Duke in Geneva
A 6-week program on international business & development
Globalization: Issues in Business Management & Political Philosophy
Apply NowThrough a combination of site visits, briefings, and coursework in international business and the political philosophies of globalization, this 2-course summer program offers a wealth of credit-bearing experience towards several of Duke's most popular majors and certificate programs.
Home to a hundred multinational businesses, the European base of the United Nations (UN) and of all the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which deal with it, Geneva, Switzerland provides a relevant location in which to study both the character and practice of international business and its impact on global issues of human rights, ecological protection, disarmament, and economic development.
PROGRAM FAST FACTS
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Term: Summer II
Dates: June 21, 2025 - August 3, 2025
Application Deadline: February 1
Academic Theme(s): Economics, Business, Political Science, Public Policy, Philosophy
Credit Type: Duke Credit
Eligibility: There are no prerequisites. Non-Duke students are welcome to apply.
Duke Affiliation: Co-sponsored by the Duke Markets & Management Studies Program and the Duke Philosophy Department
Housing: Residence Hall
Primary Contact: Alex Rosenberg
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Students on Duke in Geneva
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Mont Blanc from the Lake Geneva shore
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Lake Geneva
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Students on Bikes at Lake Geneva
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CERN Building
Academics
All students must register for both of the program courses. Neither the pass/fail option nor auditing is permitted.
MMS 325A / SOCIOL 325A
International Business
(CCI, SS) Fulfills requirements for the MMS certificate
1.0 Credit. Instructor: Prof. Martha Reeves
This course’s objective is to provide an overview of international business concepts such as the process of globalization, trade agreements, the importance of understanding various cultures and business practices in those cultures, the various ways of setting up businesses in foreign countries, and various theories of international business. In Geneva, the class will visit the International Labour Organization and the World Trade Organization. Student projects will involve visits to multinational businesses based in Geneva. Additionally, field trips to other European business centers will be organized.
PHIL 237A / POLSCI 297A / PUBPOL 204A / ECON 303A
Political Philosophy of Globalization
(CCI, CZ, EI, SS)
1.0 Credit. Instructor: Prof. Alexander Rosenberg
This cross-listed course offers examination of the claims made for and against the expansion of free exchange on economic, political, and cultural institutions and conditions, from the perspectives of competing ethical theories and political philosophies. We will examine the costs and benefits of the free-market and alternative solutions to market failure recognized by both supporters and opponents of liberalism in political philosophy. Field trips to Geneva-based human rights organizations and to Berlin, where the free market has replaced central planning, will be scheduled.
Internship
Duke in Geneva provides the opportunity for selected undergraduates or graduating seniors to participate in the Duke Global Policy (DGP) Program in Geneva the following summer. This program, offered by the Sanford School of Public Policy, prepares students to examine policy and institutional issues at the heart of global governance through an intensive course and internship opportunities with Geneva-based international agencies, NGOs, and government organizations. Duke in Geneva’s program directors will make nominations based on the interests and performance of participants.
Excursions
Briefings at the Geneva headquarters of several important international governmental and business organizations are provided. These include the World Trade Organization, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and CERN. Some of these excursions are optional and some require preparation in order to secure full value from the opportunity provided.
Physical Requirements
Before applying to this program, you should assess and determine if you are physically or emotionally able to participate in the following physical demands required by some of this program’s activities:
• Walking or hiking up to 5 miles in a day, sometimes for two or more days in a row, sometimes on hilly, uneven, or cobbled terrain
• Climbing and descending stairs
• Using public transportation, including sometimes crowded buses or trains)
• Standing during tours and site visits
• Entering into older buildings with narrow and sometimes steep staircases, at times with limited or no access to elevators
• The possibility of warm/hot temperatures while residing in locations without air conditioning
If you have questions or are concerned about these or any other program activities, please contact the Duke Office of Global Health and Safety (oghs@duke.edu).
HOUSING & MEALS
Details TBD
Costs
Estimates are based on previous years’ programs and the current exchange rate. All costs are subject to change
Summer 2025
| Duke Students | Non-Duke Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,940 | $5,940 |
| Program Fee | $3,745 | $3,745 |
| Transcript Fee | N/A | $120 |
| Other Costs | Other Costs | Other Costs |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $14,085 | $14,205 |
Explanation of Costs
The program fee for this program includes:
- Accommodations
- Limited meals
- Limited stipend for food purchase at local grocery stores and Cité Universitaire’s Café
- International SOS coverage
- Program-sponsored activities and excursions
- Orientation program
- Access to educational facilities
- Internet usage
What is not included?
Use the following list to assist with budgeting for expenses outside the program fee. This list contains common examples but should not be considered exhaustive.
- Airfare
- Airport transportation to/from program site
- Local transportation
- On-site accident and health insurance policy
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Immunizations
- Access to activities such as sports, lectures, social gatherings, etc. at host university
- Visa and/or residency permit (if needed)
- Passport
- Textbooks and class materials
- Mobile phone
- Laundry
- Independent travel and entertainment
- Items of a personal nature
- Incidentals
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for this program. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need a visa. Please be sure to research the cost of obtaining a visa for Switzerland, including any required travel to a consulate or embassy.
