If you’re a high school student interested in global affairs, diplomacy, or how countries interact on the world stage, international relations may already be a subject that excites you. But studying the field at a deeper level goes far beyond headlines – it involves political theory, economics, and history – which is exactly why many students seek out specialized International Relations programs for high school students. One of the most engaging ways to bridge the gap between curiosity and university-level analysis is through these dedicated academic tracks.

Imagine spending your summer attending seminars on topics like global politics, international law, and conflict resolution. Picture participating in debates, analyzing case studies, and collaborating with peers from around the world to understand pressing global challenges. These immersive learning environments mirror university-style teaching while encouraging the thoughtful discussion and diverse perspectives necessary for future diplomats.

What international relations programs are available for high school students?

With many options available, it’s important to distinguish between programs that offer meaningful academic depth and those that focus only on general discussions. Some emphasize lectures, while others include simulations, debates, collaborative projects, and mentorship. Thoughtful research helps ensure you select a program that aligns with your interests and provides a challenging and engaging experience.

International relations programs may cover areas such as diplomacy, global governance, international economics, security studies, and human rights. You might take part in model UN simulations, negotiation exercises, or research projects that reflect real-world international scenarios.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with motivated peers from diverse backgrounds, and strengthen essential skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and analytical writing. Along the way, you’ll gain a clearer sense of what studying international relations at the university level might truly involve.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 International Relations Programs for High School Students.

For adjacent opportunities, you can check out law summer programs.

15 International Relations Programs for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s International Relations Summer School

Location: Oxford, Toronto, Cambridge, and Online
Cost: Varies by format; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

At Immerse Education’s International Relations Summer School, you get the unique chance to live in historic university dorms while receiving one-on-one tutoring from expert college academics. You will study exactly how countries work together by exploring topics such as global politics, international law, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. You will debate current world events, act out mock diplomatic negotiations, listen to guest speakers, and complete your own personal research project.

These interactive lessons are carefully designed to help you build strong problem-solving, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. By the time you finish the program, you will clearly understand how the world makes big decisions and feel fully prepared for college.

Why it stands out: It combines the unique experience of living in historic university dorms with personalized, one-on-one tutoring from expert academics and hands-on diplomatic simulations.

2. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program – Global Studies Track

Location: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Cost: Commuter: $5,675; Residential: $13,274; limited need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 15th – July 31st
Application Deadline: March 9th
Eligibility: Students worldwide in 10th and 11th grade with a minimum GPA of 3.8

UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in university-level research under the guidance of UCSB faculty. Through the Global Studies track, you will explore topics central to international relations and work on research projects that will deepen your understanding of global issues. You will develop essential academic skills such as research methodology, paper writing, and presenting your findings at a formal research conference.

The program provides you with university credit, which adds academic value to your profile. In addition to research, you’ll gain exposure to university life, building skills that will prepare you for higher education and future academic endeavors in global studies or international relations. 

Why it stands out: This program combines hands-on research experience with academic credit, preparing you for future studies in international relations while providing mentorship from UCSB’s esteemed faculty.

3. Georgetown University Summer Programs: International Relations Academy

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
Cost: Residential: $3,725; Commuter : $3,095; need-based scholarships and early bord discounts are available
Dates: Session I: June 21-27; Session II : July 19-25
Application Deadline: Early Bird: January  31st; Final: April 15th
Eligibility: Current 8th-12th graders; minimum 2.0 GPA; open to international students; English proficiency recommended

As one of the most prestigious International Relations programs for high school students, this one‑week academy immerses you in global affairs through expert‑led lectures and crisis simulations. You’ll explore core topics like the international system and foreign policy, deepening your understanding of how world politics functions.

Daily programming blends classroom learning with off‑site visits and collaborative activities that foster analytical and problem‑solving skills relevant to international relations. Residential participants also engage in structured student life activities that mirror college expectations and build interpersonal abilities. The academy culminates in a Certificate of Participation and provides insight into how academic study translates to careers in diplomacy, policy, or global research.

