Semester Abroad in Switzerland

University of Geneva, Faculty of Law, and Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva

• Overview
• Location
• Course Offerings and Credits
• Language Proficiency
• Academic Calendar
• Application Process and Timeline
• Housing
• Contact Information

Overview

University of Geneva Faculty of Law

Established in 1820, the University of Geneva Faculty of Law offers a complete curriculum in law including three Bachelor’s of Law programs, five Master’s of Law (LL.M.) programs, three Master’s of Advanced Studies in Law (business law, international humanitarian law and life sciences law), one Certificate in Transnational Law, and a Doctorate in Law (Ph.D.) program based on a five-year curriculum (école doctorale). Given Geneva’s unique location as a hub of global decision-making, the University of Geneva Faculty of Law emphasizes courses offered by more than 10 full professors with a focus on international law, European law and comparative law studies. The Law Faculty also collaborates with various international governmental organizations (UN, WTO, WIPO, WHO) and members of these organizations teach at the Law Faculty on a regular basis. The Faculty has a strong international research focus, supported by its membership in the European network Strategic Alliance of Research Faculties of Law (SARFAL), initially launched by Oxford University and Leiden University. Each year, it attracts more than 100 students from all over Europe and several dozens from America, Asia and Africa.  These students attend courses and use research facilities for periods ranging from just a few weeks to two semesters.

Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies – Geneva

In January 2008, the Graduate Institute of International Studies (founded in 1927 and best known by the French acronym HEI) merged with the Graduate Institute of Development Studies (founded in 1961) to create the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (“the Institute”).  The Institute’s mission is “to provide independent and rigorous analyses of current and emerging world issues with a double emphasis on international relations and development studies. It has a particular concern for promoting international cooperation and bringing an academic contribution to less advanced nations.” The Institute provides graduate-level, bilingual (English and French) study opportunities for students from all over the world.

The Institute is comprised of six departments or “units”: Development Studies, International Affairs, International Economics, International History and Politics, International Law, and Political Science. The International Law Unit’s faculty has an impressive array of expertise, covering the full spectrum of international law topics, including United Nations law, state responsibility, international settlement of disputes, jurisdiction and immunity, territory and sovereignty, international human rights, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international environmental law, international economic law, WTO law, history and philosophy of international law, private international law, and international contracts.

Location

Located at the foot of the Alps, Geneva’s exquisite location is not to be overlooked. As one of Europe’s most international cities, Geneva serves as home to the European offices of the United Nations, the International Committee for the Red Cross, and more than 300 international and non-governmental organizations and permanent missions, as well as many multinational firms. This location is ideally suited for conducting scholarly and applied research on contemporary issues and fostering policy debates among academics, diplomats and decision-makers.

The Law Faculty is conveniently located in the center of Geneva in the Plainpalais area, with bus and tram access directly in front the University. The Institute is located next to the major international organizations, about a 20-minute tram ride from the University of Geneva.

Course Offerings and Credits

HLS students visiting Geneva for a semester are invited to choose courses from among the extensive offerings of the Law Faculty and the Institute’s International Law Unit. HLS students are allowed to take courses at both institutions.

Law Faculty

The masters-level classes are at an appropriate level for HLS J.D. students. Students may also be interested in some more basic courses taught at the bachelor of law level. It is not necessary to register for classes before arriving.

Students with a particular interest in international and comparative law topics may wish to earn the Law Faculty’s Certificat de droit transnational. The certificate is available to all those who have taken the mandatory course Droit comparé et harmonisation du droit, along with four other courses chosen from a prescribed list, and who have also passed the relevant exams. Please see the certificate brochure for more information.

The University of Geneva recently developed a joint-degree program with the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Courses offered at the Academy are also available to HLS students as part of the exchange program.

Typically Law Faculty students reading for a master’s degree are expected to take 5 courses worth 6 European credits each, which means 10 weekly hours of classroom teaching. The rest of their time must be spent in individual and group work.

The Institute

Master’s and doctoral-level courses offered by the International Law Unit at the Institute are at an appropriate level for HLS J.D. students.

The number of hours spent each week in class varies depending on the courses enrolled in, but typically students should expect to spend 10–12 hours per week in class. Each course generally meets once per week for two hours.

An HLS student may receive a total of 10 to 12 ungraded classroom credits in relation to work done through the semester abroad program.  Please see the HLS semester abroad webpage for more information about semester abroad credits and course requirements.

Language Proficiency

Both French and English courses are offered at the Institute. The teaching at the Law Faculty is primarily in French. However, certain programs of study (especially in the area of business law and international law) are taught in both French and English. It may also be possible for HLS students to write papers and exams in English. HLS students interested in spending a semester at the Law Faculty are expected to have a level of fluency in French that will enable them to perform well in class and on exams. HLS students may improve their language proficiency and receive credit for foreign language courses at Harvard College in accordance with the HLS cross registration policy.

Academic Calendar

The academic year at both the Institute and the Law Faculty is divided into two semesters.

In 2009–2010, the Graduate Institute's autumn semester begins September 14, 2009, and ends February 19, 2010. Spring semester begins February 22, 2010, and ends June 25, 2010.

Autumn semester at the Law Faculty runs from September through mid-January (with exams usually extending into early February); spring semester runs from February through mid-June.

Most classes are taught weekly in two periods of 45 minutes each. Autumn (starting mid-September) and spring (starting mid-February) semesters include 13 or 14 weeks of teaching, followed by 2–3 weeks of exams. Law Faculty exams for the autumn semester are usually held from mid-January to early February; HLS students may, however, seek their instructor's permission to take the exam earlier.

Application Process and Timeline

Students interested in the Institute / Law Faculty exchange program should follow the semester abroad application process described on the HLS semester abroad webpage.

The HLS International Legal Studies staff will inform approved students if there are any additional application materials to complete.

The exchange agreement with the Law Faculty and the Institute stipulates that up to two HLS JD students may study in Geneva each year.  HLS may recommend more than two candidates but ultimately selections will be made by the Swiss schools.

Housing

Finding housing in Geneva can be difficult. The Institute and the Law Faculty do not provide on-campus housing for exchange students; however, Housing Services at the University of Geneva can offer assistance in finding housing off-campus. 

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Sara Zucker at 617-495-9030 (szucker@law.harvard.edu), or Ben Cook at 617-496-0899 (bcook@law.harvard.edu).

The University of Geneva also provides an online brochure with helpful information.