GSD Alumni and their experiences
Please meet some of our alumni and let them tell you how they experienced their studies at GSD and living in Geneva:
Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo – Minister for Health in Zanzibar which is in the United Republic of Tanzania. His experience at GSD:
‘GSD gave me a lot of value especially in leadership. And now I’m a political leader because the position I’m holding is a top position in the Ministry of Health (approximately 4.8 thousands employees are directly under me). GSD gave me 5 key things. One is the leadership, second is this thing in the moment of space and time, three is the exposure level which I got here, number four is management and supervisor skills on leadership again and how to manage the situation and to supervise getting all people into one vision. And the last one is how to face challenges. So I think GSD is one of the best things I ever done. The lectures gave us the right level of practicality, not only theory. Others institutions focus more on theory, but at GSD we were dealing with the ambassadors, people of high profile, people who had negotiated big United Nations agreements. Anybody who is looking for more practical experience should come to GSD.
For me, GSD’s biggest advantages to study there are:
– It is practice oriented;
– It’s a small Institute; it’s not a big massive University, so there is more personal touch. It is one of the most important points for me;
– And also GSD has a limited number of students, so you get the most of the experience from lectures. The quality time you get from the lectures and the practicality are very good.’
Juan Pablo Cardenal from Spain: ‘Being at the heart of Geneva and close to the UN environment was key for me in choosing GSD. The EMIR program is very much connected to topics that are top of the agenda in today’s current affairs. The program is taught by experts from different backgrounds that offer their knowledge based in practical experience. Lectures are entertaining and educational’.
Dr. Kalliopi Ioannidou from Greece:’ I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to study at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and to have had the opportunity to receive an inspiring education at all levels; well-structured lectures, practical training through simulation sessions, participant engagement and mentoring. Coming from a medical background, I had an immersive learning experience in the world of Diplomacy and International Relations that empowered me to reflect upon, recharge and better shape my professional career’.
Sarah Yohannes from the United States: ‘I chose GSD for two reasons. First, for the professors and their qualifications in the field of International Relations. The second reason was the location. Being located in the diplomatic heart of Geneva, amidst the wide range of international organizations and the United Nations, really motivates me to pursue my studies. Studying in Geneva is a luxury because it really allows you to feel a part of the international world. The largest impact GSD will have for me is in the area of networking. This is due to the fact that GSD offers many opportunities to meet and discover individuals with the same interests that I have’.
Louisa Djerroud, from Switzerland /Algeria: By living in an international community, I gained insight into the advantages and challenges of being in a multicultural environment. This is the most prominent reason as to why I chose the Geneva School of Diplomacy; I wanted to stay in a cosmopolitan environment but also learn more about the field of International Relations. This is exactly what I found at GSD, a grasp of students from all the continents, but also professors that have worked and come from all around the world. I have to say that my favourite thing about GSD is the long list of professors that have an insight into the work of the international community, through working at the Human Rights Council, to managing NGOs and sharing their experiences as Ambassadors, they have the best advice you could possibly find in Geneva. It is also such a thorough and accessible way for starting your own network”.
