Fribourg, Switzerland

Host Institution(s):

Link to Third Party:
www.unifr.ch/acp/sio.htm

Switzerland Study Abroad Poster

Dates:
June 27 – July 22, 2011

Survey of International Organizations: An Overview
Interdisciplinary Focus, Multicultural Tradition, Unforgettable Experience
The SIO, through its interdisciplinary focus and method, provides participants with the intellectual tools necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly globalizing environment. The course takes place in Fribourg, Switzerland – a charming medieval city in the heart of Europe, surrounded by majestic mountains, romantic lakes and lush forests. Fribourg is famous for its bilingualism (French and German), its long-standing multicultural and humanistic tradition (and last but not least, for its delicious cheese fondue!). The stimulating course as well as the fascinating cultural environment in which the SIO takes
place guarantee an unforgettable winter/summer experience.

University of Fribourg Description:
Situated in a well-preserved medieval city, which remains genuinely bilingual, the University of Fribourg is the only university in Europe offering a full curriculum in both French and German and awarding bilingual degrees. Founded in 1889, the University today has approximately 10,000 students representing more than 110 nationalities. This international flavor is also reflected in the teaching staff, some 35% of whom are of non-Swiss origin. The University enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and research.

American College Program Description:
The American College Program (ACP) is a study abroad program at the University of Fribourg. The tradition of American students coming to Fribourg dates back almost 85 years. The ACP is one of the oldest study abroad programs available to American students and, since its inception, has hosted over 5000 participants from more than 135 North American universities.

Course Description:
Survey of International Organizations (S.I.O) interdisciplinary summer course focus:

  • International Organizations
  • International Law
  • Economics
  • Political Science
  • Policy & Advocacy

The Survey of International Organizations (SIO), established in 2003, provides students with an overview of the goals, functioning and significance of key international organizations in today’s fast changing global environment. The course examines the achievements and failures of some of the world’s most important economic, political and humanitarian organizations from an interdisciplinary perspective. The SIO offers students an intellectually stimulating, innovative and diverse program of study in a safe environment, with maximum exposure to the cultural and political life of contemporary Switzerland, Europe and the world of international diplomacy.

The goal of the Survey of International Organizations is to equip participants with a well rounded set of analytical tools that will help them to assess the past, present and the future roles of international organizations in addressing important global challenges, including international conflicts, disarmament, humanitarian aid, global warming, and human rights.

Course Structure:
The structure of the SIO revolves around regular coursework and relevant study visits. The interdisciplinary course is organized into modules in various areas of study including economics, political science, international relations and international law. Class meetings are held three to four days a week, with one or two days reserved for on-site visits allowing students to see the day-to-day operations and meet with senior representatives of major international organizations, such as the United Nations, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Labor Organization, the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross (all based in Geneva), as well as the E.U. Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights in nearby Strasbourg, France.

Credits:
5-6 credits

Prerequisites:
3.0 GPA is required.

Cost:
$ 3,650 cost includes, housing, 20 meals, and Excursions. Cost does not include Airfare, and personal expenses.

Application Deadline:
March 15, 2011

Application Details:
Must complete Lasallian Consortium application for this program along with the S.I.O application. In addition to the above applications, please submit the following:

  • Short letter explaining your interest in the program
  • $23 (Check made out to La Salle University) for International Insurance Card (I.S.I.C.)
  • A Copy of your passport
  • 4 passport photos
  • Official Transcript

For more information, please visit La Sallian International Programs Consortium.