SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Global Health and Development Policy
- Location(s): Geneva, Switzerland
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad
Request Info
(For American Students)
Examine models of health systems and development policy in Geneva and the surrounding region, the world’s capital for international organizations dedicated to public health, social justice, and sustainable development.The program investigates prom... read more
All Reviews
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned about the cultures of the countries we lived in, and about how they approach issues of public health, government, diplomacy, etc. This was very beneficial to me in terms of thinking about future career paths. I continued to learn how the rest of the world views the US, which is not the way... Talia - Wesleyan University View Entire Review
This was honestly one of the best experiences of my college career. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and I learned so many things that I would not have learned in the typical classroom setting. It gave me clarity as to what kind of career path I would like to follow post graduation. A student - George Washington University View Entire Review
I learned more about what it is like to work in humanitarian aid and global health. By visiting and hearing from different organizations, I got a clearer idea of the possible careers and workplaces in this field. Josie - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
I definitely learned that stepping out of my comfort zone was such a good thing. I feel like I can go anywhere now and have as many adventures as I want! Takisha Edwards - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. With this program especially, you have to take and seek the opportunities given you. You won't be forced into it. TRAVEL. Switzerland is int he middle of Europe and traveling is super cheap. Definitely do it. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I got a lot of life experience and a great overview of the health network globally as well as how policy is developed. It was worth it as I made some very great friends and loved working on/presenting my independent study project. Eleanor C - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned much about Swiss and Moroccan culture. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
yes of course it was so worth it A student - Austin College View Entire Review

Culturally, this program was challenging because it was difficult to get to know local Swiss people in such a short period of time (3.5 mo.). It wasn't until the program was almost over that I was able to begin forming true friendships with Swiss people in my village. Academically, this program only touched the surface of many... Lauren C - Hope College View Entire Review
Yes. Although Switzerland was far too developed and orderly for my taste, I learned a great deal about the study topics, linguistics and subtle differences in culture, met extremely influential contacts, and got a taste of the professional climate I am pursuing. Miles T - Tulane University View Entire Review
Gained worldly exposure, learned from experts of humanitarian crises, had access to the UN European Headquarters in Geneva. Also was able to learn firsthand while living in a village in Morocco for a week - hands down a once in a lifetime experience! Shauna N - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
It was extremely worthwhile. I was able to expand my global lens and really learn what it means to be a citizen of the world! I gained a new perspective on the issues that our world is currently facing, and how I can utilize my education and skills to tackle these problems. I stepped out of my comfort zone and was able to become... Karina - Oregon State University View Entire Review
I gained independence, became happier, became more knowledgable about the world and politics, learned to interact with different people and different cultures and much more! Definitely worthwhile. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
what you get out of this program is really what you put into it. For me it was incredibly worthwhile because I was able to accomplish many personal and academic goals. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
What didn't I gain/learn from this experience?! A student - Providence College View Entire Review

ABSOLUTELY WORTH WHILE! I learned so much through DOING and SEEING. Although the traditional academic setting (or traditional American academic setting) wasn't present, I was able to visit various UN organizations, the WHO, remote villages in North Africa (Morocco), etc. Every day was vastly different, yet enriching. I learned t... Caroline S - Villanova View Entire Review
Absolutely worthwhile. Learned to live independently, make big decisions all the time on my own. Learned to meet new people with different cultural norms and carry on conversation in a foreign language. Learned to take advantage of out of classroom learning and challenge myself. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Yes, it was completely worthwhile. I was able to gain contacts working in the types of positions that I would love to see myself in 10 years down the line. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I have learned so much in respect to culture food, environment and politics. It makes me realize America needs a lot of work. It made me realize I NEED to work abroad and I hope I will- there are so many opportunities to do so, all you have to do is apply! I really want to work for international organizations that are creating c... Vanessa C - Austin College View Entire Review
Benjamin P - Tufts University View Entire Review
About
Examine models of health systems and development policy in Geneva and the surrounding region, the world’s capital for international organizations dedicated to public health, social justice, and sustainable development.
The program investigates prominent issues dominating the international health and development arena. You will learn through onsite briefings and lectures with health and development experts at international and nongovernmental organizations such as the University Hospital of Geneva, the World Health Organization, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. The program’s eight-day excursion to Morocco provides you with a different vantage point in which to compare and contrast public health systems and the impact of development on health.
Major topics of study include:
- Links between health, the environment, and development
- Healthcare interventions in complex emergencies
- Vulnerable groups such as migrants
- Access to medicines
- Health security
- Mental health
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Medical Administrative Services
- Public Health
Website
Take me there!Statistics
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad awards need-based scholarships and grants. We do not offer merit-based awards at this time. Average awards range between $500 and $5,000 for our semester programs, and between $500 and $3,000 for our summer programs. Our scholarships and grants are available to all students accepted into an SIT Study Abroad program irrespective of citizenship, national origin, or home school. We do not require a separate scholarship application for each scholarship fund; eligible students will be evaluated for all funds for which they are eligible. Please note: SIT Study Abroad scholarships and grants are only applicable to tuition and room/board fees billed by SIT Study Abroad. We do not award scholarships or grants to cover any other expenses, including, but not limited to, immunizations, visa fees, books, or study abroad fees charged by your home school. If your home school has an established billing agreement with us, it is your responsibility to communicate with your home school as to how your SIT scholarship or grant will be passed on to you by your home school. For a list of available scholarships and grants, click here.
$500 - $5000