My Exchange Experience: from Georgetown to GSD by Victor Lynch Alzola
As an exchange student experience from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service majoring in International Politics, I feel GSD’s program would live up to everyone’s expectations. Only a few programs give Georgetown students the opportunity to spend a semester in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, where most international organizations have their headquarters. Students at GSD have the privilege and the opportunity to attend classes right next door to, among others, the WTO, the WHO, the Red Cross, the IOM, and be taught by professors with vast experience in the field. Looking at the classes I am taking this semester, no other program better combines theory-based learning with practical, real-world courses. For instance, “Contemporary Armed Conflicts and Political Issues” or the workshop “Essential skills for future diplomats: Leadership – Unleashing the Power of Influence”.
Additionally, Geneva is located in the francophone region of Switzerland. This destination suits my academic goals perfectly since I am pursuing a French minor and being able to live in a French environment will give me the opportunity to put everything that I have learned at Georgetown into practice in a non-academic context.
Another unique opportunity that GSD offers is the bi-weekly conferences “Emerging Issues and Persistent Challenges,” in which prominent leaders and distinguished guests come to GSD to talk to students about their vast experience in the field. This is also an excellent opportunity to network in the search for a summer internship in Geneva!
I would definitely recommend GSD as a study abroad destination to everyone. Small classes (8-15 students per class), unique summer internship opportunities, and a vibrant city make GSD a perfect program for a semester away from Washington DC.
Victor Lynch Alzola
Bachelor of Arts in International Politics | 2019
