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    In-person Program

    International Relations High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    A hands-on international relations course exploring diplomacy, conflict, global policy and Model UN through seminars, expert feedback and field experiences.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    International Relations High School Course

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    International Relations Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Washington, DC; Oxford

    Cost

    From $2,498

    Duration

    1-2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

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

    Save program
    Politics

    Accommodation: Residential or commuter

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and recommendation letter

    Sessions / cadence: 5×4-hour or 9×3-hour classes

    Academic experience: Debates, excursions and Model UN

    Tutors / faculty: University lecturers and field professionals

    International Relations Course summary

    This pre-college course introduces global politics, diplomacy, international law, human rights and the forces behind conflict and cooperation.

    Students research international issues, debate possible solutions, practice negotiation and take part in a Model UN simulation with professional feedback.

    It suits students who want an academically structured introduction to international affairs with expert contact and practical campus experiences.

    What is International Relations High School Course?

    The International Relations High School Course is a Summer Springboard academic experience focused on global politics, diplomacy, conflict and cooperation. Students examine relationships among states, cultures, the United Nations and other nongovernmental organizations.

    Learning combines research, seminars, debate, negotiation and Model UN. Depending on the campus, students also engage with diplomats, policy professionals, academic institutions and government-related sites that give international affairs practical context.

    Why Succeed highlights International Relations Course

    • Model UN turns political theory into a practical negotiation and diplomacy exercise.

    • Professional feedback helps students understand how their arguments and strategies work in realistic settings.

    • Course-related visits connect classroom ideas with embassies, government institutions and international-affairs professionals.

    • The curriculum links foreign policy and international law with human rights, migration, security and environmental challenges.

    • Residential and commuter routes let families choose between a fuller campus experience and daytime participation.

    Who is International Relations Course for?

    Best for

    Curious high school students who enjoy global affairs, discussion, research and collaborative problem-solving, and want to test possible paths in diplomacy, politics or international law.

    Not ideal if

    You want a credit-bearing university course, a primarily independent research project or a program without structured group discussion and campus activities.

    Is International Relations Course worth it?

    The course can be worthwhile for a student who wants to move beyond reading about world affairs and practice debate, negotiation and diplomacy. Model UN, professional contact and subject-related excursions provide useful experiences to reflect on in later academic choices.

    The main limitation is value for money: tuition is substantial, and the course does not normally award college credit. Its strongest value comes from genuine subject exploration and reflection, not the host-campus name alone.

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

    Cost and what is included

    From $2,498; includes Oxford residential tuition includes all meals, lodging, excursions and the academic course., Oxford commuter tuition includes lunch, excursions, the academic course and weekday programming., Georgetown residential tuition includes all meals, lodging, excursions, the academic course and weekend excursions., Georgetown commuter tuition includes lunch, excursions, the academic course and weekday programming..

    Accommodation

    Residential or commuter

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    1-2 weeks; Washington, DC; Oxford.

    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 International Relations Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high academic engagement.

    Best started

    Begin planning six to eight weeks before the next admission deadline, allowing time for short answers, agreements, payment planning and travel documents.

    Main challenge

    Turning complex global issues into clear, defensible arguments.

    Typical preparation

    • Read reliable international news and note how different actors describe the same issue.

    • Practice presenting a short argument, responding to objections and negotiating a compromise.

    • Prepare examples of your academic interests for the short-answer application questions.

    Useful if

    You follow international news and enjoy discussing competing perspectives.

    What do students do on International Relations Course?

    Students build subject knowledge and then apply it through discussion, research, negotiation, simulations, expert engagement and course-specific excursions.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Investigate relationships among nation-states, cultures, the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations.

    2. 2

      Study foreign policy, diplomacy, international law, human rights and global development.

    3. 3

      Debate international conflicts and assess possible solutions.

    4. 4

      Practice negotiation and conflict-resolution strategies.

    5. 5

      Collaborate with international peers on responses to global challenges.

    6. 6

      Participate in a Model UN simulation and receive professional feedback.

    7. 7

      Connect classroom learning with experts, speakers and academic excursions.

    International Relations 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.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Applications were reviewed throughout the admission cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission deadline

    17 May 2026

    General Summer Springboard deadline for the verified cycle.

    Reference date

    Georgetown Session 1

    21 June-3 July 2026

    Two-week International Relations course.

    Reference date

    Oxford Session 2

    12-18 July 2026

    One-week International Relations course.

    Reference date

    Oxford Session 4

    26 July-1 August 2026

    One-week International Relations course.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students in Grades 9-12

    • Students starting high school in fall may enroll

    • Spring high-school graduates may enroll

    • Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent

    • International students must demonstrate English proficiency

    • Applicants must meet Essential Eligibility Criteria

    How much does International Relations Course cost?

    Program fee

    From $2,498 — Course, lunch and excursions included for commuters.

    Funding or discounts

    • Program deposit: $600 — Paid with the application to hold a place.
    • Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
    • Alumni scholarship: $500 — Published for the verified 2026 cycle.

