Winter at Schiller: Unitar Program

A winter learning experience in Geneva that brings university learning to life through Schiller’s UNITAR Program.

Experience International Relations in Geneva

Spend your winter holidays in one of Europe’s most international cities and explore international relations in a global setting. Choose between two programs designed for different stages of your academic journey.

UNITAR Winter – Pre-University Program

A pre-university experience for students aged 15–18 that combines learning in an international academic setting with the opportunity to explore Geneva.

Dates: January 10–16, 2027
Location: UNITAR Headquarters, Geneva
Language of Instruction: English
Age Group: 15–18

Discover Your Future in Geneva

Spend an unforgettable week in one of the world’s most international cities while exploring International Relations, Diplomacy, and Global Leadership.

Winter at UNITAR in Geneva, delivered by Schiller International University in collaboration with UNITAR (the United Nations Institute for Training and Research), is an immersive international program designed for students who want to step beyond the classroom and experience the world of international affairs firsthand.

During the program, students explore topics such as global affairs, diplomacy, leadership, global policy, and international careers, while developing their communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

A key part of the Geneva experience is the opportunity to visit four major international organizations: WHO, ICRC, UNHCR, and WTO, gaining first-hand exposure to the institutions and ideas shaping international relations and global policy.

It’s a unique opportunity to experience international affairs beyond the classroom, discover how global organizations work, and explore future academic and career paths in a truly international environment.

Why Geneva?

Geneva is one of Europe’s most international cities, where diplomacy, innovation, and global cooperation come together. As a major center for international organizations, finance, and humanitarian work, Geneva offers the perfect setting to explore global topics like diplomacy, international relations, business, and sustainability.

Students will experience:

A truly international and multicultural city

The iconic Lake Geneva and Jet d’Eau

Geneva’s charming Old Town

The historic Palace of Nations

A unique international environment shaped by the United Nations and the Red Cross

Geneva’s strong international character makes it an ideal environment to explore global leadership, diplomacy, sustainability, and international cooperation.

Academic Experience

The Geneva Winter Program offers students an immersive introduction to international affairs, combining academic learning with first-hand exposure to the organizations and ideas shaping the world.

Over the one-week program, students explore global affairs, diplomacy, leadership, and international careers through engaging sessions and visits to leading international organizations in Geneva.

Students will explore:

Global Affairs

Students gain a broader understanding of today’s most important global issues and how countries and international organizations work together. Topics include:

Global governance and international cooperation
Human rights and migration
Climate and global challenges
How international institutions respond to global issues

Leadership & Diplomacy

Students develop practical skills and discover how diplomacy and leadership work in an international environment. They will:

Strengthen their communication skills
Explore negotiation and diplomacy
Build confidence in leadership
Learn how dialogue and cooperation support international relations

Global Careers & Policy

Students discover the world of international organizations, global policy, and international careers while gaining first-hand exposure to Geneva’s international community.

Explore the role of the United Nations and international organizations
Learn about global policy and international careers
Visit WHO, ICRC, UNHCR, and WTO
Gain first-hand insight into the institutions shaping international relations and global policy

Real-World Skills for the Future

Beyond academic topics, the program emphasizes skills students will use throughout university and their careers. Participants develop:

Critical thinking and problem-solving
Teamwork in international groups
Public speaking and presentation skills
Confidence working in English in an academic setting

At the end of the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion from Schiller International University and the UNITAR.

International Experience in Geneva

Learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the program, students gain first-hand exposure to Geneva’s international community, discovering how global organizations address some of the world’s most important challenges.

A highlight of the experience is the opportunity to visit four major international organizations: WHO, ICRC, UNHCR, and WTO, complemented by sessions exploring international relations, global policy, leadership, and global careers.

These experiences give students a unique opportunity to connect academic learning with the real world of diplomacy and international cooperation, while experiencing Geneva as one of the world’s leading centers for global affairs.

Who Should Join?

The Winter Program in Geneva is perfect for students who:

Are 15–18 years old and interested in global affairs
Want to explore international relations, diplomacy, and global leadership
Are curious about the UN, global policy, and international careers
Want to gain first-hand exposure to international organizations in Geneva while learning in English

No previous experience in international relations or diplomacy is required, only curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

Eligibility: Participants should have a minimum B1 level of English, confirmed through a Secure English Language Test or interview.

What Is Included

Students receive a fully supported international experience in Geneva, including:

Expert-led sessions by UNITAR, UN specialists, and sector practitioners
Academic sessions at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Double occupancy accommodation in Geneva
Daily breakfast, lunch, and refreshments
A welcome dinner
A Geneva public transport pass
Visits to WHO, ICRC, UNHCR, and WTO
End-to-end program coordination and logistics
A UNITAR Certificate of Participation upon completion of the program

How to Apply

Applying is straightforward. Complete the Winter Program online application form and submit the required documents.

Complete the online application form
Upload your transcript and passport copy
A parent or guardian must sign the required forms

Places are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early.

Early registration deadline: November 20, 2026 – save €200
Application deadline: December 1, 2026
Winter Program dates: January 10–16, 2027

The program will be confirmed once the minimum enrollment requirement is met. Visa support letters are available where required for non-visa nationalities

APPLY HERE