15 International Relations Summer Research Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student curious about global politics and foreign diplomacy, a structured international relations program is worth exploring. These programs provide an opportunity to dive into advanced topics in global politics, diplomacy, international law, and conflict resolution that go far beyond typical classroom learning. As a participant, you will learn from experts, gain insights into potential careers in foreign service, policy analysis, and international development, and help you make an informed decision about pursuing international relations in the future. A practical way to dive into the field is research, and many universities and institutions offer valuable international relations research opportunities to high schoolers.

Why should you do research over the summer?

Summer can be a great time to explore your interests, and research programs offer in-depth opportunities for exploration and skill-building. Without the pressure of daily classes and exams, you can fully immerse yourself in a research topic, absorb new ideas at your own pace, and produce original, independent work. A summer research program can also break the cycle of passive learning, as instead of just reading about international affairs, you will be analyzing, debating, and contributing to the conversation yourself. 

To help you get started, we have put together 15 international relations summer research programs for high school students.

If you are also looking for non-research opportunities, check out our curated list of programs here. You can additionally check out our list of political science programs here if you are seeking opportunities focused on global and national politics.

15 International Relations Summer Research Programs for High School Students

1. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,675 (commuter) | $13,274 (residential); scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students in the 10th or 11th grade with a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA

UCSB’s RMP is a six-week opportunity to conduct university-level research under the guidance of faculty, postdoc researchers, or graduate students. The program begins with a virtual orientation, where you will explore available projects and meet your mentor before starting hands-on work on campus. You will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of disciplines, including global studies. You will spend most of your time during the program on research, lab work, and data analysis. You will also write a research paper and present your findings at a formal symposium. The program also offers the opportunity to earn 8 university credits by participating in two interdisciplinary research courses covering research techniques, methods, scientific writing, and research presentation.

2. USC International Relations Summer Program

USC’s pre-college International Relations program allows you to critically analyze international events through the lens of international relations theory, examining causes of war, conflict resolution strategies, and global issues over the course of four weeks. You will engage with theoretical frameworks, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism, and explore case studies linked to current headlines and historical conflicts. The program blends theoretical instruction with practical application through simulations, role-playing, and negotiation activities that model real diplomatic scenarios. You will also engage in research to develop an individual case study focused on conflict resolution mechanisms, requiring you to investigate, analyze, and propose practical steps for addressing international disputes. Field trips to cultural institutions and museums will add to your understanding of how popular culture intersects with political conflict and peace-building. 

3. Tufts Pre-College International Relations Program

Tufts Pre-College International Relations Program introduces high schoolers to topics in political science, anthropology, history, and economics with a focus on international studies. Tufts faculty lead the sessions, covering complex international issues, diplomatic strategy, and global problem-solving. As a participant, you will spend two weeks exploring the multidisciplinary nature of international relations and learning how different fields contribute to the understanding of global affairs. You will engage in discussions of contemporary global challenges, developing critical perspectives on how nations interact and how international problems are addressed. You will also work closely with university library staff and TAs to complete an independent research project on an international relations topic of your choice and present your work at the end. The curriculum is designed to provide exposure to the academic rigor and intellectual engagement you can expect in college-level study of international relations. 

4. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program

Location: U.S. Department of the Treasury offices, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May – August; spring and fall internships available
Application deadline: December for summer internships
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens

The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters offers internships year-round to high school students interested in getting an inside look at how national and international fiscal and economic policies are developed. As an intern, you will work at Treasury offices assisting with research, data collection, report drafting, and event organization focused on policy and international affairs. Assignments may involve preparing briefing materials, attending congressional hearings, or contributing to strategic projects related to your chosen track. You will also interact with officials, observe interagency collaboration, and gain insight into the daily workings of a federal institution.

5. Foreign Policy Research Institute Internships

FPRI, a think tank focused on international relations, national security, and U.S. foreign policy, runs internships that allow students to contribute to research projects exploring geopolitical issues and help produce policy briefs and publications. The experience offers a window into how seasoned experts analyze complex global challenges and develop actionable policy recommendations. You will work directly alongside FPRI scholars and researchers, picking up rigorous methodologies for policy research and analysis. Day-to-day tasks may include literature reviews, data compilation, interviews, or drafting background materials in support of senior fellows’ work. The internship offers exposure to the standards of foreign policy discourse and specialized fields such as international law, comparative governance, and strategic studies.

6. USC Centre for the Political Future High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 1 (tentative)
Application deadline: TBA in May
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.5 GPA or higher 

The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future runs a virtual research internship focused on environmental policy and sustainability. As a participant, you will choose a bill/policy, whether active or historical, and work on two assignments focused on the bill: a legislative policy memo and a process analysis. You will attend online check-ins to receive feedback from USC faculty and mentors, who will help you refine your analytical writing and research approach. On completing the program, you will be recognized as a research intern for the Center for the Political Future and the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability. Your assignment may even be published on the institute’s website.

7.  U.S. Pathways Internships

Location: Federal offices across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by position and department
Dates: Year-round opportunities; dates vary based on session and position
Application deadline: Varies by position; you can apply via the USAJobs portal.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in educational institutions, from high school to graduate school level, who are 16 or older, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

The Pathways Internship Program, run by the U.S. Department of State, offers paid federal work experience to high school students. It offers two distinct tracks: the Internship Experience Program, which runs alongside your academic studies, and the Internship Temporary Program, which offers short-term roles during academic breaks. Depending on your placement, you will contribute to administrative, research, or policy-related projects within federal agencies across the country. In the process, you may gain insight into international affairs, foreign policy, and global politics. If you choose the long-term track, you may receive federal employee benefits and be eligible for advancement within the civil service.

