PUBLISHED:July 23, 2008

Bettina Roberts '10

July 23, 2008

This summer I am working at International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), a non-profit non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization was founded in 2000 with a vision to end torture in the 21st century through the just implementation of criminal laws around the world. One of the major ways that IBJ hopes to achieve this is by organizing training programs to educate members of the criminal justice community in best practices to help reform justice systems organically from within.

I have been working on the materials and logistics for IBJ’s first foray into India, a training conference for 108 legal aid lawyers from each of the country’s states taking place this July. As the culmination of my internship, I’ll be headed to New Delhi to help manage the training from the ground – and I’m really looking forward to it!

Living in Geneva has been wonderful; the city is charming and easy to get to know. I’ve been able to practice my French, and of course, the cheese and chocolate are some of the best in the world!

Also, while I’ve been here, the UEFA EURO2008 soccer championships have been going on, and Geneva is one of the host cities. The streets come alive for each of the games with fans from all over Europe… it’s impossible not to get into it!

Overall, I could not have asked for a more exciting or rewarding summer experience – IBJ is truly a wonderful organization, I’ve met some great people, and spending time abroad has been amazing.