Take an In-Depth Dive Into Specialized Study with Hands-On Experiences
Webster University is offering new thematic Study Abroad sessions at four international campuses: Athens, Geneva, Leiden and Vienna.
Two back-to-back sessions — Summer 1 (June 8–July 3) and Summer 2 (July 6–31) — will be offered at each of these vibrant locations. Each four-week session will host thematic programs comprised of a three-credit core course and a one-credit experiential learning course.
The World’s Smallest Truly Global City
Geneva’s spirit of international cooperation made it the ideal site for Webster’s first international campus in 1978.
Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva has a history of diversity and tolerance. Its efforts began with the creation of the Red Cross, and continue today as the home of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. With a population of about 200,000, made up of citizens from over 175 countries, Geneva is often called the world’s smallest truly global city.
Located in Bellevue, our Geneva campus welcomes students from nearly 90 nationalities each year, making it the most culturally diverse in Webster's international network. The park-style campus offers views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Study Lakeside this Summer at Webster Geneva
Study Art, Business, International Relations, Media Studies, Photography, Psychology or Swiss Culture in Summer 2026 at Webster Geneva. Develop your understanding of international relations in the home of multilateral diplomacy, or focus on the Swiss business sphere from sports to winemaking.
Each session will focus on a specific theme and offer a one-credit experiential learning focused course to enhance the theme.
- Summer Session 1 offers Global Governance and Economics, Swiss Art and Photography Markets, and Swiss Sports Media Management and Marketing.
- Summer Session 2 offers Swiss Chocolate and Wine, Geneva Gamification and Swiss Psychology: Peace and Conflict.
Read more about the course offerings in each session below.
Study for four or eight weeks in Geneva or pair four weeks in Geneva with four weeks in Athens, Leiden or Vienna.
Summer 1: June 8–July 3
Geneva Global Governance and Economics
As the headquarters of the United Nations and home to numerous international organizations, Geneva offers a unique environment for studying global governance, economic integration, and sustainability. These thematic courses offer an in-depth exploration of international economic systems and governance frameworks through the lens of Geneva-based institutions. Through site visits, guest lectures and interactive sessions with policymakers and practitioners, the course blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences, using Geneva as a learning laboratory to explore how international institutions operate, how economic policies are shaped, and how sustainable development is implemented in action.
Course Fee: $150
Course is cross-listed so students may choose one option from the following list:
- ECON 3100 Issues in Economics: Geneva Global Governance (3 credits)
- INTL 3330 International Economic Integration: Geneva Global Governance (3 credits)
This course critically examines the dynamics of international economic integration, with a focus on Geneva’s central role in shaping global economic and governance policies. Students study the functions of international organizations, trade systems and policy frameworks while engaging with current economic challenges such as inequality, climate change and global cooperation.
Students explore sustainability in practice by visiting key economic organizations in Geneva. Through guided visits and interactive sessions, they examine Swiss and global approaches to renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green innovation. Framed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action), the course encourages students to critically assess how policy, innovation and international cooperation contribute to building a more sustainable future.
United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG): Participate in guided tours and policy briefings with UN officials. Explore the UN’s role in peacekeeping, human rights, humanitarian coordination, climate action and multilateral diplomacy. Engage in discussions on pressing global challenges and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
World Trade Organization (WTO): Attend presentations on the principles of global trade, trade negotiations and dispute resolution mechanisms. Learn how WTO policies shape global economic integration and affect national economies.
World Economic Forum (WEF): Examine the WEF’s role in convening global leaders to address major economic and societal issues. Understand how public-private partnerships drive innovation, resilience and global cooperation.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): Gain insight into UNCTAD’s work on sustainable development, trade policy and investment in developing economies. Explore how trade can be leveraged to reduce inequality and foster inclusive growth.
International Labour Organization (ILO): Learn about global labor standards, decent work initiatives, and efforts to ensure fair and safe employment conditions worldwide. Understand how economic policies intersect with human rights and social protection.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Discover how intellectual property rights support innovation, creativity and economic development. Examine the global frameworks that protect patents, trademarks and copyrights.
Geneva Waste Management Center (ESREC, Châtillon): Visit this advanced facility to study innovative approaches to waste recovery, recycling and circular economy practices. Explore how local and national policies align with broader SDG goals related to responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.
Swiss Art and Photography Markets
Switzerland plays a pivotal role in the global art and photography markets, serving as a key intersection of culture, commerce and innovation. With its world-renowned art fairs, influential galleries, prestigious auction houses and robust financial infrastructure, Switzerland offers a unique setting in which art, wealth and cultural capital converge.
These thematic courses introduce students to the dynamics of contemporary art and photography markets in Switzerland. Through a combination of classroom learning and experiential engagement, students explore how artworks are valued, traded and circulated in both local and global contexts. Visits to Art Basel and Photo Basel — two of the world’s premier commercial art fairs — provide an immersive, real-world complement to the academic framework.
