International Security Studies Program | American College Program

International Security Studies Program (ISSP)

Academic Information

ISSP: An Overview

Interdisciplinary Focus, Multicultural Tradition, Unforgettable Experience

Successful operation in today’s increasingly interdependent world, in particular in international organizations, requires interdisciplinary thinking. This course, through its interdisciplinary focus and method, provides participants with the intellectual tools necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly globalized environment. The main part of the course takes place in Fribourg, Switzerland – a charming medieval city in the heart of Europe, surrounded by majestic mountains, romantic lakes and nurturing forests. Fribourg is famous for its bilingualism (French and German), its long-standing multicultural and humanistic tradition (allowing the world’s diverse races, religions and cultures to co-exist peacefully), its institutions of higher education and for its delicious fondue. Both the stimulating course as well as the fascinating cultural environment in which it will take place provides the best guarantee for an unforgettable experience.

The ISSP curriculum overview takes a broad and explicitly global view of security. The curriculum provides an in-depth investigation of many major security challenges facing the world today (proliferation, terrorism, civil war, human security, etc.), the debate over the appropriate use of military force and the Responsibility to Protect, as well efforts by the international community to repair and prevent future conflicts.

The structure of the ISSP revolves around intensive coursework and relevant site visits. The interdisciplinary course is organized into modules in various areas of study, including conflict resolution, diplomacy, economics, political science, international relations and international law. Class meetings are held daily with time allocated for site-visits allowing students to see the day-to-day operation and meet with distinguished representatives of major international organizations, such as NATO, the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Criminal Court, among others.

The ISSP offers students an intellectually stimulating, innovative and diverse program of study in a safe environment, with maximum exposure to the cultural and political life of contemporary Switzerland, Europe and the world of international security affairs.

Financial Aid: students should work with their home institution to obtain support.

Course Structure

The structure of the ISSP revolves around intensive coursework and relevant study visits. The interdisciplinary course is organized into modules in various areas of study including economics, political science, international relations, international law, conflict resolution, security studies, diplomacy and others. Class lectures are held three to four days a week, with one or two days reserved for on-site visits allowing students to see the day-to-day operations and meet with senior representatives of major international organizations, such as the United Nations, Conference on Disarmament Affairs, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross (all based in Geneva), as well as the European Court of Human Rights in nearby Strasbourg, France, NATO in Belgium, the ICC at the Hague among others.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the ISSP is open to qualified undergraduates or graduate students:

in good academic standing at a recognized college/university

fluency in English (both written and oral)

GPA of 3.0 or equivalent

valid travel documents (passport).

Submission of all application materials online must be completed by March 15.

Completed application forms should be submitted as early as possible to provide adequate time for consideration. It is in the best interest of the candidate to apply early as places are limited.