Spring Break in Switzerland

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Switzerland | Global Institutions, Policy, & Diplomacy

 

Dates: March 6 – 13, 2027
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Cost: $3,125
Included: airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, some meals, program events and activities, and study abroad fee
Application deadline: October 15th
Deposit: $575 November 1st (non-refundable)
Final payment deadline: $2,550 with spring tuition and fees deadline
Course information: IGS 395 – 1 credit hour

Requirements: In order to attend a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Bryan Johnson (johnson_mb@mercer.edu).

Join Drs. Obidoa and Nichols-Belo on an immersive trip to Geneva, Switzerland – the “Peace Capital” of the world. As a major global hub for diplomacy, Geneva is at the center of global health and global development decision-making.

We will visit various global and international organizations to gain insight into how they execute their mandates, learn how global health policy is made and negotiated, and be exposed to global health diplomacy in practice. Students will get an insider’s look at how United Nations Agencies such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and other organizations such as the Global Fund, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, among others, function.

For more information about this program please contact Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa (obidoa_c@mercer.edu, 478-301-2353) or the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@mercer.edu, 478-301-4444).

What You'll Do

During this one-week program, students will experience:

  • a visit to the World Health Organization
  • Palace of Nations tour
  • Geneva International District tour
  • International Red Cross Museum
  • a visit to the Geneva Botanical Gardens
  • a visit to the Reformation All
  • Geneva Bus and Train tour

*These activities are subject to change based on availability when booking.

Application Process

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

Application deadline: ​​​​​​​October 15th
Decision date: October 16th
Deposit: $575 (non-refundable) due by November 1st to hold your place in the program.
Final payment deadline: $2,550 by spring tuition and fees spring deadline

Academics

IGS 395 – Global Institutions, Policy, & Diplomacy

1 credit hour

Course Description

Join Drs. Obidoa and Nichols-Belo on an immersive trip to Geneva, Switzerland – the “Peace Capital” of the world. As a major global hub for diplomacy, Geneva is at the center of global health and global development decision-making. We will visit various global and international organizations to gain insight into how they execute their mandates, learn how global health policy is made and negotiated, and be exposed to global health diplomacy in practice. Students will get an insider’s look at how United Nations Agencies such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and other organizations such as the Global Fund, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, among others, function.

 

Budget

What is included in the program fee: 

  • Airfare
  • Some Meals
  • Lodging
  • Transportation in-country
  • Entry fees and required activities
  • Study Abroad application fee
  • International Insurance

What is not included in the program fee: 

  • Tuition*
  • Souvenirs
  • Transportation to and from the ATL airport

*Tuition is dependent upon your current enrollment and your colleges tuition fees for the semester of your program. If you are enrolled as a traditional undergraduate on the Macon campus, the 3 credits for this program will go towards your overall and will not create an increase in tuition cost as long as your overall amount of credits (including this 3 credit course) does not go over 18 credits. For a current list of tuition costs, please visit the Bursar’s office at The Office of the Bursar.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Bryan Johnson, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at johnson_mb@mercer.edu.