Course Fee: $150
Course is cross-listed so students may choose one option from the following list:
- ARHS 2200 Current Art-Art/Photo/Money in Switzerland (ROC/CRI)*
- MNGT 3600 Management in the Arts: Art, Photography, and Money in Switzerland
- PHOT 3150 Topics in Photography - Art/Photo/Money in Switzerland
This interdisciplinary course offers students a critical lens through which to examine the Swiss art and photography markets. Topics include the functions of galleries, auction houses, collectors, art fairs and financial institutions in shaping cultural and economic value. Students investigate pricing strategies, cultural policies, and the impact of digital innovation on the buying and selling of art. The course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, equipping students with insight into the mechanics of art world transactions and valuation.
*ARHS 2200 fulfills ROC/CRI Global Citizenship Program requirements.
This course provides an in-depth look at current market trends through direct engagement with the Swiss art world. Anchored by guided visits to Art Basel and Photo Basel, the course also features conversations with gallerists, curators and market professionals, allowing students to explore the commercial and cultural ecosystems firsthand.
Art Basel: Visit the world’s leading art fair, engaging with blue-chip galleries, collectors and market trends.
Photo Basel: Explore the photography sector’s most prominent fair alongside industry insiders.
Gallery Visits: Discover key Swiss art and photography galleries and their roles in promoting artists and shaping taste.
Live Art Auction: Attend an auction event to observe market behavior, pricing dynamics and the intersection of art and finance in real time.Swiss Sports: Management, Marketing and Media
Switzerland stands at the forefront of global sports leadership — not just on the field, but in the realms of management, marketing, and media. These interdisciplinary thematic courses offer students a unique, behind-the-scenes look at international sports governance and communication. Through immersive learning in Geneva and across Switzerland, students gain insight into how global sports are organized, branded and broadcast.
By focusing on Swiss-based organizations, these courses explore the strategic role of communication in sports management, including investigating how institutions shape the global perception of sports through storytelling, sponsorship, digital platforms and media outreach. Key topics include identity formation, audience engagement, crisis communication, the business of sport and the role of evolving technologies in media production. Further, case studies — such as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics — demonstrate how international events are orchestrated through powerful branding and media strategies. Moreover, students gain practical insight into live sports production, the history and future of sports broadcasting, and the global trends transforming how fans experience sport.
Course Fee: $150
Course is cross-listed so students may choose one option from the following list:
- MNGT 3100 Issues in Management: Swiss Sports Marketing and Media Management
- SPTC 1800 Sports Communication: Swiss Sports Marketing and Media Management (SSHB/OCOM)*
This course focuses on the evolution, cultural significance and strategic dimensions of sports communication. Students analyze the messaging techniques used by media professionals and sports organizations, gaining insight into how effective communication shapes both industry practices and public perception. The course emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, including media strategy, branding and audience engagement across platforms.
Furthermore, students gain technical and critical insight into the development of live sports production, discuss the future of sports coverage and explore global technological trends that enable new levels of immersion and interactivity in the sports media landscape.
*SPTC 1800 fulfills SSHB/OCOM Global Citizenship Program requirements.
In this hands-on externship, students work with Swiss-based media outlets, sports organizations or communications teams. Through event coverage, content creation and analysis of evolving media narratives around the World Cup and other international events, students gain valuable real-world experience in sports media production.
FIFA Museum (Zurich): Explore the cultural and media history of football, including innovations in sports broadcasting and FIFA’s influence on the global game.
Olympic Museum / International Olympic Committee (IOC) Headquarters: Discover how the Olympic Movement communicates its mission and values through branding, campaigns, and international media strategies.
FIBA (Federation Internationale Basketball Association): Learn about governance, media outreach and the growing global footprint of basketball.
FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme): Examine how motorsport is managed and marketed internationally from its Swiss headquarters.
Electronic Arts (EA): Gain insight into how this global leader in digital interactive sports entertainment develops and publishes sports video games.
Summer 2: July 6–31
Swiss Wine and Chocolate
This immersive summer course explores the cultural and economic significance of two of Switzerland’s most iconic luxury goods — wine and chocolate. From Alpine vineyards to world-renowned chocolate makers, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how these industries contribute to Switzerland’s global image, local economies and cultural identity.
Through hands-on learning — including site visits, guided tastings and expert-led discussions —students examine production methods, marketing strategies, sustainability practices and the export dynamics that define Swiss excellence in food craftsmanship. By the end of these courses, students have a nuanced appreciation of how wine and chocolate reflect both traditional heritage and contemporary innovation within the global marketplace.
