MAPI Students Admitted to The Graduate Institute Geneva Program
MAPI Students Admitted to The Graduate Institute Geneva Program
The Institute of International Relations at PUC-Rio has established a partnership with The Graduate Institute Geneva, which allows students from the Professional Master’s in International Policy Analysis and Management (MAPI) to earn dual degrees from both institutions in just three years, rather than four. The agreement stipulates that students begin their course at PUC-Rio, and after obtaining the necessary credits in their first year, proceed to Geneva to pursue one of the interdisciplinary programs at The Graduate Institute.
Students Lina Ferreira and Guilherme Temke have been accepted into the 2025 exchange program and will begin their master’s studies abroad in 2025. Below are their expectations and reflections on the program.
1. What motivated your decision to apply for the exchange program at The Graduate Institute of Geneva? (Guilherme Temke)
Response: “I would say that three main factors most interested and motivated me to apply to Geneva. First, the excellence of the faculty at The Graduate Institute (IHEID), which is composed of professors who are not only leaders in their fields of study but also have significant professional experience. Secondly, the privileged location of the institute, in the heart of International Geneva, surrounded by numerous international organizations, NGOs, and private sector companies that frequently hire IHEID students after graduation or for internship programs. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the teaching approach at The Graduate Institute, which combines theory with practical application. I believe the Applied Research Project, a central component of the master’s program where students form small groups and develop policy papers to assist the institute’s partner organizations, is a great example of this distinctive approach. Moreover, IHEID encourages and supports students in securing internships from the very first semester, providing active assistance in the search for opportunities and in addressing bureaucratic matters.”
2. How do you believe this experience will contribute to your academic and professional growth, and how does it align with your career aspirations? (Lina Ferreira)
Response: “Since I started the MAPI program, I have aspired to work in international organizations in the field of international development cooperation. I believe that, despite the challenges, the current moment presents an opportunity for Brazilian professionals and academics to engage in spaces that formulate solutions to global challenges. It is essential that, as Latin American students and professionals, we occupy these spaces for debate and solution-building. I see the experience in Geneva as a pathway to achieving this.”
3. When you joined the MAPI program, were you aware of the dual degree exchange opportunities offered by our professional master’s program? How did they influence your decision to pursue this path? (Guilherme Temke)
Response: “Yes, definitely. When I was researching master’s programs here in Brazil, one of the aspects I valued the most was precisely the opportunities for exchange abroad offered by the program. Among all the institutions I considered, MAPI stood out for its partnerships with globally renowned universities in the field of Development Studies, which is the central focus of my studies. Additionally, the opportunity to obtain a dual degree — going beyond a simple exchange semester at the partner institution — is undoubtedly one of the most significant advantages that MAPI offers. In my opinion, participating in this joint program, whether with The Graduate Institute (as in my case) or with other partner institutions of MAPI, is a unique opportunity to explore crucial issues related to economic development from diverse and complementary perspectives. This unique structure allows students to make the most of what each institution has to offer, further enhancing the learning experience throughout the master’s program.”