Inside UNESCO: Schiller Students Gain Exclusive Access to a Global Institution in Paris

Schiller students’ UNESCO visits continue to set Schiller International University apart. Students from Schiller International University Paris campus recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of global decision-making during an exclusive guided UNESCO headquarters visit in Paris. They gained rare access to one of the world’s most influential organizations—an essential stop for those who want to study international relations in Paris and engage directly with global institutions.

What Is UNESCO and Why Does It Matter?

Founded in 1945, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) plays a central role in promoting international cooperation through education, science, culture, and communication—making it one of the most important international organizations in Paris.

• Foster peace and security through global collaboration
• Protect cultural heritage and diversity
• Advance education and sustainable development worldwide

From safeguarding World Heritage Sites to shaping global education policy, UNESCO operates at the intersection of diplomacy, culture, and international development. It is a key institution for students pursuing global governance education and careers in international relations.

For students in the international relations and diplomacy program, understanding how organizations like UNESCO function is essential to developing a well-rounded global perspective.

A Real-World Experience for IRD Students

The visit brought together students from the BA in International Relations and Diplomacy, as well as postgraduate students from the master’s program.

Participants included students from Professor Parmjeet Bouffay’s Selected Topics in International Relations class, alongside other IRD students eager to deepen their knowledge of global institutions. Over the course of the two-hour session, students gained valuable insight into:

• UNESCO’s mission and strategic priorities
• Its internal structure and decision-making processes
• The day-to-day realities of working within an international organization

This type of global institutions learning experience allows students to connect academic theory with real-world application—an essential part of experiential learning and professional development in diplomacy studies in Europe.

Learning International Relations in Paris

Choosing to study international relations in Paris offers a unique advantage. As a global hub for diplomacy, Paris is home to countless embassies, NGOs, and major institutions Experiences like the UNESCO visit allow students to:

• Observe diplomacy in action
• Engage with real-world global challenges
• Build a clearer understanding of potential career paths

For international relations students in Paris, this environment transforms education into a fully immersive journey, combining academics with hands-on exposure.

From Bachelor’s to Master’s: A Complete Path in International Relations and Diplomacy

The BA in International Relations and Diplomacy is for those who want to study international relations in Paris while gaining a strong academic foundation. Students explore international law, geopolitics, economics, and diplomacy. Our bachelor’s in international relations in Europe stands out for its strong focus on experiential learning, offering students opportunities to engage directly with global institutions and develop real-world skills.

For those advancing their studies, Schiller also offers a Master’s in International Relations in Paris, designed to deepen expertise and open doors to leadership roles. Delivered in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), this program enhances global governance education with applied, career-focused training.

Together, these programs create a seamless academic pathway within the IRD program at Schiller University, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and global business.

Preparing Future Global Leaders

The Schiller students’ UNESCO visit is more than an academic outing—it reflects the university’s commitment to delivering a true global institutions learning experience. Many graduates go on to explore UNESCO internship and careers pathways, building meaningful futures in diplomacy, policy, and global development. And by combining classroom learning with direct exposure to organizations like UNESCO, students gain the confidence, knowledge, and perspective needed to succeed in international careers.