If you receive financial aid, and need assistance with travel costs, please contact your financial aid counselor.
Personal expenses can fluctuate greatly depending upon habits and preferences of the individual. It’s also wise to budget for unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies. You can use a cost-of-living comparison tool to get an idea of what daily life costs in the program host location.
Step 1: Upon acceptance to the program, you must submit the Summer Participation Agreement found in your MyGlobalEd application to confirm your enrollment. A parent/guardian’s co-signature is required. This form takes the place of a deposit.
NOTE: If you withdraw after March 15, you will be charged a cancellation fee for voluntary withdrawal. Fees range from $2,000-$3,000.
Step 2: Summer invoices will be sent via email to your Duke email address and home email address. Remit payment to the Bursar per due date and address indicated on your online statement. Consult the Duke Bursar's office billing schedule for payment due dates.
Financial Aid
Duke students receiving financial aid are eligible for aid for this program (work-study funds must be converted to loans). Students are individually responsible for making the necessary arrangements with the Karsh Office of Undergraduate Financial Support and the Duke Bursar’s Office.
Non-Duke students are not eligible to receive financial aid at Duke and should contact their home institutions for financial aid information.
Scholarships
This program offers the following scholarship opportunities:
- Babcock
DATES
Attendance is required at all classes, excursions, and group events. Given the intense nature of this program, late arrivals and/or early departures are not permitted.
- US Departure: June 20, 2025
- Arrival: June 21, 2025
- Departure: August 3, 2025
Flights
You will make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. You are expected to arrive on the arrival date cited above, which usually means departing the U.S. one day prior. Once you have a flight itinerary, log in to MyExperientialEd to update your travel registry.
Housing Before/After
You will need to make your own housing arrangements if you will be arriving before the program start date or leaving later than the program end date.
VISA & PASSPORT
VISA
No visa is required of U.S. citizens to participate in this program. Non-U.S. citizens should pay special attention to the visa requirements for their specific citizenship by contacting the country embassy to find out if any visa restrictions are in effect.
Passport
All participants must have a valid passport. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond the program end date to avoid unintended disruptions. For instructions on obtaining or renewing your U.S. passport, visit passports.state.gov.
International Student Identity Card
An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is optional. ISIC is the only internationally recognized form of student ID, endorsed by UNESCO. If purchased in the U.S., the card also carries with it a supplemental insurance policy, which can prove to be very helpful in the event of serious injury. You may purchase this card through www.myisic.com. Processing of the card takes between 4-15 days.
Program Faculty & Staff
Program faculty director(s) can assist with questions related to program academics, admissions, on-site needs, etc. For all other inquiries, please contact the GEO representative listed.
ADMISSIONS
Deadline: February 1
This program does NOT have rolling admission. Admissions decisions will be made after the published deadline, and on a space-available basis after that. Applications must be received by the deadline to be considered. Application opens November 1.
Minimum GPA: There is no minimum GPA.
Non-Duke students: Non-Duke students are welcome to apply for this program. You must be a degree-seeking student in good standing at an accredited college or university. Consult your university’s registrar and/or study away advisor for assistance with transfer credit. Students who are not matriculated at a college or university are not eligible to participate in Duke’s study away programs.
GEO policy for graduating seniors who wish to apply for a Duke summer study abroad/away program:
Students must be active, matriculated students in order to participate in any Duke-in summer programs, including Duke’s domestic summer programs. All program courses must be taken for graded credit. If seniors plan to graduate in May of the year they plan to study abroad in the summer, they will not be eligible to participate on any of our summer programs unless they receive approval from their academic dean at Duke to delay their graduation until after the summer program has ended.
Non-Duke students planning to graduate in May in the year they plan to study abroad in the summer must provide approval to delay their graduation until after the summer program has ended from the appropriate official at their home institution. Such approval must be furnished in writing to GEO before the student will be allowed to participate in the summer program. This approval may be sent via email to the appropriate program assistant at GEO.
Duke students who defer their graduation to participate in study abroad should consult with their financial aid advisor in the Duke Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid to determine whether they are eligible for a summer aid package and/or a GEO summer scholarship.
APPLY
Start your application early to ensure that it is complete by the deadline! Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the program directors for consideration.
Submit the following items using MyGlobalEd:
- Online application
- Transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended. First-year students should wait for fall semester grades to be posted before submitting their transcript.
- Personal statement, no longer than one page, explaining why you would like to participate
Student Stories
Standing inside of the World Trading Organization headquarters in Geneva, my thoughts ranged from 'Wow, I feel really important' to 'Never could I have imagined an opportunity such as this.'”
GEO ADVISING IS HERE FOR YOU
Get advice on choosing a program, exploring courses and credits, and covering the costs of study away when you engage the Global Education Office's advising network.