Why it stands out: It offers an accelerated, academically focused introduction to international relations with direct exposure to Georgetown faculty and hands-on simulations of real‑world global challenges.

4. University of Chicago’s Exploring Solutions to Global Problems: Climate, Energy, & Sustainability

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
Cost: $2,500; need-based financial aid is available; no tuition cost for students whose household income is less than or equal to $125,000; no tuition or travel costs for students whose household income is less than or equal to $60,000
Dates: July 12-17
Application Deadline: March 12th
Eligibility: High school students currently in 11th grade; must be at least 15 years old at the start of the program and living in the U.S.; international students not eligible

This one-week residential program at the University of Chicago immerses you in the world of climate, energy, and sustainability policy. You will engage with leading experts from UChicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), Becker Friedman Institute, and Climate Impact Lab through lectures, seminar discussions, and collaborative projects.

The program also includes tours of industry sites like Invenergy and panel discussions with professionals in the clean energy sector, offering valuable insight into potential career paths. By the end of the program, you’ll strengthen your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of the role of energy policy in global diplomacy.

Why it stands out: It offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of energy policy, sustainability, and global diplomacy, providing hands-on experiences and direct exposure to leading professionals in the field.

5. Yale International Relations Leadership Institute (YIRLI)

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Cost: $2,200 program fee + $20 application fee; financial aid is available for eligible students
Dates: July 28th – August  2nd
Application Deadline: March 30th
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (both U.S. and international), entering 11th-12th grade and aged 16-18; students are expected to secure their own visas if needed

The Yale International Relations Leadership Institute is a one‑week residential summer program designed to deepen your understanding of global affairs, diplomacy, and leadership. Through a structured schedule of workshops, Model United Nations simulations, public speaking labs, and hands-on challenges, you will practice skills that are central to international relations and global leadership.

Instruction and mentorship are provided by Yale students from the Yale International Relations Association, and you’ll also interact with guest speakers and Yale faculty, gaining insight into academic and professional pathways in the field. The program culminates in collaborative projects such as the YIRLI Global Impact Challenge, where you apply your learning to real‑world problems.

Why it stands out: It combines immersive leadership training with international relations content and mentorship in a residential setting at Yale, offering both academic enrichment and experiential insight into university life.

6. Summer Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Location: Philadelphia, PA (remote and in‑person options available)
Cost: None; limited stipends available based on financial need
Dates: Spring: February – April; Summer: June – August; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring: December; Fall: July; Summer: March
Eligibility: High school students authorized for employment in the U.S.; open to international students, however, FPRI does not sponsor visas, and international students must be able to work remotely or have independent U.S. work authorization

The Foreign Policy Research Institute Internship provides high school students with structured exposure to professional work in international relations and foreign policy. As an intern, you will be paired with a scholar or field professional and participate in research, communications, operations, or special events tasks that build your analytical and collaborative skills.

You’ll also attend weekly foreign policy and career‑focused seminars with guest speakers, which help you understand how policy research influences global affairs. Interns gain access to in‑person, virtual, and hybrid FPRI events and may have the opportunity to contribute to a research paper considered for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner.

Why it stands out: It offers the unique opportunity to work directly with foreign policy experts and contribute to meaningful research in a professional setting.

7. USC Pre‑College Program – International Relations

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Cost: $11,570 (Residential) or $8,130 (Commuter) + $85 application fee; International: $12,208 + visa fees
Dates: June 22nd – July 17th
Application Deadline: Domestic: May 8th; International: March 13th
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade by summer; open to both domestic and international applicants (international students require a proper visa and English proficiency)

The USC Pre‑College International Relations program offers a four‑week, college‑level academic experience examining the causes of war, conflict resolution, and the economic and cultural drivers of global instability. You will learn foundational theories of international relations paired with practical analysis of real regional conflicts, exploring how individuals, governments, international organizations, and peace movements interact on the world stage.

Coursework includes interactive discussions, simulations, and development of a detailed case study where you will apply theory to propose practical solutions or peace strategies. The program is taught by USC faculty and experienced instructors through lectures, workshops, and project‑based assignments that mirror university-style learning.

