Student testimonials

I would define my GSD experience in three words: education, connections, and opportunities. I had the privilege to be taught by brilliant faculty who shared with us not only the theoretical aspects, but also the practical and real side of the International Relations. Also, being in the hub of international organizations gave me the chance to meet, work, and connect with professionals and experts from all over the world, who offered me their best advice and guidance throughout my studies. Lastly, my entire journey at the GSD was filled with amazing opportunities, it opened many doors, and guided me towards the career I am building at this moment in the United States.
All these were achieved with hard work, dedication, and ambition and they completely changed my perspective and my life. I am very grateful for this experience and I can say that GSD is and will always be my family.

‘The internship is a profound experience in exploring the field of diplomatic practice, with joint efforts being drawn cross- regionally, internationally and individually driven’.

‘The most important thing I have learned is to work hard until you get where you want to be. Of course I’ve also learned a ton load of protocol, drafting skills, innovative thinking and more. I consider my internship as my lifestyle!’

‘Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations is an exceptional institution, which not only has expertise in providing a scholarly and academic understanding of International Relations and Diplomacy, but also allows students to enjoy a great opportunity of learning from practitioners with lifetime experiences in practical diplomacy in the world’.

‘I chose Geneva School of Diplomacy due to the high level of professionalism and the level of the entire staff, both faculty and personnel. My choice has been well rewarded.

‘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. ‘

‘With internships at the 2010 Spanish Presidency of the European Union as well as the Office of the Director General at the United Nations Office in Geneva working on the Political Affairs, External Relations and Interagency Affairs team, I feel confident moving forward in a related career.’

‘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). I believe GSD is one of the best things I have ever done because of the lectures what gave us the right level of practicality. Other institutions teach more theory, but at GSD we were dealing with practitioners; ambassadors, people of high profile, people who had negotiated big United Nations agreements, etcetera. Anybody who wants more practical experience should come to GSD. ‘

‘At GSD, I benefitted from the very resourceful Professors who provided important knowledge relevant to their fields of study and advice at all times. Apart from the Professors, I had a lot to learn from my fellow students whose varied experiences and backgrounds also provided a rich learning experience. I found that most of the issues taught at GSD were also very relevant to my day to day activities related to my work.’

‘Thanks to GSD I was in a good position to capitalise on Geneva being the hub of international relations & diplomacy. During the period of 13 months, I internet with three organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP).’

“Working for the Council of Europe has provided me the opportunity to thoroughly network with the international community in Geneva and has given me an entirely new perspective of international affairs from an organizational point of view.”

‘The executive studies at GSD serve me on a daily basis since all the study subjects have a direct impact on my work as a career diplomat. I feel honoured to be part of the GSD family of highly motivated students, brilliant faculty, and exceptional alumni.’

‘GSD is suitable especially for professional people and provides excellent faculty who are experts in their chosen fields. The education at GSD encourages peace for all human beings on a global scale. GSD also provides a multicultural atmosphere which is itself an amazingly enriching learning environment.’

As an Albanian that has lived in a transitional period, from one of the harshest communist regimes to democracy, I comprehend the sheer significance of the good governance, social justice, and accountability. These are simply the tenets that I acknowledged throughout my irreplaceable education period at GSD.
Becoming a part of the diplomatic domain allowed me to engage in issues I was deeply passionate about: International Law and International Affairs. It was during my last year of studies that I decided to join GSD and this decision made possible the exploration of new opportunities in a rapidly changing and evolving world. Admittedly, the overarching program of GSD along with its location in the most diplomatic city in the world, Geneva, and the opportunities it offers to join the United Nations system, or even to engage in exchange programs, such as the one I pursued at Georgetown University, makes it one of the most respectable academic institutions in the world for Diplomacy and International Relations.
GSD is a state-of-the-art institution. In this relatively ‘new’ University, but full of expertise and diplomatic culture within, I have had the chance to be taught by UN professionals, Ambassadors, high-officials from International Organizations and other renowned professors.
My time at GSD has broadened my intellectual capacity and have pioneered me through analyzing world issues, established my consciousness on social injustices and have unquestionably prepared me to serve the international community in the near future.

‘I would recommend Geneva School of Diplomacy to anyone who is looking for an engaging and interactive education, with a clear professional focus’.

‘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.’

‘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.‘

I arrived to Geneva on a flight from New Zealand in 2016. Winter was setting in. I was lacking suitable snow boots but hopeful about the journey I was embarking on.
GSD offered me a structured programme that included both foundational topics as well as deep dives into the most pressing international relations issues of the day. I relished the opportunity to answer questions made by professors, expert academically and in practise. I quickly learnt about the importance of strategic thinking in diplomacy.
As a self-proclaimed introvert, the GSD Masters Programme encouraged me to be more outgoing, charismatic and professionally resilient. I learnt to enjoy networking, as it was key to finding an internship. When I exceled at that, I learnt to be an innovative problem solver, resolving practical problems for a fully-fledged diplomat, working for the wellbeing of their country. High stakes in any case.
I now work for an Embassy as a Policy Adviser. I apply the lessons learnt at GSD frequently. I am aware that my GSD experience was a crucial stepping-stone in my professional career.

‘відкриває двері в світ міжнародних відносин, це буде цікаво та захоплюючи!’

‘It has been a captivating journey that changed my life’

‘My year at GSD, as part of my MA-IR course and as a Student Body Ambassador, has been the highlight of my academic life so far!’