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GENEVA INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

The next Summer School will take place 7-19 July 2013. The deadline for applications has now passed.

The Summer School provides an introduction to the work of the United Nations, as seen through the programmes of QUNO Geneva.

During Summer School there are talks by staff of the UN, non-governmental organisations and diplomats, as well as informal discussion sessions and visits to organizations such as the UN's Geneva Headquarters, the International Committee of the Red Cross or the World Trade Organization.

Emphasis is given to formal and informal discussion sessions so that the 25 summer school participants can gain in-depth understanding of the issues at stake and the dynamics that shape work on these issues. A variety of learning techniques are employed, including lectures, small group discussions, role plays and workshops.

To read a past Summer School programme, please click here

To read a past Summer School background reading list, please click here
To read articles about the Summer School by former participants, please click here.

The twelve days in Geneva are not all work - Geneva is surrounded by magnificent walking country and has a lake to swim in. Geneva itself is a fascinating city with some particularly fine historic buildings and many cultural and recreational activities.

WHO CAN APPLY?

No formal qualifications are necessary. However an active interest in international affairs is needed, as well as the desire to share understanding with others.

English is the working language used throughout the programme: fluent English is essential for those taking part. Participants' ages range from 20 - 26.

Participation is not limited to Quakers, although they are usually in the majority. We welcome applications from anywhere in the world. Applicants from outside the EU/Switzerland will need a visa, and QUNO assists with visa applications.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

Participants stay in single-sex dormitories at a hostel in Geneva. Breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal are provided. Participants will be expected to share in some domestic duties involved in preparation for meals at Quaker House.

The participation fee for the Summer School is £590, which goes towards the costs of accommodation, programme and meals. Travel costs to Geneva and spending money are not included. Some suggestions on how to seek financial help will be provided if you are accepted; however if possible, applicants are encouraged to seek funds from their own Meetings.

Unfortunately Quaker House is not equipped with wheelchair access – although we are seeking to remedy this and can in most cases provide assistance to permit participation of participants with disabilities. If you have a disability or have other special needs and would like to apply for the Summer School, please write to us at the address below, well in advance of the application deadline, in order that we may make the necessary arrangements.

HOW TO APPLY

We usually receive more applications than there are places available. Selection is made by a special group and letters informing applicants if they have been accepted will be sent to all applicants by mid-April.

Participants will be required to pay a deposit of £100 on acceptance of a place in the Summer School.

For further information, please contact Helen Bradford, Friends House, London, helenb@quaker.org.uk