Summer Program on International Affairs

Sometimes when working close into a subject, immersed in day-to-day details, it is easy to lose sight of the larger framework. Even more so when physically working in an area and industry that have many cross-currents of opinion regarding the benefits and detriments to society, security and overall welfare. It is important to be able to take a step back from time to time, and see how other views have developed, or are developing. The compromise to be achieved is how to gain a sufficient level of informed opinion, that is relevant and challenging, in a necessarily limited period of time. This is a location-specific advantage of Geneva, the multilateral equivalent of the Silicon Valley 'cluster effect'; access to a concentration of academics and practitioners involved in many of the most important debates in international relations. A second location-specific advantage of Geneva is the place itself: a relaxed and cosmopolitan small city, without many of the pressures of larger urban centres. This enables someone coming to the Summer School to be able to think about the issues at hand rather than get swept up in, and spend time dealing with, problems of transport and issues of personal security that are unfortunately present in some other cities. The HEI Summer School, for me then, presented an opportunity to listen, learn and engage in the debates that surround my work, in a place conducive to examining them. In short, both a stimulating and relaxing environment.

Intensive - that is the best way that I can describe the HEI's Summer Programme on International Affairs and Multilateral Governance. The course featured morning classes, afternoon workshops and then sometimes lectures in the evening. But, there was also time to interact with other participants outside of the academic setting - opera, diner, excursions beyond Geneva. The setting of the HEI campus is absolutely gorgeous - right on Lake Geneva; and in the distance was my constant landmark of the Jet D'eau. Visits to international organizations - UN, ICCR, WTO, WIPO - all served to reinforce the fact that Geneva, home to so many international organizations was is a fitting location for the course. The multi-cultural blend of the participants was crucial to my enjoyment of the course, as was the experience gleaned from those in the field, and the various personal anecdotes that added to the theoretical discussions. Through HEI, I secured an internship at the International Organization for Migration, which is proving to be a wonderful experience. I am working in the Migration Policy, Research and Communications department on projects related to the International Dialogue on Migration. Perhaps the best facet of my experience in Geneva has been the people that I have met from so many parts of the world. I have made contacts and new friendships that will surely last a lifetime. For me this has been in many ways a surreal experience - and I have had ample opportunity to practice my French. I am eternally grateful for the support from my family, friends and the University of the West Indies for their support in this (ad)venture.

It has been a great pleasure for me, to be part of the 2007 summer program. I learnt so much: I have improved and updated my knowledge on Global and regional integration, Human security and conflict resolution, and health and environment. I am so grateful for your time and your hard work!