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    In-person Program

    Foreign Affairs High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    An immersive foreign affairs course combining international relations, diplomacy, policy discussions, simulated negotiations, and a group project.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Foreign Affairs High School Course

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    Foreign Affairs Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Closed

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    Grades 9-12

    Location / Region

    Seattle, Washington

    Cost

    $5,798 residential; $2,998 commuter

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Latest deadline

    17 May 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Politics

    Accommodation: On-campus double rooms

    Meals: All meals for residents

    Main output: Collaborative group project

    Instructor: Gael Tarleton

    Foreign Affairs Course summary

    The course introduces international relations, diplomacy, governance, policy, and the institutions and organizations that shape global affairs.

    Students learn through interactive discussions, a collaborative project, real-world scenarios, and simulated negotiations involving issues such as NATO, refugees, human rights, climate change, and trade.

    It suits students exploring diplomacy, public policy, international relations, or global-governance careers who enjoy discussion, analysis, collaboration, and public speaking.

    What is Foreign Affairs High School Course?

    The Foreign Affairs High School Course is an immersive Summer Springboard academic experience focused on international relations, diplomacy, policy, and global governance. Students examine how states, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational companies influence global affairs.

    Teaching combines expert-led discussion with real-world scenarios, simulated negotiations, and a collaborative project. Seattle's international trade, cultural connections, and policy activity provide practical context, while industry visits and guest speakers connect the curriculum with foreign-affairs careers.

    Why Succeed highlights Foreign Affairs Course

    • The curriculum links international-relations theory with realistic diplomacy, negotiation, and policy scenarios.

    • Students explore multiple global actors, including states, international organizations, NGOs, and transnational companies.

    • A group project and simulated negotiations make the course more active than a lecture-only survey.

    • Guest speakers and relevant organization visits connect academic study with possible careers.

    • The instructor brings extensive experience across national security, government, public policy, and international affairs.

    Who is Foreign Affairs Course for?

    Best for

    Students curious about diplomacy, international relations, politics, public policy, or global challenges who enjoy discussion, teamwork, analysis, and speaking.

    Not ideal if

    You want a narrowly specialized course, independent research experience, or a primarily lecture-based academic format.

    Is Foreign Affairs Course worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile for students who want to test their interest in international relations through practical discussion, negotiation, and policy work. The combination of an experienced instructor, campus life, industry exposure, and a collaborative project gives students several ways to engage with the field.

    Its main limitation is breadth: the course surveys many institutions, challenges, and career directions rather than developing deep expertise in one policy area. Its value will therefore depend on whether the student actively participates and reflects on which topics or careers they want to pursue further.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $5,798 residential; $2,998 commuter; includes Residential tuition includes lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes evening activities and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Commuter tuition includes weekday lunch and programming from 9am to 5pm., Both options include orientation, guest speakers, college tours, and enrichment activities..

    Accommodation

    On-campus double rooms

    Meals

    All meals for residents

    Provider details

    Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Seattle, Washington.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Foreign Affairs Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high academic and social engagement.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before the next application deadline to organize records, discuss support needs, and plan payment or travel.

    Main challenge

    Forming evidence-based positions while negotiating with competing stakeholders.

    Typical preparation

    • Read balanced coverage of one current international issue and identify the main stakeholders.

    • Practice summarizing a policy problem and defending a recommendation aloud.

    • Review the admission criteria and gather any English-proficiency or support documentation early.

    • Discuss residential or commuter logistics, travel documents, and payment planning with a parent or guardian.

    Useful if

    You already follow international news or enjoy politics, history, geography, economics, or debate.

    What do students do on Foreign Affairs Course?

    Students combine foundational international-relations study with discussion, collaborative work, simulations, career exploration, and course-related experiences beyond the classroom.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn how international relations developed and compare its major theories.

    2. 2

      Map the roles of states, international organizations, NGOs, and transnational companies.

    3. 3

      Discuss global challenges including human rights, climate change, health, refugees, and trade.

    4. 4

      Research real-world scenarios and analyze the interests of key stakeholders.

    5. 5

      Take part in simulated negotiations and policy-making exercises.

    6. 6

      Develop and present ideas through active participation and a group project.

    7. 7

      Hear from experienced professionals and visit relevant organizations when scheduled.

    Foreign Affairs Course dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    17 May 2026

    Final general admission deadline for the verified 2026 cycle.

    Reference date

    Session 1

    26 July-7 August 2026

    Two-week University of Washington session.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students in Grades 9-12

    • Students starting high school in fall may apply

    • Recent spring high-school graduates may apply

    • Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent

    • English proficiency required for international students

    • Essential eligibility criteria must be met

    • Student must participate in the application

    How much does Foreign Affairs Course cost?

