The New School Graduate Program in International Affairs

2006: Geneva, Switzerland: Toward the Millennium Development Goals

The New School 2006 Geneva Summer International Field Program aims at exploring the implementation of the Millennium Declaration Goals (MDGs). In September 2000, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a development plan towards the eradication of extreme poverty in the world by 2015. This very ambitious set of eight objectives, which covers issues ranging from economic development to health, education, gender equality, and environment, is implemented largely through the work of intergovernmental agencies and international non-governmental organizations. Students participating in the eight-week program will approach these issues from two different perspectives.

• 1. Students will work on a full-time non-remunerated basis in one of the many international organizations or NGOs whose work has an impact on the implementation of the MDGs. Students will undertake substantive work within the respective organizations, either by contributing with applied research or by supporting professional staff in the execution of the organizations' programs.
• 2. Students will fulfill academic requirements by submitting a research paper related to a specific topic on the MDGs. Students will make presentations of their research topics in weekly group sessions under the supervision of the Faculty Coordinator and will submit a final paper by the end of the internship.

Students participating in the Geneva IFP will be exposed to a multicultural, multilingual, and very diverse environment and will acquire rich professional experience. The city of Geneva hosts one of the highest concentrations of international organizations, specialized agencies and international NGOs. The work of international civil servants is complemented by the diplomatic activity of more than 200 missions based in Geneva. Most of the technical work carried out by the United Nations is done in Geneva. While many political decisions are taken at the UN headquarters in New York, Geneva organizations are charged with the effective execution of plans of action. In this respect, organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) among others, provide most of the technical assistance, field knowledge, and know-how that feeds into the UN's development initiatives. Civil society organizations work in close cooperation with both international organizations and governments in the execution of projects aimed at boosting development initiatives in many countries in the Southern Hemisphere.

Upon their arrival, students will undergo a one-week orientation, which will include substantive seminar meetings and visits to relevant international organizations and international NGOs. The orientation week will provide the contextual and academic framework for both the academic and professional tasks students will undertake. Once a week, students will attend a seminar with the program director. During these sessions, students' research topics will be discussed. Students will be required to make advance presentations of their research papers. Guest speakers will be invited to attend the weekly sessions.

By the end of the internship students should have

• a sophisticated understanding of the structure and functioning of the international organization system.
• technical knowledge in a particular field related to his/her receiving organization.
• a clear picture of the status of as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead in the implementation of the MDGs.
• a solid understanding of the implications of particular MDGs as the object of the students' individual research.

Language note: The working language of most organizations is English. While there is no language requirement, knowledge of French and/or at least one additional language is highly desirable. Some organizations may require a language skill.

Housing note: Students participating in the Geneva program are responsible for arranging their own housing, either at university dormitories, sublets, or rentals. The Faculty Coordinator will provide lists of possible housing opportunities but is not responsible for housing. The housing cost is borne by the student.