Switzerland
Program Summary
- Dates: Aug. 2nd - Aug. 13th
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Academics: Globalization & International Business
- Excursions: Lake Geneva, Montreux, Lausanne, Château du Chillon, Mt. Blanc
- Language: No language requirement
- Age: 14-18 years old
- Cost: $4,950
- Application Deadline:
May 1
Explore
The Globalization & International Business program in Geneva, Switzerland provides students with the unique opportunity to experience one of the world's most important global commercial centers. Through hands-on trade simulations, leadership development workshops, and the opportunity to meet with leaders in the fields of international diplomacy, commerce, and business, you will gain valuable experience to help you understand and participate in the global marketplace.
Geneva is the perfect city to learn about global institutions and experience a diversity of cultures. Geneva is the most international city in Europe, with over 40% if its population from outside Switzerland. Nestled between the nearby Jura mountains, the French Alps, and Europe's largest lake, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French), Geneva is located in the westernmost corner of the country, just a few miles from France. Like in the rest of Switzerland, most locals speak several languages, including French, German, English and often Italian. Each day, you will come across people from all over the world, whether they are on vacation swimming in the lake, on their way to work in a Swiss bank, or shopping for Swiss watches on the Rue du Marché.
Geneva has a rich history that dates back more than 4000 years and continues to influence Europe and the rest of the world's commerce and international law. Evidence of Geneva's past is preserved throughout the city in its many museums, monuments and architectural treasures.
Learn
Experience the challenges and opportunities of today's global economy. Through a comprehensive program of seminars and interactive simulations led by the National Student Leadership Conference, you will explore the transformation of the economy in this global age, wrestle with the complex ethical questions that confront business and government leaders around the world, and visit international institutions such as the United Nations, the International Red Cross, and the International Labor Organization. Unlike any other program, you will meet face-to-face with senior managers of multi-national companies like Nestlé, Swatch, and Evian and ask them questions about their business strategy.
This is the 4th year that Intrax has partnered with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) to provide this unique program. Since 1989, NSLC has developed programs focusing on leadership, business and globalization for tens of thousands of outstanding high school students. NSLC alumni and faculty will join students in Geneva to personally lead this exclusive curriculum. College credit may be available through NSLC.
Experience
This program is packed with activities that are both educational and fun. To take a study break from the busy academic curriculum, the group will head out together each day to visit sites around Geneva. Some of the most popular activities include a walking tour of Old Geneva, a visit to the famous "jet d'eau" which spouts 500 feet above the lake, and a boat tour around Lake Geneva. Evening activities such as an ice cream social, a bowling excursion, and a dance party will help you get to know your new friends from high schools all over the United States.
Travel
Each day, you will immerse yourself in Switzerland's rich culture by visiting many nearby historical attractions, all within driving distance from Geneva.
- Montreux & Château de Chillon - The site of the world's most famous Jazz festival! Each summer, Montreux attracts people of all ages from around the world to experience its cool jazz. A historic resort town, Montreux's hotels serve classic Swiss meals such as fondue. Not far from Montreux, we will also take a guided tour of Château du Chillon, both a "princely residence" to the lakeside and an "impregnable fortress" to the mountains.
- Lausanne - The city is the host to the International Olympic Committee and two major universities. Discover its beautiful port and Old Town, which dates back to the 14th century. We will also visit Lausanne's Cathedral, considered Switzerland's finest Gothic building.
- Mt. Blanc - Hop over the border to France and take a gondola ride to the top of Western Europe's highest peak for a spectacular view of the surrounding natural beauty.
Housing
Students in the Globalization & International Business program will be based at the Thunderbird School of International Management's former Europe campus in Archamps, France, approximately 10 kilometers outside of Geneva.
Students are accommodated in double occupancy rooms. Residential advisors and administrative staff stay on the same floors as the students and are always available to answer questions.
Requirements
- 14-18 years old (at the start of the program)
- 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
- Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences
Program includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Newark International Airport (NJ) to Geneva, Switzerland
- Airport transfers in Geneva on arrival and departure
- 3 star hotel accommodation in Archamps, France
- Most meals
- Course materials provided by the National Student Leadership Conference
- Special private visits to multinational companies
- All Institutional visits: United Nations, International Red Cross, International Labor Organization, International Center for Trade & Sustainable Development
- All Excursions: Mt. Blanc, International Olympic Museum, Château du Chillon, Montreux, Lausanne Tour
- Afternoon activities: Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, bowling, ice cream social, Lake Geneva boat cruise, Rue du Marché shopping, Old Town Geneva walking tour
- Student health and accident insurance
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Pre-departure and in-country orientation
- Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program including an Intrax On-Site Coordinator
- Intrax Study Abroad T-Shirt
- Intrax Study Abroad Student Handbook
Program does not include:
- Passport and any applicable visa fees
- 1-3 meals during free time activities
- Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, optional activities)
- Any other item not specified
Below is a sample schedule for the Summer Globalization & International Business program in Geneva. The actual activities and the timing of the activities may vary.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Orientation | Discussion Group and team-building activity | Lecture on the WTO | WTO Simulation | Visit to United Nations and Int'l Red Cross |
| Walking tour of Old Town Geneva | Musée d'Art et d'Histoire | Shopping in Rue du Marché | Lausanne Tour & Olympic museum | Lake Geneva Cruise |
| Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
| Visit to Nestlé | Guest Speaker and Discussion Group | Lecture on Global Economics | Visit Château du Chillon, Montreux and Evian | Gondola ride up Mt. Blanc |
| TA Group Activity | Visit Rado Watches | Ice Cream Social and Bowling | Leadership Activity | Dance Party |




