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UCIHL

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Amaury84

Joined: 17 Jul 2007
Posts: 2
UCIHL
Wed Jul 18, 2007 02:28 AM
Hi,

i'm a french student which will be studing next year at the UCIHL. I'd like to know if some of you know what is the reputation of this programm and what are the job oppurtunities then. Thanks !!!!
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grisselle27

Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
UCIHL
Sun Jul 22, 2007 07:39 AM
I'm interested in getting the Master in Advanced Studies in International Humanitarian Law that the University Centre for International Humanitarian Law offers. I was wondering if you could help me by providing the following information:
Admission requirements
1. What are the admission requirements regarding education or in general?
2. About the language, what are the requirements I have to meet to enter the programme? Is TOEFL or IELTS needed? What's the score that I should get in both?
3. There's a deadline for applying for the programme and I won't get my diploma before the deadline, but I will receive my degree before the programme starts. I want to know if I can apply because I really want to begin my Master in the 2008. Is there a possibility, in that case, to receive a conditional offer?
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Rikki

Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Posts: 1
UCIHL
Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:20 PM
Hi all! I am enrolled in the 2007/2008 MAS program and have yet to secure housing. I have registered for the list to receive student housing but have yet to be notified of any availability. Has anyone else registered and heard from the Bureau des logements? Any ideas/suggestions as to other avenues to securing affordable housing?
Thanks!
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grisselle27

Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
UCIHL
Tue Sep 25, 2007 09:02 PM
Hi everyone, I want to apply for the academic year 2008-2009 and I would like that any of you that have study there or that applied and get admitted for the period 2007-2008 give me some tips or advice for the application process. Good luck all of you :)
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T.T.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
UCIHL
Wed Oct 17, 2007 06:56 AM
hi grisselle27, do you know of anyone else who is applying for the next year for this program? Also do you know if in the essay outlining why you are interested in a program, you need to specify anything about your 'future' thesis or a study plan of any sort? I wasn't planning to, because I don't have concrete thoughts on that, but I am not sure if it's something that is usually put in.
Thanks,
Tanya
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petra

Joined: 06 Aug 2007
Posts: 26
UCIHL
Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:45 PM
Hi Tanya, I am applying to UCIHL and I sent my application yesterday. I did not specify my future thesis in my statement but rather gave a broad overview of my future goals and how the degree will help me achieve that. I didn't think I could decide on a thesis right now but if you are already sure about your thesis, it doesn't hurt to put it in. In any case, it shows how very focussed you are. I am also applying to other schools but UCIHL remains a priority to me so I decided to send the application early and await the outcome as I apply to the others.

[Edited 18 Oct 2007 by petra]
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T.T.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
UCIHL
Thu Oct 18, 2007 01:46 PM
Hi Petra!
Thanks for your thoughts. I haven't sent my documents in. I noticed that the new website for the academy is still a bit under construction. As of yesterday, the forms were still in French, although they are identical to the older ones for the universtiy centre. I am also waiting for my reference letters from Canada. You see, I am Canadian, but right now I am staying in Austria. At first, I was not sure if I need to provide the reference letters themselves or only names of those who are writing the reference, but then I saw that they want an assessment of my English by a professor/employer as although I lived in Canada since I was a child, I don't have formal English training or tests, like TOEFL, so I decided to wait for full references and then send it all. And as for the thesis, no I am not that focused ;) It's just that I was a bit paranoid as to what I have to include as the application form is pretty basic. Do you know of anybody who finished the program? I contacted one girl (I got her email from one of the blogs here). SHe said that the program was good, but they had a problem with students whose English was not quite as fluent as was needed, because they were falling behind. I guess that's why the academy is so keen on English this year. She also said that as the program is relatively new, they try to implement something new every year and that it's partially trial and error, but she said that overall it was great, the class was about 35 students and they were from like 30 countries. So, I am still very much interested. Where else are you applying?
Tanya
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petra

