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SIT Global Health and Development Policy

An aerial view of the city of Bern, with water and mountains in the background.
A busy market lined with shops, stalls, and carts.
Three individuals riding camels in a sandy landscape with palm trees behind them.
A calm lake surrounded by snowy mountains.

Switzerland, Nyon

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through SIT Study Abroad, the Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy program is an approved UW affiliate program. Both the semester and summer programs are approved.

On this program, you will live and study in Nyon, northeast of Geneva. You will examine models of health systems and development policy in Geneva and the surrounding region, the world's capital for international organizations dedicated to public health, social justice, and sustainable development.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SIT on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the SIT website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in development studies, public health, or the social, economic, and political sciences.

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • At the time of application, students must have completed two semesters at a US college or university.
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Global Health, Health Policy, Social Science

Classroom Language

English, French

Housing

Local Hosts, Apartments

Program Duration

Fall: Mid-August - Early December
Spring: Early February - Mid-May
Summer: Early June - Mid-July

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/4/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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UW-Madison participants will take the full set of courses offered by SIT. For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, please see the SIT program pages. Both semester and summer students take one French course in addition to the content area course(s). Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Students will attend briefings, or hear visiting lecturers from organizations such as the UN, Save the Children, UNICEF, Global Fund, NGO Public Eye, and the International Labour Organization, as well as expert physicians, epidemiologists, and nutrition scientists.

UW-Madison semester participants are not able to receive credit for any internship option on the SIT program. All UW students will need to select the independent study project (ISP) when given a choice between the project and an internship.

Foreign Courses

SIT Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy Semester Program Courses SIT Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy Summer Program Courses

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents