Masterโs in International Relations (MIR) 2020-2021 "My name is Mayra Ramirez, and I studied a Masterโs in International Relations (MIR) at the Geneva School of Diplomacy (GSD) during the 2020-2021 academic year. Originally from Peru, I have a background in Management and Finance, and worked in the Impact Investing sector for about 8 years, until 2020. My professional work and substantial volunteering experience in Peru developed in me a keen interest in pursuing a career in the international sector, particularly working in organizations providing worldwide support in health and education to underserved communities. This encouraged me to study the MIR program at GSD. Studying at GSD was a great decision, not only because of its unique location in Geneva but also its emphasis on equipping students with practical skills. The theoretical classes were followed by challenging and relevant cases, which were analyzed and discussed. What I fondly remember about GSD is the supportive community of professors and classmates, who provided a stimulating and engaging learning environment. The friendships and connections I made at GSD will stay with me for years to come. During my time at GSD, I had the opportunity to do two very interesting internships at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations (UN), and at the Joint Inspection Unit of the UN. The education I received at GSD prepared me well for these experiences, as to apply my theoretical knowledge to practical situations. What I liked most about my internships was the chance to be involved in making meaningful contributions to policy discussions."
Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations
About
The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (GSD) prides itself on rigorous teaching and on a faculty renowned for their concern of the individual needs of our students. This tradition is enhanced by the specialized and interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum.
Developing better world leadership and a more compassionate world, for understanding the world around us โ past, present, and future โ and influencing that world in a humanitarian direction, is what the Geneva School of Diplomacy is all about.
The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (GSD) establishes the foundation of a stimulating and cosmopolitan atmosphere which fosters the exchange of ideas, research, teaching, and the integration of students into the worldโs most diplomatic community.
The high quality of education is presented by our distinguished faculty - of renowned professors, ambassadors, statesmen, and stateswomen - selected for their professional and academic excellence and humanitarian commitment alike. They instruct, research, and publish in both classic and cutting-edge areas in the field of International Relations. Their teaching methodology is practice-oriented, ultimately preparing students for highly rewarding careers in international affairs.
GSD offers highly competitive programmes specializing in International Relations at the Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral levels. As part of the curriculum, we help provide our students with unique internship opportunities within the surrounding International Organizations and NGOs. The Geneva School of Diplomacy has traditionally focused on training world-class international public and private sector leaders who will influence the world in a humanitarian direction.
Located at the very heart of the international community, GSD creates a unique opportunity to interact with global governance actors through a number of specialized seminars (delivered by key experts and scholars from leading universities and international organizations). Our purpose is to prepare future leaders for their roles on the world stage to advance peace and human rights.
Based on its core values, GSD provides high-quality, praxis-oriented education, with a commitment to student support, and promotes a philosophy rooted in the Schoolโs motto โServiendo Gubernoโ โ that to govern is to serve.
All degree programmes are entirely held in English.
We look forward to sharing the Geneva School of Diplomacy experience with you.
On our respectiveย programmesย pages, you will find useful information on admission requirements, how to prepare your application, and how we can assist you during this process. For Non-EU applicants, please apply at least 6 months before the intake as the visa and/or permit application process may take up to 4 months. Late applications may be considered on a case-to-case basis; please consult our Admissions Office for assessment.
For EU/EFTA citizens, you still need to apply for a residence permit to study in Switzerland. We therefore strongly advise you, once you are admitted, to get in close contact with our Admissions Office. You will be assisted with the requirements and official documents, which are essential in the visa application process. We strongly advise you not to request your visa without prior approval from the Admissions Office.
Although GSD is committed to assisting students with immigration procedures and the completion of their applications, please note that GSD has no legal capacity to intervene with the authorities. It is a studentโs responsibility to fulfill legal obligations to obtain immigration approval.
Note: Apply for a visa only after completing the enrolment procedure. Failing to do so may lead to the refusal of your visa from the immigration office.
- Employed 2 years after graduation: 95%
- Graduation rate: 98%
- Famous graduates: The Hon. Athar Sultan-Khan / H.S.H. Prince Albert II / Prince H.M. Princess Margareta of Romania /Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus /H.E. Prof. Amb. Wolfgang Ischinger
Mayra Ramirez
Marcelo Tenza
Executive master in international relations EMIR 2022-23 โThe GSD executive master in international relations is a great opportunity for all those professionals who want to improve their knowledge in any subject related to international relations. I will describe this master's degree as a perfect harmony of three parts: the school, the professors, and the students: the school, chooses the appropriate and very current subjects; the professors, very competent and experts in their subjects, and the students come from all over the world with different backgrounds but with the same passion for any international subject and all together they allow you to understand the considerable changes that are happening in the world of international relations and how to use all the tools to face all the challenges more prepared. And that passion will help us to become not only mere spectators but also active actors in any organization, company or school.โ
Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo
Executive Master in International Relations (EMIR) Alumni GSD gave me a lot of value, especially in leadership. And now Iโm a political leader because the position Iโm holding is a top position in the Ministry of Health (approximately 4.8 thousand employees are directly under me). I believe GSD is one of the best things I have ever done because of the lectures that 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.
Louisa Djerroud
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Student Body Ambassador BA Year II-III 2017 Class of 2017 I have to say that my favorite 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, 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.
Robina Alhneiti
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Class of 2017 The internship is a profound experience in exploring the field of diplomatic practice, with joint efforts being drawn cross-regionally, internationally, and individually driven.
Daria-Romana Pop
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Class of 2019 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.
