“I actually really like geopolitics”

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If you’ve read my other blog posts you would know that I’m known for writing these at the most inopportune times. Currently, I’m sitting in a 2.5 hour lecture on Swiss culture and politics. But, seriously, name one person who can sit through that long of a lecture and concentrate the whole time? It’s for sure not me, so here I am to talk about some of the things I’ve done while here in Switzerland.

For starters, my program is focused on international relations and diplomacy, and being based in Geneva allows for a lot of opportunities to experience international organizations. One such of these is the United Nations offices. Just last week we were taken on a tour of the grounds and listened to a Human Rights Council meeting concerned with the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A cool thing about the UN offices here is that back when the land was given for the UN to be built on, there were peacocks living there. So, part of the deal to build on the land was that the peacock got to stay. Because of this there are still a number of them there and can be found wandering quite close to the buildings. More so, during our tour, we were taken into the library stacks, of which there are TEN FLOORS worth of books. In these stacks were the dozens of books that recorded the Nuremberg trials.

This is just one of the examples of insane culture and history housed here in Geneva. Another example would be the Red Cross museum that we will tour later this week. These are just a few of the international organizations that operate here and my program opens the door to getting interviews, tours, and insider information.

For those who don’t know how SIT programs work, the first two months are jam-packed with classes and the third month is almost completely free of classes in exchange for the time to write an Independent Study Project (ISP). The point of this ISP is to connect with local NGOs, organizations, or experts. The current idea for my project would lead me to groups like the African Union, European Union, and potentially even ambassadors or representatives from UN member states.

When people think about studying abroad they mostly focus on the travel part, about how many countries someone can cross off in four months. But what I really want to focus on this semester is the academics, because it is equally important (despite my insistence to write blog posts during class or study time). I am absolutely blessed to have the opportunity to come here and expand my scope of knowledge and hopefully my future career.

  • A nighttime scene with a pathway along a body of water, where people are walking. On the left side, colorful laser beams in red, green, blue, and purple shoot across the sky from a point among the trees, creating a striking visual effect. The trees are bare, suggesting a winter setting. On the right, the water reflects the lights from buildings and structures along the opposite bank. The sky is darkening, with a hint of twilight. Strings of lights are also visible, running parallel to the path.
  • Three young adults are seated at a conference table with a wooden geometric pattern on the front. The two young men on the left are shaking hands, with the one on the left wearing a white shirt and the one in the middle wearing a dark suit and tie. The young woman on the right is smiling and wearing a black blazer. Each person has a nameplate in front of them, featuring a circular emblem that resembles a United Nations logo. The background is a wooden panel wall.
  • Shelves filled with large, blue hardcover volumes. The spines of the books are labeled with "Nuremberg Military Tribunals" and "Case 1 - 3 Brands" along with volume numbers. Some books have yellow labels with additional information. The shelves are metal and painted green. The books are neatly arranged, and there are a few yellow-covered volumes interspersed among the blue ones.
  • A young woman is standing in front of a large building with the words "UNITED NATIONS" and "NATIONS UNIES" displayed prominently at the top. She is wearing a black suit with a red top underneath and is smiling at the camera. The building has a classic architectural style with tall windows and a light stone facade. The sky is overcast, and there is a road in the foreground with a grassy area separating it from the building.
  • A narrow river flows between two rows of buildings, with a series of international flags hanging along the railings on both sides. The buildings have a mix of traditional and modern architectural styles, with wooden and stone elements. The flags include those of Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Hungary, among others. In the background, there are more buildings and a hillside covered with trees. The scene has a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.
  • A peacock is standing on a concrete surface, viewed through a glass window. Its vibrant tail feathers are spread out behind it, displaying the characteristic eye-like patterns in shades of green and blue. The peacock's head is turned slightly to the side, showing its deep blue neck and head with a small crest on top. To the right, there is a yellow metal structure, possibly part of a bike rack or stand, and to the left, there is a metal frame, likely another part of a bike rack. The overall setting appears to be an outdoor area, possibly a patio or sidewalk.
  • A large, modern conference hall with rows of seats and desks equipped with individual screens and microphones. The ceiling has an intricate wooden design with triangular patterns, giving it a sophisticated look. The walls are also adorned with wood paneling, and there is a large screen at the front of the room. The seating is arranged in a semi-circular fashion, typical of a parliamentary or assembly setting.
  • A group of seven people is seated behind a long, elevated desk in a formal setting, likely a conference or meeting room. Each person has a nameplate in front of them. The room features a large, blank screen behind the group and several rows of seats with individual monitors in front of them. The individuals are dressed in formal attire, such as suits and blazers.

Profite bien cette semaine!

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