether they are in lecture or seminar format. Courses tend to have few in-class contact hours per week. 

Reading and self-study outside of class is key to success. Homework and assessment will vary greatly between professors. Each professor will determine the format of the assessment, number of exams, and take-home assignments. Syllabi are not available before the program; however the University of Geneva website does provide full course descriptions in their course catalog.  

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.

Grades for the spring semester are typically available in late August.​ Grades for the summer internship are typically available in mid-September. 

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.