The program begins with a three-week orientation including intensive French language study, culture and history courses, and excursions. During the semester, students study in French and/or English and follow one of two tracks:

Track A. Geneva International Internship Semester: 
Intern at an international organization for three to four days per week; study French; take the core Humanitarianism course and a Practicum course at the Smith Center; enroll in at least one university course. Available fall or spring. Requires 3.0 GPA. Available fall semester for students with at least one year of college-level French or equivalent. For Spring admission to Track A, students are expected to have studied at least one semester of college level French prior to the start of the program.

Track B. University Studies in French or English:
Enroll in four to five Smith Center and university courses each semester, including French language. Part-time internships are available on a space-available basis. Available for the academic year for students with two years of college-level French or equivalent; and spring for students with at least one year of French or equivalent. Requires 3.0 GPA.

University Studies:
Students enroll with Swiss and international students in the francophone Université de Genève.

Internship Placements:
Students intern in a variety of international organizations and NGOs. Priority placement in internships is for students accepted into Track A, the International Internship Semester. A few part-time internships are also made available for students in Track B. 

Recent placements have included the International Organization for Migration, the Defence for Children International, International Bridges for Justice, the International Center for Migration, Health and Development (ICMHD), the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), the International Publishers Association, the Global Migration Policy Association (GMPA), UN Watch, and a few countries' missions (i.e., Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea). 

The Smith Center and Resident Academic Director:
The centrally located Smith Center houses the offices of the resident academic director and the associate director, who provide academic advising and friendly guidance. The Smith Center has a study lounge with internet, computers and a printer, a small library, a classroom, and a kitchenette.

University Residence Halls:
Year-long students share a modern suite with Swiss and international students at the Centre Universitaire Protestant (CUP), near the university and city center, in walking distance of campus, the Old Town and the lake. Fall or spring semester students occupy double rooms, either at Les Berges, a newly renovated landmark building located on the left bank of the Rhône river in central Geneva, or in a cozy women's residence, Home St-Pierre, located in a historic building on the cathedral square of the Vielle Ville (Old Town). All residences provide internet access.


Eligibility
2 years French; Min GPA 3
Other Requirements: French
Type of Program: Internship Program; Study Center-Based Program; University-Based Program
Areas of Study:
Arts
French
Health (Medicine / Public Health / Nursing)
Humanities
International Relations
Internship available
Literature (see also English)
Social Sciences
Program Languages: English; French
Terms Offered: Fall; Spring; Year
Colby Status: Approved Program