Joined: 06 Aug 2007
Posts: 26
UCIHL
Fri Oct 19, 2007 05:48 AM
Hi Tanya,
I used the old forms as the website was under reconstruction and I wanted to get this out of the way before applying to other schools. I am also applying for a scholarship from the Swiss Government in my Country and I needed to apply to UCIHL first and get an acknowledgement to present with my scholarship application. I am quite fluent in English and have a fair knowledge of French. I hope to study in Geneva because apart from the great program and good job prospects, I will also get to advance my French.
I am also applying to IHE, I know it partnered up with University of Geneva to form UCIHL but its programme is better known worldwide, though it takes two years. They also have a number of interesting scholarships, frankly, without a scholarship,I would not be able to attend any of these schools. I will also apply to UNICRI and LEIDEN, in that order. All the best as you prepare your application. One thing about UCIHL is that they dont require too many things ,so that at the end you look at your application and wonder, is this all they need? But I guess they pretty much know what they are looking for.
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grisselle27

Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
UCIHL
Sun Nov 04, 2007 12:57 PM
Hi Petra and TT!! It seems that we have same interest. Please don't hesitate in asking me whatever you need. Any information regarding UCIHL that you could share with me will be highly appreciated.
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petra

Joined: 06 Aug 2007
Posts: 26
UCIHL
Sun Nov 04, 2007 01:20 PM
Griselle27, I got an e-mail from UCIHL stating that my application had been received and was complete. They said I should expect a reply within 6 weeks after 30th Nov. 2007, so I am crossing my fingers. Have you sent your Application? I am now preparing my material for Leiden, UNICRI and IHE.

[Edited 04 Nov 2007 by petra]
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T.T.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
UCIHL
Mon Nov 05, 2007 07:08 AM
Hi Petra! I thought the deadline was January 31, and that as opposed to previous year it was just one deadline this time. I am surprised that they give an answer 6 weeks from the end of november, I thought it was 6 weeks from the end of January 2008. It's a little bizzare, but thanks for letting us know. I am still waiting for some references (as I need them for scholarships, otherwise I would have applied earlier). I have to check my mailbox, maybe I get them today :)
T
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grisselle27

Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
UCIHL
Mon Nov 05, 2007 10:35 AM
Hi Petra, Hi TT!! Well I'm still collecting my supporting documents because in my University everything is slowww, but anyway I'm waiting for my letters, etc, and then make the translations. I hope to be sending my application before december. Im kind of nervous and a little streess heheheh. About the deadline, in passed years they established 2 deadlines: nov 30 and jan 31. I check the website and they put jan 31 as a deadline, but the sooner we send it, I think it would be better. Good luck all of you.
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sanja84

Joined: 07 Mar 2007
Posts: 49
UCIHL
Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:06 AM
Hi there,

Is here anybody from Switzerland? I need help. How can one be a lawyer in Switzerland? What's the procedure and everything else.
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grisselle27

Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
UCIHL
Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:48 AM
Has anyone received any information from Ucihl?? Petra and Tanya, how are you?
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T.T.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
UCIHL
Wed Jan 30, 2008 06:51 AM
Hey there,
no, no word from the academy yet. I sent my application in November, in case they were still using the old deadline, but from their reply it looks like they use January 31 as the deadline. So, no news yet. But if you hear something, let us know. By the way, have you managed to contact any students that are studying there now or who have already graduated?
Talk to you later,
Tanya
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grisselle27

Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
UCIHL
Thu Jan 31, 2008 02:24 PM
Hello Tanya. No, I haven't contact any current students but what I found on internet is quite good. It seems that is a great program. I hope to get admitted. :). I'll let you know anything. At the moment the only thing that I an tell you for sure is that we must wait until end of march for an answer of the institute.
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kenco05

Joined: 23 Jan 2007
Posts: 8
UCIHL
Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:44 PM
hey all, just to let you know that I am currently studying at the academy so if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. first round of exams are just finished and semester 2 has begun! we do have some good professors, I do just have to say that the academy is just lacking in organisation! feel free to contact

[Edited 22 Feb 2008 by kenco05]
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petra

