Research in international relations (IR) systematically examines how both state and non-state actors — like NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and multinational corporations — interact within the global system. At its core, IR research employs qualitative and quantitative methodologies to examine themes such as geopolitical strategy, international security, trade protocols, and human rights frameworks. By engaging in this field, you move beyond headlines to analyze the underlying drivers of global events, such as the impact of nuclear non-proliferation treaties or the role of soft power in regional diplomacy.
Why Should You Choose an IR Research Program?
Engaging in a structured research program shifts you from consuming news to actively creating political knowledge. These programs equip you with advanced analytical skills, such as comparative case studies and discourse analysis. In addition to developing intellectual rigor, conducting original research helps you build a specialized portfolio that showcases your ability to engage in university-level inquiry. You’ll also gain experience with professional citation standards and peer-review processes while connecting with faculty and practitioners who shape foreign policy and international law.
To help get you started, here are 14 international relations research programs for high school students.
Key Takeaways
- International relations programs for high school students range from formal credit-bearing university courses at Penn and Syracuse to experiential simulations like Model UN-style negotiations and “Reacting to the Past” historical role-play
- Several programs offer free or low-cost access, including the Institute for Global Affairs’ Summer Geopolitics Academy, FPRI’s Summer Internship, and the U.S. Senate Page Program, which pays a pro-rated salary rather than charging tuition
- Many programs connect directly to real diplomatic institutions, including embassy and State Department visits at Georgetown, UN Security Council access through the Temple of Understanding internship, and floor access to the Senate Chamber through the Page Program
- Research depth varies considerably across this list, from formal archival research culminating in a written paper at the Temple of Understanding internship to policy simulations and capstone projects that mirror, but are not strictly, traditional academic research
14 International Relations Research Programs for High School Students
1. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS): Politics, Law, & Economics
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $7,000; need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: June 21 – July 3 | July 5 – 17 | July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: Early Pool: October 15 | Regular Decision Pool: Jan 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors, ages 16–18
In the PLE track of YYGS, you will learn to deconstruct the intersection of legal frameworks and economic drivers in global governance. You will utilize comparative political analysis to examine case studies ranging from post-conflict reconciliation to the volatility of global fast-fashion supply chains. The program prioritizes a “seminar-style” pedagogy where you will engage with game theory and institutional liberalism to predict state behavior. By the end of the session, you will complete a collaborative capstone project that requires you to synthesize diverse geopolitical perspectives into a cohesive policy recommendation.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
3. Institute for Global Affairs: Summer Geopolitics Academy
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 13 – 16
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High schoolers currently in their junior year
The Summer Geopolitics Academy identifies and develops exceptional high school students for careers in international affairs through an intensive and inspiring educational program. This “crash course” in statecraft focuses on the mechanics of geopolitical forecasting and risk assessment. You will learn to use open-source intelligence (OSINT) and media analysis to track shifting power dynamics in real time. The program features virtual site visits to UN bodies, where you will engage with practitioners on multilateral diplomacy and peacebuilding strategies. Your final deliverable is a team-crafted policy proposal addressing a current security crisis that requires you to balance ethical considerations with strategic state interests.
4. Syracuse University Summer College: International Relations
Location: Syracuse, NY
Cost: $5,595 (Residential) and $4,624 for Commuters
Stipend: None; Scholarships available
Program Dates: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: Opens December 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (15+ years old)
This course is an introductory-level class on international politics and the relationships between global actors. Earning three Syracuse credits, you will dive into the World Systems Theory and feminist critiques of traditional IR. You will learn to analyze the impact of non-traditional security threats, such as climate change and global health pandemics, on state sovereignty. Although offered as a credit-bearing university course, it is included because students engage in IR theory, case analysis, and policy writing, similar to early-stage academic research. The curriculum emphasizes the use of empirical case studies to understand the role of international organizations in conflict resolution
5. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Summer Internship
Location: Philadelphia, PA or Remote
Cost: None
Stipend: Limited offer of stipends
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: High school students authorized for U.S. employment
This is a non-didactic, “learn-by-doing” opportunity where you will assist in the operations of a major think tank. You will learn the professional standards of literary research and bibliographic management while supporting scholars on projects related to national security and regional studies. As a summer intern, you will have the opportunity to attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars with guest speakers. High-performing interns may be selected to contribute a research-based article to the Intern Corner, giving them experience in writing for a professional policy audience. You will gain exposure to the mechanics of public-facing research and special-event coordination within the foreign policy community.
6. Yale International Relations Leadership Institute (YIRLI)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $2,200 + $20 application fee; financial aid available
Program Dates: June 3 – 8
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders (16–18 years old)
Organized by the Yale International Relations Association, this institute prioritizes developing diplomatic negotiation and public oratory skills. You will learn to navigate the Rules of Procedure in advanced Model UN simulations and participate in “crisis” labs that require rapid-response decision-making. The program includes a writing lab where you will learn to draft resolutions and position papers that adhere to the U.S. State Department’s stylistic standards. Interaction with Yale mentors provides a window into the academic rigor of an Ivy League humanities track.
