Study Abroad in Geneva...

Nestled between the Alps and Jura Mountains in the crossroads of Western Europe, Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland, after Zurich. It lies in the southwest near the border with France, at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhone flows out of the lake. Its majestic castles, pristine lakes and international organizations draw visitors from around the world, many of whom decide to stay. In fact, more than 35 percent of the city's residents are expatriates, making it very easy for study abroad students to assimilate. The city is extremely cosmopolitan, and English is widely spoken.

Education is a top priority in Switzerland, which is known to have a world-class education system with quality instructors. Home to more than 25 Nobel Prize winners, the country boasts more than 500 years of tradition in higher education. Classes are taught in French, German and Italian, and institutions of higher education have strong partnerships with industry and international organizations.

Students interested in technology management and information systems will find fine programs at the European University, in addition to programs in hospitality and multimedia. Students of physics will want to visit the CERN Laboratory (European Organization for Nuclear Research), which sits astride the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva. At CERN, the world's largest and most complex particle accelerators and detectors are used to study what happens when particles collide.

Famous for its neutrality and as a hub for international organizations, Geneva is the perfect place for students studying international relations. The World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which was founded by Geneva-native Jean-Henri Dunant are among the more than 200 international organizations based in Geneva. The League of Nations was established in 1919 and headquartered in Geneva. Students of international relations will find several choices in the city, including the International University in Geneva and the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.

Geneva is one of Europe's most powerful economic centers, making it ideal for students studying management and economics. IMD, the "International Institute for Management Development," located in nearby Lausanne, is one of the leading global business schools. Students interested in business administration, business finance and marketing should look into taking classes at the University Institute of Finance and Management. Major international corporations such as AT&T, Hewlett Packard and Reuters have a substantial presence in Switzerland, as do Motorola, Levi Strauss and Elizabeth Arden.

Religious reformer John Calvin called Geneva the "Protestant Rome," and in 1559, he founded the second-largest university in Switzerland, the University of Geneva. Offering courses in French, the university is of course an excellent choice for theology students as well as those studying the arts and architecture. Built in the 1400s and overlooking the Lake of Geneva, St. Peter's Cathedral, where Calvin preached in the 16th century, is something no student should miss. The University of Geneva also offers French and Italian language classes, plus a French studies program.

Students who choose to study abroad in Geneva will find plenty of non-academic endeavors in this truly international city. The people of Geneva can trace their ancestry back to Alpine, Nordic and Southern European peoples. The majority of the population speaks French, while many also speak German or Italian. Residents are often characterized as tolerant, and due to the international population, students studying abroad in Geneva are likely to assimilate with ease.

A trip to stunning Lake Geneva (officially called Lac Léman) will have students motor-boating in order to take in fantastic views of the city, including the famed Jet d'Eau, the world's tallest fountain with a 469-foot-high stream. Those who relish being outdoors will enjoy this "City of Parks," which can be explored by boat or walking tour. No place is better to explore than the old town, featuring the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in old town and an eclectic meeting place. Those focused on Swiss studies can trace the footsteps of such famous Geneva residents as philosopher Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire and writer Jean-Jaques Rousseau.

Geneva offers study abroad students the best of both modern cosmopolitan living and historical character, as well as convenient access to some of Switzerland's most famous ski destinations. And don't forget to bring back some of that Swiss chocolate!

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ONLINE RESOURCES
IIEPASSPORT: http://www.iiepassport.org
Official City Site: http://www.ville-ge.ch/index_e.htm
Official Tourism: http://www.geneva-tourism.ch/
State Secretariat for Education and Research: http://www.sbf.admin.ch/htm/themen/international_en.html
Swiss University Portal: http://www.atelier-cezanne.com/aix-en-provence.html
Business and Management University: http://www.bmuniversity.com
Graduate Institute of Finance and Management: http://www.ifm.ch/index-en.html

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