Paris & Geneva UNITAR 2026

The Global Leaders Experience with UNITAR is taking place again, back in your favourite locations! We will once again be returning to Paris and Geneva for our 5-day immersive programme- get ready to become a United Nations expert! 

Taking place from the 5th-11th of July 2026!

About the programme 

We are once again partnering with UNITAR (United Nations Institute of Training and Research) to run a 5-day immersive programme focused on key themes and significant locations within the United Nations in the stunning locations of Paris and Geneva! 

With an initial stop in Paris to spend your first day visiting the UNESCO headquarters at Place de Fontenoy, the trip will then travel to Geneva; giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the host city of one of four main UN Secretariat offices and gain first-hand experience of the United Nations from the team themselves! Based within the historic Palais des Nations, you will spend 4 days taking part in a variety of activities, lectures, and tours with the aim to help you gain insight and take steps into building a career within the UN. The programme details are still yet to be confirmed, but following previous years you can expect: 

• Expert lectures from services such as: World Trade Organisation and Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights 

• Training workshops in: Public speaking, Consensus building, Debating and UN Career insights 

• Private guided tours in significant UN buildings 

• Career development sessions    

Paris and Geneva 

What’s more? You will be spending your evenings exploring the beautiful Paris and Geneva! With plenty of time to visit the classic tourist spots, and the hidden gems; you are sure not to get bored in these two gorgeous and historical cities! 

What is UNITAR? 

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a principal training arm of the United Nations, working in every region of the world. They empower individuals, governments and organisations through knowledge and learning effectively to overcome contemporary global challenges. The training arm was first established in 1963 by the General Assembly of the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the UN through appropriate training and research. 

Eligibility criteria  

Please note: No prior experience or specific degree programme is necessary to join, in fact, we particularly encourage applications from students without relevant experience.  

• You will be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the time of the programme       

• This programme is open to undergraduate students who meet one or more of the Widening Participation criteria
• We also have a small number of spaces available for undergraduate and postgraduate international students 

• You can travel to and from the UK between the 5th and 11th of July 2026

• Not currently on a placement year or study abroad.   

• Have an up-to-date passport with more than 6 months validity from date of return.    

• Have not exceeded the 90 out of 180 days rule for travel in Europe by the date of the programme. If you are unsure of this please use this calculator.   

Managing Expectations     

• The global travel sector remains impacted by well publicised strikes, cancellation and disruption.     

• Please be ready to follow any national or local guidance in relation to travel, such as passport validity for France and Switzerland 

• Please be prepared to apply and pay for the ETIAS travel authorisation as it will be operating during the time of the trip. For more information please press here.  Visa costs will not be covered by the University.  

• You are not currently required to provide proof of Covid-19 Vaccination to enter Switzerland, however, please keep this in mind in case of any changes in the lead up to departure.     

• Students are expected to travel to and from the UK as part of a group for the trip.   

• Students will be sharing accommodation. Please see our FAQs for further information.   

• There will be a pre-departure session which you need to attend ahead of the trip.   

Cost  

The University of Exeter will be booking return travel from the UK departure point and accommodation on your behalf; the cost of which will be covered by the University.     

There will be a travel bursary available to those who meet the Widening Participation criteria. You will be able to claim travel costs to and from the UK departure point (for example from campus to an airport or train station) if student discounts are used; receipts must be provided.       

Claims can be made up to a maximum of £100. This limit is for the whole journey, i.e. not £100 each way and claims above the limit will be rejected. Please note that the travel bursary cannot be used for additional accommodation unless in exceptional circumstances and must be checked and approved with global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk first.       

Further Information

If you have any further questions, please feel free to email the team at global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk