Economics Students Visit the World Trade Organization in Geneva

This week, LAS economics students from grade 11 and grade 12 had the incredible opportunity to visit the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva. This trip was a unique chance for students to connect their classroom studies to real-world global trade policies and international diplomacy.

As part of the visit, students attended a private lecture by one of the WTO’s 700 secretariat members. This session provided deep insights into the role of the WTO in maintaining fair and open international trade. The speaker explained the process countries must go through to join the WTO, as well as the policies in place to resolve trade disputes between nations. The lecture was very relevant to their students, as they have been exploring international free trade agreements and their impact on developing and underdeveloped countries.

Beyond these discussions, students gained a clearer understanding of how global trade rules are enforced and how the WTO works to prevent trade restrictions that can hinder economic growth. The session also sparked interesting discussions about the challenges and controversies surrounding free trade, particularly for countries with emerging economies.

Trips like these are incredibly valuable to the LAS student experience. Experiential learning opportunities help bring studies out of the classroom, bringing academics to life in a fun and educational setting. By engaging directly with experts in international trade, students left with a more in-depth understanding of the complexities and importance of global economic cooperation.

Through this trip, our students have been exposed to various perspectives and new information that will prove valuable in their classroom studies. We were really impressed by how much they engaged with the sessions, and it was a privilege to be taught by industry experts. We look forward to future partnerships that allow students to see their studies come to life in real-world settings!