International Security Studies

Dates: July 1-18, 2026 (In-country travel)

Credits: 12 ECTS credits, ~ 6 U.S. credits

Cost: $7,950 USD

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University of FribourgFribourg, Switzerland

Our historic host.

Swiss ParliamentBern, Switzerland

Sessions with parliamentarians from the International Affairs Committee.

United Nations HeadquartersGeneva, Switzerland

Meetings with the Ukrainian Ambassador.

Council of EuropeStrasbourg, France

Meetings with experts on terrorism and cyber security.

Metz, FranceMetz, France

Overnight in the beautiful and historic heart of Metz.

Hackenberg FortressMaginot Line

Built on the Maginot Line that divided France and Germany.

Le Grand-PlaceBrussels, Belgium

Overnight near the UNESCO World Heritage heart of the city.

European UnionBrussels, Belgium

Meet with ambassadors and security experts.

NATO HeadquartersBrussels, Belgium

Gain global perspective in the heart of the NATO Alliance.

Strasbourg, FranceStrasbourg, France

Meet personally with the Ambassador at the Swiss Mission.

Fortress de ChillonMontreux, Switzerland

Explore a WWII Era Lakeside Fortress.

Connect Theory with Real-World Operations

Earn 12 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits (typically equivalent to 6 U.S. credits) while addressing current events and perennial challenges in the realm of international security. This academically rigorous program combines classroom study with experiential learning, ensuring credits are both transferable and respected worldwide.

Students meet directly with diplomats, policy leaders, and security experts during exclusive site visits to institutions such as the United Nations in Geneva, NATO Headquarters in Brussels, and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. These behind-the-scenes conversations provide rare insight into how global actors respond to conflict, terrorism, and opportunities for cooperation—and what skills are essential to shape policy at the highest levels.

Through lectures, guided discussions, and applied exercises, you’ll analyze current crises, participate in debates and simulations, and build arguments that resonate with decision-makers. The experience culminates in a capstone policy paper that requires you to craft a clear, evidence-based prescription for a pressing global security challenge—giving you a professional portfolio piece for internships, graduate school, or early-career positions.

This program is especially relevant for students in international relations, political science, security studies, and law. It is also well-suited for those in history, economics, or communication who want to connect their studies to real-world practice.

Not sure if this program fits your major? Bring our sample syllabus to your study abroad office for review and credit transfer approval.

Examine Gobal Conflict and Policy Through Exclusive Access to the UN, NATO, and More.

Apply Now Attend an Information Session

Base Schedule

June 8–30, 2026

Pre-Travel Study

Complete assigned readings, essays, hot takes, and other preparatory coursework to build a strong foundation before departure.

July 1–18, 2026

In-Country Program

Immersive study abroad in Switzerland, Belgium, and France, combining coursework with site visits, lectures, and cultural experiences. Site visits include NATO Headquarters, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the Swiss Parliament. Evenings and weekends are free for independent exploration.

July 19–August 9, 2026

Capstone Policy Paper

Synthesize your learning into a final policy paper that will become the highlight of your academic portfolio.

Student Testimonials

These three weeks were life-changing. The views in Switzerland were stunning, but what truly stayed with me was how much I learned—and how it reignited my love of learning. This program helped me find my path and the confidence to pursue it. I won't say it was easy, but it was absolutely worth it—an unforgettable academic and personal turning point.

My experience in the International Security Study Abroad in Fribourg, Switzerland was unforgettable. Traveling Europe in a scholarly group, visiting NATO and the UN, was a blessing I’ll always be grateful for. Aside from the academics, exploring Europe both with my program group and on my free time is a walk through history, culture, and a timeless, immeasurable feeling of wonder.

The ISSP 25’ program was such an important experience for me, both academically and personally. The class content and your lectures (yes, even the bus ones) shaped the way I think about international security. That experience—and our private conversations—gave me a unique perspective that helped me earn a position with the Congressional Research Service supporting analysts on NATO defense spending.

The Global Environmental Justice Program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met amazing people, explored incredible cities, and spoke with experts at the UN and other international organizations. I came home more confident, focused, and ready for my post-grad career.

Participating in the International Security Studies Program in Switzerland was an amazing experience that helped me further my understanding of important economic, political, humanitarian, and security organizations in the context of international security issues. [It] helped me acquire a government internship with a focus on international organizations such as NATO! I highly recommend this unique program.

My time in Switzerland fundamentally changed my life. Not only is it an excellent resume builder . . . it steered me toward a career I love. Not in small part because of this experience, I ended up in my dream role with the U.S. federal government. I recommend this trip to anyone I meet who is even vaguely considering a career in government or international relations. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.

My time in the International Security Studies and Global Environmental Justice programs at the Fribourg Institute was the highlight of my college education! They offer a unique opportunity to learn from the diplomats, politicians, and activists who are writing the next chapter of our world’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Security Studies

Will this program help me find a job after graduation?
While no program can guarantee employment, many ISS alumni credit their experience with helping them land internships, graduate school placements, and even first jobs in government, law, and international organizations. Employers recognize the weight of studying security issues directly with practitioners at NATO, the UN, and other global institutions.
How does the program prepare me for my career?
ISS bridges academic study with practical engagement. You’ll not only master theories of conflict and cooperation but also test them against the lived experience of diplomats, military leaders, and policymakers. The capstone policy paper gives you portfolio-ready work, while networking opportunities connect you with professionals in diplomacy, defense, and international law.
What careers do alumni pursue?
ISS alumni have gone on to careers in diplomacy, defense, international law, humanitarian organizations, think tanks, and public service. The blend of applied academics and insider access gives them a competitive edge in these fields.
Who will we meet during our time abroad?
Past cohorts have met with an extraordinary range of leaders: Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukrainian ambassadors to the UN and EU, members of the Swiss and Canadian parliaments, senior officers in the Swiss and NATO militaries, UN weapons inspectors, EU parliamentarians, US State Department officials, and leading experts in terrorism and humanitarian law.
What site visits and events are included?
The ISS itinerary is unmatched. Students spend time at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the European Union Parliament in Brussels, and NATO Headquarters — an invitation-only experience that few students ever access. Along the way, you’ll also explore Swiss Parliament in Bern, the historic Hackenberg Fortress on the Maginot Line, and cultural highlights like Chillon Fortress and the Montreux Jazz Festival.