8. Brown University’s Leadership Institute

Brown University’s Leadership Institute is an opportunity to examine collaborative approaches to leadership while sharpening your research, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities within the context of international relations and policy. You can choose from courses in areas like conflict transformation, intercultural communication, global health, and social movements to gain insights into international relations and politics. Over the course of two or four weeks, you will attend classes, learn about your leadership style, connect with peers, and design an action plan to tackle a community or global issue. In the process, you will pick up skills in research, social leadership, interviewing, data analysis, and problem-solving.

9. Georgetown University International Relations Academy

This one-week academy offered by Georgetown University introduces topics such as intelligence policy, ethics in international affairs, and nuclear weapons strategy. The program features lectures, small discussion groups, and an international crisis simulation where you will apply theoretical knowledge to realistic diplomatic scenarios. You will attend off-site visits to Washington, D.C. institutions, providing direct exposure to how international relations operate within the American government and global organizations. The curriculum covers the structure of the international system, foreign policy instruments, and competing philosophical frameworks for understanding international conflict and cooperation. You will also work on a capstone project, where you can engage in research focused on investigating or tackling global challenges. 

10. Temple of Understanding Summer Internship

This four-week internship offers students exposure to the operations of the United Nations through direct attendance at open Security Council meetings, General Assembly sessions, and specialized committee proceedings. As an intern, you will engage in self-directed research and deliver oral presentations and written papers focusing on contemporary international issues. You will connect with UN missions and NGOs to explore paths in international relations. This program can be an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into multilateral diplomacy and international affairs.

11. Pasquines Internship

Pasquines, a nonprofit news organization, offers internships that provide students with practical experience in writing and reporting on policy and politics, with a specific focus on U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. As an intern, you will build research, writing, and analytical skills by covering key regional issues and working with peers to explore the systemic and political forces shaping these territories. This can be an opportunity to examine how policy, governance, and global affairs intersect, while gaining real-world experience in both media and advocacy. You will also learn how to collect data, investigate stories, and document your work, which are key skills for conducting research.

12. NSLC High School International Diplomacy Program

Location: (Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $4,495; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 12 – 20 | June 24 – July 2
Application deadline: Rolling basis while space is available
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14 – 18, who have completed at least one year of high school

This residential program, split between two campuses: six days at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and three days at Columbia University in New York, NY, focuses on how diplomacy and international relations work in practice. You will take part in simulations where you act as a UN delegate, build a fictional country from scratch, and practice negotiation techniques used in real diplomatic settings. The program also includes sessions on cross-cultural communication and the role of non-governmental organizations in global affairs, allowing you to conduct research on NGOs and their projects. You will also hear from guest speakers, potentially including ambassadors and foreign policy professionals from organizations such as the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Center for International Policy. Field trips may include visits to the United Nations, international embassies, and cultural centers in both cities.

13. All-American Model UN Summer Crisis Academy

The All-American DC Crisis Academy focuses on crisis committees and specialized agencies, teaching high schoolers how to interpret historical and contemporary international events while writing high-impact directives and crisis communications. Morning workshops will introduce crisis-specific tactics, including crisis mapping, portfolio analysis, and directive writing techniques. Afternoon exercises will challenge you to apply new strategies through moderated debates, impromptu speaking, and crisis note construction. Lessons focus on research and model realistic crisis committee procedures, allowing you to practice problem-solving, policy analysis, and presentation within diplomatic scenarios. You will receive daily one-on-one feedback and coaching from professional staff.  This program combines skills training with leadership development, preparing you for Model UN competitions while deepening your understanding of international crisis response mechanisms.

14. Syracuse University Summer College: International Relations

Syracuse University’s pre-college summer course on international relations introduces you to the systems, actors, and institutions constituting global and international politics, with a focus on real-world events. You will explore dominant international relations theories, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and feminism, evaluating what these frameworks reveal about global politics. The curriculum covers topics including international law and organizations, conflict and security, climate change, global health, migration, and human rights through readings, discussions, and small-group work. Morning class sessions will focus on theoretical material and lecture, while afternoon workshops will apply course content to contemporary problems through hands-on activities and case analysis. You will also develop projects focusing on research and applying academic concepts to real policy challenges. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion and the opportunity to request a Syracuse University credit transcript.

15. Barnard College’s NextGen Leadership Institute: Global Humanities

Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
Cost: $10,771 (residential) | $8,160 (commuter) + $75 application fee if you register after February 10
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 17 | Session 2: July 20 – August 7
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as gap-year students

Barnard College’s NextGen Leadership Institute is a three-week program that introduces high schoolers to college-level academics led by Barnard faculty. The Global Humanities track lets you select from offerings such as American Constitutional Law, Fashion and Dress in World Cultures, and The Politics of Evil, each offering a lens into international and national policies and cultures. During the program, you will attend lectures, participate in reading sessions, practice comparative analysis, and complete short writing assignments and guided research projects focused on political science, sociology, or other fields of interest. Beyond academics, the schedule includes field trips, faculty office hours, college-readiness workshops on topics like time management and research skills, and social activities such as game nights and film screenings.

One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program

If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in global politics, governments, international relations, you can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!

Image Source – Barnard College