Internships at the Geneva Academy: Preparing Our Students for Their Future Careers
At the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, we offer a variety of academic and practice-oriented learning opportunities for students of our full-time LLM-MAS programmes. Recognising the importance of hands-on professional experience for a career in international law and humanitarian work, we have developed an extensive internship programme that serves as a valuable stepping stone in the professional journey of each student.
‘The opportunity to engage directly with UN mechanisms in International Geneva integrated my theoretical academic training with a practical understanding of how international law works in practice. It also helped me to build connections with professionals from around the world and reaffirmed my commitment to a career in international law.’ – Hailemariam Eyayaw Mitiku, internship at the Center for International Environmental Law
Our Internship sCheme
We have 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 internship was a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the field of international law and environmental protection. Developing a course module on water and international criminal law allowed me to merge academic knowledge with practical impact, and I am proud to have contributed to advancing education on such a critical issue.’ – Eloïse Pelletier, internship at Geneva Water Hub
Clearly Defined Objectives
To ensure an enriching learning experience, the internships and research projects are always linked to one of the fields of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or Human Rights covered in our full time LLM – MAS Programmes. The 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.
‘The internship at the IFRC significantly deepened my understanding of disaster law and strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully to global efforts aimed at protecting individuals in the event of disasters.’ – Theresa Ntiting Mose, internship at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Hours and Credits
Our students undertake internships during the spring semester, 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).
‘The internship programme is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of international law and policy. It gave me exposure to real-world processes, helped me build a network in international Geneva, and has truly served as a launching pad for my career. Looking back, the internship programme was without a doubt the highlight of my time at the Geneva Academy!’ – Quinten DeGroote, internship at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Selection Process
During the autumn semester, our students apply to three organisations in the first round of applications, and up to five organisations in the second round if they are initially unmatched. Each organisation then selects interns in accordance with its own standards and procedures. For the current academic year, we had 106 positions available, and all our students are guaranteed a certifying internship or certifying professionalising activity.
‘My internship allowed me to learn, contribute, and feel valued, an experience that has truly shaped my career path in transitional justice particularly in advancing reparations as a right for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence’ – Maimuna Manneh, internship at the Global Survivors Fund
SOME OF Our Internship Partner Organisations
Africa Albinism Network
Amnesty International – Crisis Response Evidence Lab
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)
Asylex
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
Centre for Civil and Political Rights (CCPR)
Civitas Maxima
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Diakonia – IHL Unit
FIAN International
Gender Justice Practitioner Hub
Geneva Call
Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Dialogue (GCHRAGD)
Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP)
Geneva Cities Hub
Geneva Migration Centre
Geneva Water Hub
Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)
Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR)
Global Survivors Fund
Human Rights Now
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
IHL Lab (Geneva Academy)
International Bar Association – Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI)
International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (ICOCA)
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA)
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
International Law Commission (ILC)
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA WORLD)
International Review of the Red Cross
Interpeace
MENA Rights Group
Plan International
Protect Humanitarians
Responsible Peace
Special Rapporteur for the Rights to freedom of assembly and of association (FoAA)
Swisspeace
UN Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict
UNICEF – IHL and children in armed conflict
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)