A six week, summer study abroad program designed specifically for undergraduates who are interested in learning more about international development (IDEV) in the European headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The Summer Institute for International Development offers the unique opportunity to complete a three-week course while also gaining field experience interning for three weeks at the esteemed International Centre for Migration, Health and Development (ICMHD). The Summer Institute will earn students four (4) academic credits towards their degree.
Dates: May 16 - June 24, 2016
Cost: $7000 (does not include airfare)
Deposit due date: March 1, 2016
IDEV 4280: Development, Health and Urban Growth in the 21st Century IDEV 4280
Urbanization has become one of the most global and far-reaching social phenomena the world has ever seen. In 2008, the UN reported that, for the first time in history, the majority of the world’s population was living in cities. Some estimates indicate that by 2030 as much as 80% of the world’s population will be living in urban agglomerations, a majority of them in developing countries. This course will give students an opportunity to understand the social and health dynamics of urbanization and think about solutions to some of the most pressing urban problems facing the world, such as securing health in densely inhabited urban environments, sustaining a healthy environment, and maintaining civil and political order. The course will feature speakers representing the rich array of international civil society and non-profit organizations that Geneva has to offer, as well as field visits to key organizations in the arena of development, health and urbanization policy (WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, ICRC).
For students, this is the ideal location to be exposed to the day-to-day organization and workings of international development actors, and to develop contacts with these agencies. To this end, field trips to many of these agencies are included in the curriculum. Geneva is an international city, where students will enjoy ample opportunity to practice their language skills and increase their sensibility to multicultural environments. Optional weekend visits in bordering France will complete this international experience with recreational activities.
Please note: the language of instruction will be English.
Curriculum (May 16 - June 3)
The “in class” portion of the course will be held five days a week, with at least 3 hours of class per day. Some of these class sessions will include field visits (travel time will not count as classroom time). The course will be hosted by and held in the offices of the International Centre for Migration, Health and Development (ICMHD) on 11, Route du Nant d'Avril CH - 1214 Geneva Switzerland.
ICMHD is a non-profit institution established in 1995 to work on research, training and policy advocacy in all areas related to migration and health. ICMHD develops, in particular, databases and information that can provide the evidence on which policies and programs can be constructed to promote and protect the health and welfare of people on the move, the people they leave behind and those they come into contact with as they move. It undertakes rapid situation assessments and formulates responses in natural and man-made disasters that displace people. It develops and implements monitoring and evaluation of evolving conditions and the impact interventions have on the health and welfare of displaced people. It has a broad network of members and cooperating partners in all regions of the world, including humanitarian relief workers, UN personnel and policy makers.
Course Format
Each day of class will typically include:
- Several field visits are also scheduled to maximize the students’ exposure to the realities of relief and development agencies’ interventions to mitigate urban vulnerabilities, climate change effects, public health crisis and complex emergencies. Students will visit: the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR); and the International Red Cross Committee (ICRC).
- Case studies drawn from IDEV literature and the experience of the course instructors and guest lecturers.
- In class review and discussion of pre-assigned readings.
- Work groups, presentations, and discussion.
Several field visits are also scheduled to maximize the students' exposure to the realities of relief and development agencies' interventions to mitigate urban vulnerabilities, climate change effects, public health crisis and complex emergencies. Students will visit:
- the World Health Organization
- the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
- the International Red Cross Committee (ICRC)
Internship (June 4-24)
Immediately after completing their coursework, the students will conduct a three week internship (June 4-24) at the International Centre for Migration, Health, and Development (ICMHD).
To secure a place in the program, students must make a $1000 non-refundable deposit by 5:00pm CST, March 1, 2016. The nonrefundable $1000 deposit will be credited towards the total cost of the program.
Students are advised NOT to make travel plans before receiving final confirmation on March 4, 2016.
For more info contact Sheila Favalora @ favalora@tulane.edu.