    What's included

    Oxford residential tuition includes all meals, lodging, excursions and the academic course., Oxford commuter tuition includes lunch, excursions, the academic course and weekday programming., Georgetown residential tuition includes all meals, lodging, excursions, the academic course and weekend excursions., Georgetown commuter tuition includes lunch, excursions, the academic course and weekday programming.

    How to apply to International Relations Course

    1. 1

      Ask a parent or guardian to create an application-portal account.

    2. 2

      Verify the registration email and complete the account details.

    3. 3

      Choose Create New Application from the dashboard.

    4. 4

      Select the campus, session, International Relations course and tuition type.

    5. 5

      Complete the student information, short-answer questions and signed agreements.

    6. 6

      Pay the $600 deposit and application fee, then submit the completed application.

    7. 7

      Check the parent portal for the decision and any additional required forms.

    What does International Relations Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Global politics

    Examine how historical and social forces shape international affairs.

    Diplomacy and foreign policy

    Explore how states pursue interests and manage international relationships.

    Conflict and negotiation

    Debate conflicts and practice negotiation and resolution strategies.

    International organizations

    Investigate the United Nations, NGOs and cooperation among states.

    Human rights and global challenges

    Consider law, migration, environmental issues, security and human rights.

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

    What is a typical day on International Relations Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic course

    Oxford classes run 9am-1pm; Georgetown classes generally run 9am-noon.

    Excursion or workshop

    Course-specific excursions, guest speakers, activities or college-readiness sessions follow class.

    Clubs and activities

    Residential students join organized social activities before dorm checks.

    Who teaches on International Relations Course?

    Dr. Kuniko Ashizawa, a professorial lecturer specializing in Asian politics, international relations and global governance, is the verified Georgetown instructor. Oxford's verified instructor, Dr. Christine Pelican, holds a DPhil from Oxford and specializes in political psychology, politics, rhetoric and public opinion.

    Students also engage with foreign-relations experts, former diplomats and other professionals.

    Where do students stay on International Relations Course?

    Residential plan

    • University housing: Students stay in shared campus dorm rooms with on-site program staff.
    • Meals: All meals are included and mostly served in campus dining halls.
    • Safety and support: Access controls, security patrols, nightly checks and 24-hour staff support are provided.
    • Campus activities: Evening activities and applicable weekend excursions extend the campus experience.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day attendance: Commuters receive lunch, academic activities, excursions and weekday programming.

    Residential students share gender-separated rooms and common or communal bathrooms; basic linens are provided.

    What happens after International Relations Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Explore future study in international relations, politics, law or global policy.

    Build examples of research, debate, negotiation and collaborative problem-solving.

    Reflect on careers in diplomacy, government and international organizations.

    Receive a completion certificate after finishing the program.

    Receive a professor's letter of recommendation after completion.

    Summer Springboard states that this course does not normally award college credit.

    Where does International Relations Course take place?

    The Georgetown variant takes place on Georgetown University's campus in Washington, DC, near major government institutions, monuments and museums. The Oxford variant uses a historic university-city setting and includes course-related access to academic, cultural and government sites in Oxford and London.

    Summer Springboard operates independently of Georgetown University and Oxford's university institutions.

    International Relations Course FAQs

    The curriculum covers foreign policy, diplomacy, international law, human rights, conflict, cooperation, international organizations and major global challenges.

    Yes. Students take part in a Model UN simulation and receive feedback from professionals in international relations.

    Oxford uses a one-week seminar format, while Georgetown runs a two-week course. Their class schedules, tuition and excursion settings also differ.

    Yes. Residential tuition includes lodging and meals, while commuter tuition includes lunch and weekday academic programming.

    The verified instructors are Dr. Kuniko Ashizawa at Georgetown and Dr. Christine Pelican at Oxford, supported by contact with relevant professionals and guest speakers.

    No college credit is stated for these campuses. Summer Springboard says students receive a completion certificate and a professor's recommendation letter.

    A parent or guardian creates the portal account. The application includes student details, short-answer questions, signed agreements, an application fee and a program deposit.

    Alternatives to International Relations Course

    Compare these related options if you want a different location, delivery format or balance of politics and international affairs.

    Alternatives to International Relations Course

    IRIS Politics & IR Course

    Online politics course with critical writing

    Politics
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £4200
    13-18
    Online
    Online

    Best for

    Students wanting a longer online course

    View details

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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

    • Terra Education
    • Terms & Conditions | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Application and Enrollment FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Summer Springboard at Oxford - Summer Program High School
    • Georgetown Summer Program for Teens - Summer Springboard
    • International Relations | Oxford Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • International Relations | Georgetown Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Tuition Protection Plan T&C
    • 2026 HS 1-week International Relations V6
    • International Relations | 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 content reviewed

    • Eligibility checked

    • Tuition compared by campus

    • Session dates verified

    • Application process reviewed

    • Housing and meals 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.