Student profile

The MIA Programme is for motivated students who seek the challenges of a demanding programme and who have the following strengths.

Students in front of the library building.

Intellectual candour
MIA students are interested in the political and economic issues facing us in today’s world. It is only possible to grasp the complexity of these issues by examining them from an interdisciplinary perspective. This requires both critical curiosity and tolerance.

Conscientious education and career planning
MIA students see the programme as a platform for their personal development. They take advantage of the wide range of possibilities the programme has to offer, thus providing them the core foundation and the skill set needed for their future careers.

Self-reflection
MIA students see criticism as an opportunity to learn and change. This means a readiness to constantly re-evaluate and continuously develop their own ways of thinking and attitudes.

Internationalism
MIA students deal in particular with international issues and have international experience. They take advantage of the opportunities at the University of St.Gallen to expand their intercultural competence and language skills.

Public spirit
MIA students are prepared to make an active contribution to the development of society, the economy and politics in addition to demonstrating an ability to take on responsibility. The MIA Programme encourages and supports involvement in public affairs during the programme.

Mercator Kolleg participant Steve Tharakan
	After finishing his Ph.D. programme in political science at the University of St.Gallen in 2009, Steve Tharakan took part in the Mercator Kolleg, and worked three months in Uganda on the reintegration of war-damaged children via sports.

Laura Crivelli as a Youth Rep in New York
	In October 2010, Laura Crivelli went to the United Nations in New York as one of the three Youth Reps of Switzerland. She gave a speech in the General Assembly and met the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.