Course Fee: $200
Course is cross-listed so students may choose one option from the following list:
- BUSN 3100 Issues in Business: The Cultural Business of Swiss Wine and Chocolate
- ILC 2150 Topics in Culture(s): The Cultural Business of Swiss Wine and Chocolate (GLBL/INTC)*
This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection of tradition, branding and global trade in the Swiss chocolate and wine industries. Students analyze consumer behavior, brand positioning, and sustainability initiatives across artisanal and multinational producers. Case studies and fieldwork shed light on the perception of "Swiss quality" and how it drives international demand and economic impact.
ILC 2150 fulfills GLBL/INTC Global Citizenship Program requirements.
This course brings theory to life through curated visits and tastings. Students explore a vineyard in the UNESCO-listed Lavaux region, tour the renowned Cailler chocolate factor, and meet with artisanal chocolatiers to learn about small-scale production. A visit to the International Trade Center (ITC) allows students to engage with professionals on export strategy and market trends, offering a firsthand look at how these industries thrive within the global economy.
Geneva Gamification
Geneva offers an exceptional environment for studying game design and interactive media at the crossroads of innovation, technology and global collaboration. With its rich cultural history, thriving startup scene, and international organizations focused on emerging technologies, the city serves as a vibrant hub for aspiring game designers and digital creators. These thematic courses offer students in the dynamic world of game development, exploring how artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and cybersecurity are reshaping the global gaming industry. Through hands-on learning, guest lectures and studio visits, students gain both technical and creative insight into the future of interactive storytelling and digital environments — while living in one of Europe’s most international cities.
Course Fee: $150
Course is cross-listed so students may choose one option from the following list:
- GAME 3150 Special Topics in Game Design: Swiss AI, VR and Cyber
- COSC 2110 Computer Languages: Swiss AI, VR and Cyber
This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection of game design, AI, VR and cybersecurity within Switzerland’s cutting-edge tech landscape. Students investigate how immersive technologies are transforming gameplay, narrative structures and interactive experiences, while also examining real-world security concerns in gaming platforms and virtual environments. With a strong focus on applied learning, the course includes guest speakers from leading Swiss research institutions, hands-on workshops and studio visits. Geneva’s multicultural, tech-savvy setting provides a unique vantage point for understanding how global innovation influences the next generation of games.
This course offers students direct access to Switzerland’s digital innovation ecosystem. Activities include attending keynote talks, panel discussions and showcases focused on AI, VR and cybersecurity.
Dreamscape Geneva: Experience cutting-edge virtual reality environments at this state-of-the-art immersive entertainment venue, gaining firsthand insight into how VR is used in interactive storytelling.
EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne): Visit one of Europe’s leading research universities to explore its renowned digital innovation labs, including projects in AI, robotics, cybersecurity and immersive media.
AI for Good Global Summit (ITU): When scheduled, attend this influential international conference hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva. Students engage with global experts exploring how AI and emerging technologies can address humanitarian and environmental challenges.
Swiss Psychology: Peace and Conflict
Switzerland’s longstanding neutrality and leadership in international diplomacy make it an ideal setting to study the psychology of peace and conflict. These thematic courses offer students a deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of conflict — ranging from interpersonal tensions to global crises — and the principles and practices that support peacebuilding, reconciliation and nonviolent communication. Drawing on Geneva’s unique position as a global center for humanitarian action and multilateral negotiation, the courses blend academic study with real-world engagement. Students explore key psychological theories related to trauma, group dynamics and conflict transformation, while also analyzing how institutions apply these frameworks in efforts to foster sustainable peace across cultures.
Course Fee: $50
This core course examines the causes and consequences of conflict and the psychological strategies that support peace. Topics include aggression, prejudice, trauma, forgiveness, mediation and nonviolent resistance. Through case studies and cross-cultural analysis, students gain insight into how peace psychology is applied in international settings, including in Switzerland.
*Fulfills GLBL/INTC Global Citizenship Program requirements.
This course provides a hands-on look at how Swiss and international organizations engage in negotiation, arbitration and restorative practices. Students visit the United Nations on a day-trip to witness conflict resolution in action, and reflect on how psychological principles inform real-world decision-making and diplomacy.
Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP): Visit this leading international foundation focused on peace, security, and global cooperation. Students engage with experts on the psychological dimensions of diplomacy, mediation and conflict resolution.
United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG): Explore how international organizations apply psychological and cross-cultural principles to peacebuilding, human rights,and conflict prevention.
Local NGOs in Peace and Conflict Resolution: Meet with practitioners working on the ground in Geneva to understand how community-based initiatives and psychological strategies support reconciliation and sustainable peace efforts.
Request More Information
Want more information on studying abroad with Webster University? Please complete this information request:
“Geneva is a very central city in Europe so ... my friends and I are able to travel a lot on the weekends, and that was one of the big reasons why I wanted to study abroad.”
Study Abroad Student from St. Louis, Missouri
Webster WINS Partner Schools
Is your school a Webster WINS partner? If so, you may be eligible for a scholarship up to $500 toward your airfare. Check to see if your school is already a partner!
Other Questions?
Email worldview@webster.edu or call 314-968-6988.