Why it stands out: It integrates rigorous college‑level coursework with applied case analysis and exposure to the academic environment of a major research university, preparing you for future study in international relations or related fields.

8. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
Cost: $7,000; need‑based financial aid available
Dates: Session I: June 21st – July 3 | Session II: July 5-17 | Session III: July 19-31
Application Deadline: January 7th
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors aged 16-18; first‑time participants preferred; open to students worldwide

Yale Young Global Scholars is a highly selective, two‑week residential academic program that invites you to explore advanced topics through interdisciplinary coursework, seminars, and collaborative projects. You choose one academic track, such as Solving Global Challenges (SGC) or Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE), that frames your study of international relations, policy, and global systems in depth.

Each track combines interactive lectures, small‑group discussions, and experiential learning that mirror university‑level engagement, helping you sharpen critical thinking and analytical skills. You receive an electronic Certificate of Completion that reflects your academic focus and participation. Need‑based financial aid is available to both domestic and international students, supporting access regardless of financial background.

Why it stands out: It combines rigorous, interdisciplinary academic inquiry with a globally diverse residential experience at Yale, offering insight into college‑level study and international affairs.

9. United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme

Location: Online
Cost: $750; limited scholarships are available
Dates: January 12th – February 6th; April 13th – May 8th; June 8th – July 3rd; July 27th – August 21st
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: High school students, university students, and aspiring young leaders; international students are eligible

For those seeking elite International Relations programs for high school students in a digital format, this UN-led programme offers direct insight into global governance. Over four weeks, you will participate in live webinars and workshops designed to explain how international institutions operate on the world stage.

The curriculum explores topics such as conference diplomacy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), cross-cultural communication, and multilateral decision-making processes. Sessions led by UN professionals and policy experts provide insight into negotiation, consensus-building, and leadership within global organizations. The program helps you evaluate academic pathways related to international relations, political science, public policy, or global leadership studies.

Why it stands out: It offers direct insight into UN-style diplomacy and global leadership training through expert-led sessions in a small international online cohort.

10. Georgetown University Pre‑College Program: International Relations

Location: Online
Cost: $3,995 for college credit option; $1,895 for enrichment option; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Courses offered in multiple lengths throughout the year
Application Deadline: One week before the course start date
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and up; open to international students 

This online pre‑college program lets you study international relations from Georgetown University faculty and earn a Certificate of Completion or official college credit while still in high school. You’ll engage with foundational concepts such as global systems, human rights, foreign policy, and conflict through dynamic video lectures, discussions, and a capstone project that applies theory to real‑world scenarios.

Throughout the course, you’ll receive academic support from mentors or teaching assistants and build skills in policy analysis, global problem‑solving, and critical thinking. By the end, you’ll have academic work that demonstrates your grasp of how international systems operate.

Why it stands out: It offers the opportunity to earn transferable college credit from Georgetown University while studying core international relations topics at your own pace.

11. Tufts University Pre-College: International Relations Program

Location: Tufts University campus, Medford/Somerville, Massachusetts
Cost: Residential: $5,750; Commuter: $4,225; limited need-based scholarships are available
Dates: July 19-31
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12; at least 15 years old when the program starts; open to international students

At Tufts, you can experience one of the most rigorous International Relations programs for high school students, exploring core topics like global economics and human rights. Throughout the intensive course, you will participate in college-level seminars and tackle real-world issues during an interactive crisis simulation.

You will also conduct an independent analysis and work closely with the university library staff to write a comprehensive research paper on a foreign policy topic of your choice. By the end of the session, you will walk away with highly developed skills in negotiation, critical thinking, academic research, and persuasive public speaking.

Why it stands out: It combines rigorous academic research with hands-on diplomatic simulations, giving high schoolers the rare opportunity to earn official college credit.

12. Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative (HUFPI) High School Programs

Location: Virtual (Online via Zoom)
Cost: ~$500 to $800 (Based on recent cycles: $500 for early applicants, $700 for regular applicants, and $800 for late applicants); need-based financial aid is available
Dates: June 2-5
Application Deadline: Historically late May
Eligibility: All high school students globally (equivalent to U.S. grades 9-12), including rising high school freshmen and graduating seniors; open to international students

In this program, you explore global affairs directly from home while receiving mentorship from current Harvard students. You will study essential topics like U.S. foreign policy, international security, human rights, and global economics. Throughout the session, you will listen to expert keynote speakers, collaborate in small policy lab teams, and draft your own realistic policy memos.

You will also discuss pressing world events with other ambitious students, which makes the learning experience highly interactive. By the end, you will develop strong skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and professional policy writing.

Why it stands out: It provides an accessible, fully online platform where you can gain direct guidance from Harvard undergraduates while tackling practical, real-world policy work.

13. Brown University Pre-College Online – International Relations of Russia, China, and Europe

Location: Online 
Cost: $4,656; financial aid is available
Dates: July 6-24
Application Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: Students worldwide completing grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)

In this three-week online course, you will learn the basics of how countries interact by studying Russia’s relationships with the United States, China, Ukraine, and the European Union. You will cover major global theories to easily understand why world leaders make the choices they do.

Throughout the class, you will read current news articles, share your thoughts on virtual discussion boards, and design a final research proposal on a global topic you care about. You will also enjoy the freedom to choose how you complete your main project, whether by writing a professional memo, recording a video, or creating a blog.

Why it stands out: It offers a highly flexible, mostly self-paced online format while still giving you the creative freedom to present your work in a style that suits you best.

14. Hampton University Young Diplomats Summer Program

Location: Hampton University Campus (Hampton, Virginia), plus an enrichment trip to Washington, D.C.
Cost: $1,700 for early enrollment; increases to $1,900 for regular enrollment
Dates: One-week residential program in late June
Application Deadline: January 27th
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade high school students who have medical clearance from a professional; open to international students

In the Hampton University Young Diplomats Summer Program, you step into a residential experience suited for your ambitious plans in global affairs. You will dive into important topics like African diplomacy, global economic development, and how nations respond to humanitarian crises.

During the week, you will actively practice the art of debate, learn formal dining etiquette, and master Robert’s Rules of Order for running official meetings. The program also features a trip to Washington, D.C., where you can visit places like the U.S. State Department.

Why it stands out: It goes beyond standard classroom learning by teaching you real-world political tools like Robert’s Rules of Order and professional dining etiquette alongside your global studies.

15. George Washington University U.S. Foreign Policy: Global Conflict Resolution in a Multilateral World

Location: Washington, D.C. (Mount Vernon Campus / Foggy Bottom Campus)
Cost: $4,950 (Residential) or $4,350 (Commuter) per 2-week session; limited partial and full need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Session I: June 21st – July 3rd; Session II: July 5-17; Session III: July 19-31
Application Deadline: Session I: March 29th; Session II/III: May 1st (Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (ages 14-18); open to international students

In this two-week course, you will dive into global diplomacy by exploring how nations manage trade, security, and environmental policy through international laws and U.N. resolutions. You will spend your days meeting directly with diplomats at international embassies and government officials across Washington, D.C., to see policy in action.

You will participate in brainstorming sessions, team challenges, and pitch a final project to expert mentors. This unique program provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the nation’s capital as you analyze diverse foreign policy approaches.

Why it stands out: It transforms Washington, D.C. into your personal classroom, offering unparalleled direct access to the diplomats and federal agencies that shape global conflict resolution.

The Strategic Reader: Enhancing Your International Relations IQ

Participating in International Relations programs for high school students is a pivotal step toward understanding our complex and rapidly changing interconnected modern global political world.

These immersive experiences offer a rare environment to test diplomatic skills and engage with diverse cultural and academic global perspectives from around the entire planet.

By analyzing complex systems, you build the analytical toolkit required for success in university and your future professional career within the world of public service.

Explore our International Relations Top Books Guide now to masterfully bridge your summer experience with advanced global theory and essential knowledge for your bright future!