    Program fee

    $5,798 residential; $2,998 commuter — Choose one attendance option.

    Funding or discounts

    • Deposit: $600 — Paid during application to hold the place.
    • Application fee: $99+ — Separate from tuition.
    • Alumni scholarship: $500 — Latest verified scholarship amount.

    What's included

    Residential tuition includes lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes evening activities and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Commuter tuition includes weekday lunch and programming from 9am to 5pm., Both options include orientation, guest speakers, college tours, and enrichment activities.

    How to apply to Foreign Affairs Course

    1. 1

      Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.

    2. 2

      Verify your email, sign in, and complete the account details.

    3. 3

      Choose Create New Application from the dashboard.

    4. 4

      Select University of Washington, the session, Foreign Affairs, and your tuition type.

    5. 5

      Enter the student's contact information with the student present.

    6. 6

      Pay the $600 deposit and applicable application fee.

    7. 7

      Submit the completed application and any requested supporting information.

    8. 8

      Expect an enrollment decision within five to seven business days after submission.

    What does Foreign Affairs Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    International Relations Foundations

    Explore the field's historical development and major theories.

    Global Actors

    Compare states, international organizations, NGOs, and transnational companies.

    Global Challenges

    Analyze human rights, environmental, health, and refugee crises.

    Diplomacy and Negotiation

    Practice diplomacy, negotiation, governance, and policy through scenarios.

    Career Exploration

    Connect course themes with diplomacy, policy, and governance careers.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Foreign Affairs Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic course

    The selected course typically runs from 9am to noon.

    Activity or excursion

    At 1:30pm, students join recreation or a course-linked excursion.

    College readiness

    A 3pm workshop covers college preparation or personal development.

    Residential activities

    After dinner, residential students join clubs or scheduled activities.

    Who teaches on Foreign Affairs Course?

    The course is led by Gael Tarleton, an international policy and national security expert with four decades of public- and private-sector experience. Her background includes intelligence analysis, international security work, university leadership, elected office, and intergovernmental relations.

    Summer Springboard states that its academic instructors are experienced professionals rather than university students.

    Where do students stay on Foreign Affairs Course?

    Residential plan

    • Campus housing: Students stay in double rooms with en-suite bathrooms in Spratlen Hall.
    • Meals: All meals are included, with most served in the campus dining hall.
    • Residential support: Staff mentors live on each floor, with 24-hour campus support.
    • Security: Dormitories use electronic keys and university security patrols continuously.
    • Activities: Evening activities, clubs, and weekend excursions are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day attendance: Commuters attend weekday programming from 9am to 5pm and receive lunch.

    Spratlen Hall rooms do not have air conditioning, but fans are provided.

    What happens after Foreign Affairs Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to test interest in international relations or political science.

    Explore future study in diplomacy, public policy, governance, or global affairs.

    Develop public-speaking, decision-making, negotiation, and analytical confidence.

    Use the group project as a basis for further reflection or independent study.

    Connect global challenges with possible careers in government, NGOs, and policy.

    The course supports exploration and skills development; no academic credit or certificate is specified.

    Where does Foreign Affairs Course take place?

    The course takes place on the University of Washington campus in Seattle's University District. Seattle's international trade, cultural exchange, research, and policy connections give students local context for studying diplomacy and global affairs, while campus programming includes city excursions and course-specific visits.

    Summer Springboard operates the program independently of the University of Washington.

    Foreign Affairs Course FAQs

    It covers international-relations history and theories, global stakeholders, diplomacy, negotiation, governance, policy, and challenges such as human rights, climate change, global health, and refugee crises.

    No. The course states that there are no prerequisites, although students must meet the wider high-school program admission criteria.

    Students participate in interactive discussions, a group project, real-world scenarios, and simulated negotiations. Relevant guest speakers and organization visits may also be included.

    Gael Tarleton leads the curriculum. Her experience spans international policy, national security, government, higher education, and public service.

    Yes. Commuter students attend weekday programming from 9am to 5pm, receive lunch, and participate in the academic course and excursions.

    Residential tuition includes on-campus lodging, all meals, the academic course, excursions, evening activities, and weekend excursions.

    Students stay in double rooms with en-suite bathrooms in Spratlen Hall. Staff mentors live on each floor, and security and staff support operate around the clock.

    The full application takes approximately 30 minutes, and the student must be present. Decisions are normally issued within five to seven business days after a complete application is submitted.

    Alternatives to Foreign Affairs Course

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    Best for

    Students wanting a longer online academic project.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Terms & Conditions | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Program Availability | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • University of Washington | Campus | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Foreign Affairs | University of Washington | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Tuition Protection Plan T&C
    • Programs Overview - 2026
    • Foreign Affairs | Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)

    • Course details checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Tuition options compared

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    • Meal inclusions checked

    • Policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.