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16 December 2024
At the Geneva Academy, we offer our students a variety of academic and practice-oriented learning opportunities. Recognising the importance of hands-on professional experience for a career in international law and humanitarian work, we have developed a solid Internships Programme. This programme often serves as a valuable stepping stone in their professional journeys, in international humanitarian law, human rights, international criminal law and transitional justice.
Applications are now open for our two full-time Master of Advanced Studies programmes: the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Rule of Law. Candidates for the 2025–2026 academic year are invited to apply by 15 January 2025.
‘Before starting the LLM, my main criticism of my previous law studies was that they were too theoretical and far from the day-to-day practice of lawyers. The Geneva Academy's programme fills this gap by offering a second-semester internship in one of Geneva's major international organisations. This opportunity is a real added value to the LLM in IHL & HR. Not only does it allow you to put into practice the theoretical concepts you have learned during the year, but it also immerses you in the heart of international Geneva.’
Alexandra Marie Ramseier
Advanced Master’s student
Over the years, the Academy has established unique partnerships with a range of Geneva-based multilateral organisations, as well as international and non-governmental organisations, which provide internships for our students. Additionally, the Geneva Academy offers students the opportunity to participate in its research projects.
‘My time at the Global Survivors Fund was an excellent opportunity to apply in practice what we were studying in class, as the topics were closely connected – always centred on transitional justice and victims of gross violations. Additionally, I was able to make meaningful connections with professionals working in the field I wish to pursue.’
Maria Clara Pinho Valente
Advanced Master’s student
To ensure an enriching learning experience, the internships and research projects offered through the Geneva Academy are always linked to one of the fields of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Human Rights, Transitional Justice, or humanitarian work. These internships must involve substantive tasks such as research, analysis, and document drafting. Most importantly, each intern’s contribution has clearly defined objectives, and every intern is supported by a dedicated supervisor.
‘At Geneva Call, I directly engaged with non-state armed groups, facing the challenges of implementing the Geneva Conventions in active conflict zones. I moved beyond theory, actively developing strategies that influenced these groups to respect international humanitarian law, providing me with profound insights into the complex realities of conflict zones.’
Wakjira Tesfaye Beriso
Advanced Master’s student
Our students undertake internships during the spring semester, typically from mid-February to early June, on Thursdays and Fridays, for a maximum of 15 hours per week. The internships account for 6 ECTS credits, and to ensure equality amongst interns, they are unpaid during the certifying period (although extensions can be remunerated).
‘During my internship at the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, I worked with fellow student Ilayda Isik to develop a comprehensive report on the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda within UN Human Rights Mechanisms. We presented our findings at an advocacy meeting attended by UN diplomats and representatives from civil society. It was an incredible experience, boosting our confidence and our skills!’
Caroline Sophie Montag
Advanced Master’s student
During the autumn semester, our students apply through the Geneva Academy to three organisations in the first round of applications and up to five organisations in the second round if they are unmatched in the first round. Each organisation then selects interns in accordance with its own standards and procedures. For the current academic year, we have 86 positions available, and all our students are guaranteed a certifying internship or certifying professionalising activity.
‘[The 2024 intern from the Geneva Academy] Michele is an excellent example of how students of the Geneva Academy stand out among their peers. His technical skills on aspects of international law were extremely useful to Geneva Call, as he demonstrated an excellent combination of legal expertise with strong analytical skills, both of which are important in the field of protection of civilians today.’
Maiwen Ngalueth
Regional Program Coordinator Geneva Call