Joined: 06 Aug 2007
Posts: 26
UCIHL
Sat Feb 23, 2008 08:47 AM
kenco05, how disappointing about the organization issue! Please explain in detai, I am really intent on studying either there or at HEI. Do you take some classes at HEI, what is the relationship between the two institutions? Does the Academy give scholarships when one applies? How many people are admitted each year? What are the career prospects? Sorry for my many questions but I just really want to get a clear picture of this place.
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kenco05

Joined: 23 Jan 2007
Posts: 8
UCIHL
Tue Feb 26, 2008 04:11 PM
hi petra,
well the disorganisation is mostly admistratively - things always changed last minute or it appears one does not communicate with the others some times which can get frustrating. there are around 30 people on the english course and 30 on the french course.apparently only 1 in 4 that applied got a place last year. the relationship with the HEI is that we do have some of our classes in the building from the academy and we are allowed to take one of the HEI classes from a choice they give us. With regards to career prospects the academy does have contacts but it is not as helpful as they are made out to be but we do get regular offers to apply for internships at the various organisations in Geneva. The scholarships have to be applied for on a seperate application when you apply otherwise you will not be considered! anything else don't hesitate to ask.
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T.T.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
UCIHL
Wed Feb 27, 2008 02:42 PM
Thanks for the info. I think it's safe to say that you are our only insider source. In terms of internships and job prospects, how important is French. I have absolutely no French and am really concerned. I'll try to take French courses in the summer, but I obviously won't be fluent. Is French something of a prerequisite for most internships that you came across? And overall, are you happy with your decision to go to the the Academy. I know it's a personal question, but was it worth it for you, would you recommend it? For me it's a big investment, I pretty much cannot afford it at all, and it looks amazing on paper, but how is it in reality?
Thanks for helping us out with your tips.
Tanya
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kenco05

Joined: 23 Jan 2007
Posts: 8
UCIHL
Fri Feb 29, 2008 08:28 AM
hey Tanya,
currently sat in a class with Guy Goodwin-Gill from Oxford, a fine example of the expert professors we have. I have not much french and it is true that it is seen as always nearly necessary for internships. For the course french is not necessary but for future careers most do require french. I enjoy the teaching and education i have recieved I am just a little disappointed with the organisation. anything else don't hesitate to ask,
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grisselle27

Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
UCIHL
Wed Mar 05, 2008 12:02 PM
Hi everyone!! kenco05 you are so kind, thak you so much!!! I have some questions ( a lot :P)
1. They said that we'll have an answer in 6 weeks, it should be next week, do they inform by email or regular mail?
2. About the scholarship, do they tell you at the same time that they notify the admission (in case of positive answer) or few weeks later?
3. My french is poor, can students be in french language courses to improve their french, I mean, is there a language center?
4. In your case, do you see a possibility to stay in Geneva after the Master Programme?
I know that is a lot of questions but right now you are the only person who coukd give us a better view. I'm really interested in this programme since is my favorite branch of International Law. Thank you for your assistance and anticipated cooperation.
Kind regards,
Grisselle.
p.s: girls, just one week more...I hope so...CROSS YOUR FINGERS :)
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ygado

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 2
UCIHL deadline
Wed Mar 05, 2008 05:00 PM
Hello. I would like to apply for the 2007 program. I realize I am way past the Jan 31 deadline, but strangely the website said late applications will not necessarily be rejected. Any ideas if this means one day or week late, or just late?

Thanks.
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ygado

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 2
UCIHL deadline
Wed Mar 05, 2008 05:01 PM
sorry, i meant the 2008-09 year. thanks.
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T.T.

Joined: 16 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
UCIHL deadline
Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:20 AM
hi griselle, I looked at the French courses. They have specific training courses for student in HEI, but unfortunately HEI said that Academy's students are not eligible. But there is another centre in the university that offers intensive french (5-7 hours per day in the summer). Here is the link: www.fle.unige.ch
their email is elcfete@unige.ch
however, the courses are only in the summer. during the year, a normal student at the university of geneva (and I hope we qualify, as institutions are affiliated), can take a normal french course, but it's only 2 hours per week.
as for the notification of the answer, I am also completely impatient :) The email that confirmed that they got the application itself, said that we will be notified by email. So, I hope we'll know by March 14!
Hope it helps,
Keep in touch,
Tanya
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