7. Georgetown University: International Relations Academy
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Residential Tuition & Meals: $3,725 | Commuter Tuition: $3,095
Program Dates: June 21 – 27 | July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: 8th–12th graders (15+ years old)
In this immersive academy, you will learn to navigate the technical instruments of foreign policy, ranging from the ethical implications of international law to the strategic role of intelligence in national security. Through faculty-led seminars, you will learn to apply competing philosophical frameworks to existential global threats, including nuclear proliferation, pandemic-driven health crises, and the volatile future of the international system. You will learn to analyze the legal status of nuclear proliferation and counter-terrorism under international law. The program features site visits to embassies and D.C.-based NGOs, allowing you to observe the practical application of the liberal world order. Although this program emphasizes policy simulations and diplomatic training rather than formal research projects, it exposes students to the analytical frameworks and policy debates that shape international relations research.
8. USC Pre-College: International Relations
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $85 fee; exact costs not specified
Program Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 8 (Domestic); March 13 (International)
Eligibility: Students who have completed 9th grade. International applicants need 600+ on the SATs and need an English proficiency certificate
In this international relations summer program for high school students, you’ll learn to critically analyze international events through the lens of international relations theory. There will be a number of conflict areas to explore and examine, from the causes of war to the challenge of environmental degradation. This program focuses on the etiology of armed conflict and the mechanisms of de-escalation. You will learn to use peacebuilding frameworks to analyze the economic and cultural factors that drive instability in specific regions of the world. A central component of the curriculum is the development of a longitudinal case study, where you will propose a formal peace agreement based on historical data. You will gain a technical understanding of the role that intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) play in maintaining regional stability.
9. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: None (Self-funded through salary)
Stipend: Annual salary of $38,547 (pro-rated)
Program Dates: Summer Session I: June 7 – 26 | Summer Session II: July 12 – August 7
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: Rising juniors/juniors (16–17 years old); 3.0+ GPA
The United States Senate Page Program introduces students from diverse backgrounds to many interesting and challenging experiences in the nation’s capital. As a Page, you are granted rare “floor access” to the U.S. Senate Chamber, allowing you to observe the legislative mechanics of U.S. foreign policy in real-time. You will learn legislative delivery protocols and roll call procedures while assisting senators during active debates. Although the program is primarily a government service role, it offers rare firsthand exposure to the legislative processes that influence international policy and diplomacy. You must be sponsored by a senator, making this one of the most prestigious opportunities to witness the domestic side of global diplomacy.
10. Temple of Understanding Summer Internship
Location: New York, NY (UN Headquarters)
Cost: $2,000
Program Dates: June 25 – July 22
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students must be above 18 and below 23 by June 22 of the application year
This program provides individuals with a hands-on learning experience of the United Nations’ work over four and a half intensive weeks. If accepted, you can meet with various Missions and NGOs to discuss their specific questions and interests. This internship provides direct access to UN Security Council and General Assembly sessions. You will learn to conduct self-directed archival research on global humanitarian issues, culminating in a formal research paper. The program focuses on the intersection of interfaith dialogue and multilateral diplomacy and requires you to connect with NGO leaders and mission representatives. You will develop a technical understanding of how non-state actors influence the policy decisions of sovereign states within the UN framework.
11. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC): International Diplomacy
Location: D.C. (Georgetown) and NYC (Columbia)
Cost: $4,495; financial aid available
Program Dates: June 12 – 20 and June 24 – July 2
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18
This dual-city program allows you to simulate the roles of UN diplomats in high-stakes negotiation exercises. You will learn to draft multilateral agreements and develop your own “country simulation” to test the viability of different governance models. The program includes site visits to foreign embassies and the State Department, providing insight into the day-to-day operations of the diplomatic corps. Although NSLC focuses on diplomatic simulations rather than independent research, its negotiation exercises and policy-drafting activities closely mirror analytical work in international relations.
12. United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme (UNITAR)
Location: Online
Cost: $750
Dates: June 8 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: This program is open to all actors related to international affairs, including high school students
The United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme, offered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is a four-week leadership development course designed to deepen understanding of global governance, diplomacy, and sustainable development. Delivered through UNITAR’s e-learning platform and supplemented by interactive live webinars and workshops, you will learn how the UN system functions, explore international conference diplomacy, critically examine the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and develop practical skills in cross-cultural communication and negotiation. Each week includes reading assignments, multimedia content, and live sessions led by UN experts covering topics such as Model United Nations (MUN) procedures and UN career pathways. Through e-workshops, you will engage in real-time skill-building exercises on leadership, public speaking, and policy dialogue, with opportunities to interact with practitioners and present your ideas in a global, multicultural setting.
