GSD Community

I chose GSD because of the high quality of teaching in the Bachelor Degree programme in Diplomacy and International Relations. Added to this was the fact that GSD was located in the most diplomatic neighborhood on the planet. GSD will have many positive consequences for my life and future career in Diplomacy and International Relations.

I looked for different schools on the web and found GSD’s website very attractive with excellent pictures of the school and a very impressive list of DIR laureates. This gave me an overview of the quality of students and faculty.

I had the chance to transfer and complete my studies in International Relations and on top of that, to get a double specialization mentioned on my diploma, both in International Relations and Bachelor of Arts. Individually, I loved meeting and learning with students from different cultures. Finally, GSD provides excellent subject knowledge in Diplomacy and International Relations, knowledge that will assist me in finding the right career.

I choose GSD because of the teaching and the positive learning environment. GSD has a reputation for providing excellent professors who are all experts in both areas of academic study and application. GSD is also centrally located close to the United Nations. In both cases, GSD has helped me understand what I really want to do after my Master in International Relations Programme. I have had the opportunity to meet some excellent people who have been of a great help for me during my studies and my future professional work.

I chose GSD for two reasons. First, for the professors and their qualifications in the field of International Relations. The second reason was the location. Being located in the diplomatic heart of Geneva, amidst the wide range of international organizations and the United Nations, really motivates me to pursue my studies. Studying in Geneva is a luxury because it really allows you to feel a part of the international world. The largest impact GSD will have for me is in the area of networking. This is due to the fact that GSD offers many opportunities to meet and discover individuals with the same interests that I have.

I was privileged, as the first Timorese student, to have received a scholarship from GSD.  The studies at GSD serves me on a daily basis since all the subjects study have a direct impact on my work as a career diplomat. I feel honored to be part of the GSD family of highly motivated students, brilliant faculty, and exceptional alumni.

I chose GSD for the unique faculty which consists of both acclaimed academics and seasoned diplomatic practitioners. As an EMIR student I enjoy the wide range of students from business executives to ambassadors. It exposes me to very constructive and active classroom debates specific to International Relations and Diplomacy.

GSD is suitable especially for professional people and provides excellent faculty who are experts in their chosen fields. Another reason for me was that GSD had as one of its objectives “STATECRAFT – working for better world leadership, and GLOBECRAFT- for a more compassionate world.”  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.

In my opinion, GSD has exactly the right approach. In the DIR programme, they focus on executives working for governments or IOs.  GSD’s international faculty provides an interesting curriculum of lectures, exchange of experiences, and thesis writing and research. A couple of years as an ICRC delegate gave me some field experience, but I still lack formal training in international relations. As my unit focuses on strategic crises, does early warning, crisis management support and organizes exercises for the government, I need to have a better understanding of the international aspect of such crises. Personally, I was always interested in a cross-cultural exchange of views and ideas and it will be a pleasure to do this in the context of this Programme.

I chose GSD for the flexibility and compatibility with working full-time (Saturday DIR program). Others factors were the reputation of the school, the professors’ backgrounds and experience and a course content which is well-matched to my current work. The course curriculum offered at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations should make a strong contribution to my career and personal development. Interaction with the international student body and distinguished faculty will also be highly beneficial for a better understanding of international relations, different cultures, and global events.

I am working in the United Nations. The program, the location, and the schedule fit me perfectly as a working professional. The program will equip me with the necessary skills, such as Crisis Management, Decision Making, Leadership, Research Methods, International Negotiation, International Financing, etc, so I can apply them in my work and research in the United Nations. It is also my hope that I will be able to build up my network of professional contacts to help me in the development of my career.

GSD will push me to accelerate on many different levels. I will also be able to use a more logical & systematic approach to deal with global issues in my day to day work at the UN. I will be able to connect Management, Technology, Politics and Diplomacy — All the tools I will need for more effective decision making as a UN official.

Geneva School of Diplomacy
and International Relations