Duke in Geneva

A 6-week program on international business & development

Globalization: Issues in Business Management & Political Philosophy

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Through 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

  • Students on Duke in Geneva

  • Mont Blanc from the Lake Geneva shore

  • Lake Geneva

  • Students on Bikes at Lake Geneva

  • 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

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.

Alex Rosenberg

R. Taylor Cole Professor of Philosophy in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences

Martha Reeves

Professor of the Practice of Sociology

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 studentsNon-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.

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

  1. Online application
  2. Transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended. First-year students should wait for fall semester grades to be posted before submitting their transcript.
  3. Personal statement, no longer than one page, explaining why you would like to participate

Student Stories

Sofia Labrecque-Nieves

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Kyle on Duke in Geneva

"After studying business and globalization in Geneva and exploring Europe on program excursions, Kyle feels not only prepared for future coursework, but energized to learn more."
 

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Jen on Duke in Geneva: Rigorous yet Rewarding

“Moving to Geneva for six weeks was certainly outside of my comfort zone. I went into the program without knowing anyone else who was doing it. As a result, the Duke in Geneva program helped me become more independent and self-confident."
 

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