13. UCLA Immersive International Studies Summer Institute
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Approx. $3,000–$5,000 (varies)
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 23 – July 12
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: 17+ years old by program start
Utilizing the “Reacting to the Past” (RTTP) role-playing methodology, you will learn IR through historical simulation. You will be assigned the role of a historical figure during a pivotal global crisis and must use archival research and persuasive oratory to influence the outcome. This program focuses on discourse analysis and strategic alliance-building, requiring you to master the nuances of historical governance and political theory to succeed in your assigned mission. Although this program uses historical simulations rather than traditional research projects, the role-based analysis requires students to engage deeply with political theory, historical evidence, and strategic decision-making.
14. University of Pennsylvania: Introduction to International Relations
Location: Online
Cost: $8,462 – $13,858, depending on the course and its duration
Stipend: None; Scholarships for Philadelphia residents
Program Dates: May 26 – July 1
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: 10th–11th grade students
This course provides an overview of key theories and issues in international politics. Its aims are to give you a broad understanding of international relations and to develop your critical analytical skills in this area. The course, which counts for credit, focuses on great-power politics, specifically examining the dynamics between the U.S. and China, as well as the U.S. and Russia. You will also learn to compare the effectiveness of realism and liberalism as explanations within the context of modern globalization. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical frameworks and geopolitical analysis commonly used in IR research. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of current U.S. strategic thinking using traditional IR ontologies.
15. The School of the New York Times: International Reporting
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Residential Program: $7,695 | Day Program: $6,195
Program Dates: 4 programs of 2-week terms each from June 7 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grades 10–12 (15–18 years old) graduating seniors are also eligible
This program focuses on the “narrative” side of international affairs. You can gain insight into the history of international reporting and explore the role journalists play in covering international conflicts, trends, and political change. You will also have the opportunity to meet individuals in a variety of positions and learn how they employ different journalistic forms to cover the world. Although focused on journalism, international reporting relies heavily on investigative research methods and geopolitical analysis similar to those used in international relations. You will visit the Council on Foreign Relations and meet with international correspondents to learn how media reporting influences domestic perceptions of foreign policy and international crisis management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are international relations research programs for high school students?
International relations research programs for high school students introduce the analytical methods used to study how states, NGOs, and international organizations interact globally. Depending on the program, you might conduct archival research culminating in a formal paper, participate in policy simulations and Model UN-style negotiations, or take a credit-bearing university course covering IR theory and geopolitical analysis.
Do I need prior coursework in political science to apply to these programs?
Most programs do not require prior IR coursework. The Institute for Global Affairs’ Summer Geopolitics Academy and Yale International Relations Leadership Institute are designed as introductory experiences in diplomatic skills and crisis simulation. More academically intensive programs like Penn’s Introduction to International Relations and Syracuse’s IR course expect strong reading and writing skills appropriate for credit-bearing coursework, though formal prior IR study isn’t a prerequisite.
Are there free international relations programs for high school students?
Yes. The Institute for Global Affairs’ Summer Geopolitics Academy is free. The Foreign Policy Research Institute’s Summer Internship is free with limited stipends offered. The U.S. Senate Page Program pays a pro-rated annual salary of $38,547 rather than charging tuition, making it one of the most distinctive financially accessible options on this list.
Which programs involve producing a formal research paper or written deliverable?
The Temple of Understanding Summer Internship at UN Headquarters requires self-directed archival research culminating in a formal research paper on global humanitarian issues. FPRI’s Summer Internship may select high performers to contribute a research-based article to its Intern Corner publication. USC Pre-College’s program has you develop a longitudinal case study proposing a formal peace agreement based on historical data.
Which programs focus on simulation and negotiation rather than traditional research?
Yale International Relations Leadership Institute and the National Student Leadership Conference both center on Model UN-style crisis simulations and resolution drafting. UCLA’s Immersive International Studies Summer Institute uses the “Reacting to the Past” methodology, assigning you a historical figure’s role during a global crisis. Georgetown’s International Relations Academy similarly emphasizes policy simulations and diplomatic training over independent research.
Are there international relations programs that connect to real institutions like the UN or U.S. government?
Yes. The Temple of Understanding internship provides direct access to UN Security Council and General Assembly sessions. The U.S. Senate Page Program grants floor access to the Senate Chamber itself. Georgetown’s academy includes site visits to embassies and D.C.-based NGOs, and UNITAR’s Young Leaders Training Programme is delivered directly through the UN’s own e-learning platform with sessions led by UN experts.
When should I apply to international relations research programs for high school students?
Yale Young Global Scholars has an early pool deadline of October 15, with regular decision closing January 7. The U.S. Senate Page Program closes in mid-February, and Yale International Relations Leadership Institute closes March 9. The Foreign Policy Research Institute’s internship closes March 6, and the Temple of Understanding internship closes March 15. Georgetown’s academy closes April 15, and USC’s program closes May 8 for domestic applicants. NSLC and UNITAR both use rolling admissions, making them flexible options if you’re applying later in the cycle.
Image source: Syracuse University