For those interested in political science, global affairs, international economics, or public policy, international relations programs for high school students can offer early exposure to the tools and frameworks used to study the foundations of global politics. These programs often cover topics such as diplomacy, international security, public policy, global economics, and cross-cultural communication.
You may participate in policy discussions, diplomatic simulations, research projects, or language immersion experiences. Some programs focus on academic coursework and case-study analysis of geopolitical issues such as international conflict, climate diplomacy, and global development. Others emphasise exchange experiences in which you attend a local high school abroad and learn through cultural immersion.
Many paid international relations programs for high school students also include structured activities such as Model United Nations simulations, leadership workshops, and collaborative policy projects. You build skills in negotiation, policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication while learning how governments and international institutions operate.
Why Should You Choose a Paid Program?
Paid international relations programs for high school students are funded or supported by universities, nonprofit organisations, or government agencies. This institutional backing often means the program includes structured coursework, trained instructors, and well-developed mentorship systems. Fully funded exchange programs, in particular, tend to be selective and merit-based. These programs often include rigorous academics, cultural immersion, and long-term leadership projects that extend beyond the initial program experience. Paid programs also typically offer stronger logistical support. Participants may receive supervision from trained staff and vetted host-family placements while studying abroad.
Below is a curated list of 15 paid international relations programs for high school students with strong academic structure, mentorship, and institutional credibility. If you’re exploring additional opportunities in global affairs, you may also want to check out our guides on free international relations programs for high school students here and an extended list of international relations programs for high school students here.
15 Paid International Relations Programs for High School Students
1. United States Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid position | Stipend based on an annualized salary of approximately $37,238
Program Dates: January 25-June 5 (Spring) | June 7-26 (Summer session I) | June 12-August 7 (Summer session II) | September-January (Fall)
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident | Rising juniors or current high school juniors who are 16–17 years old by appointment date | Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
As a Senate Page, you’ll work inside the U.S. Capitol while attending early morning classes before the Senate convenes. Your day can include delivering legislative documents across the Capitol complex, setting up the Senate chamber, assisting with roll call votes, and supporting senators and staff during live sessions. You’re not observing from the sidelines. You’re part of the daily workflow of the Senate, which means the pace can be fast and the hours unpredictable. During the summer session, you’ll live at the Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence on Capitol Hill, with limited commuting permitted. Each page must be sponsored by a U.S. senator, and spots are limited, so the process is competitive. If you’re interested in government, public policy, or law and want firsthand exposure to how federal legislation actually moves, this is one of the few programs that puts you directly in the room where decisions are made.
2. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program
Location: Philadelphia, PA (in-person and remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: Limited paid stipends available based on financial need | Part-time unpaid internships also offered
Program Dates: Spring: February–April | Summer: June–August | Fall: October–December
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Open to students at all stages of study | No nationality restrictions (visa sponsorship not provided)
At the Foreign Policy Research Institute, you’ll work directly with scholars and staff at a nonpartisan think tank focused on U.S. foreign policy and national security. Depending on the track you choose, you might conduct research in areas like Eurasia, Asia, or national security, support operations and administration, or assist with communications and events. Research interns are paired with a scholar and may contribute to ongoing projects, with the option to write a research paper that can be considered for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner. Summer interns also attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars with guest speakers, and all interns can access FPRI’s events. Some roles are remote, while others require you to be local to the Philadelphia area, especially for event-based positions.
3. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Academic Year Abroad – U.S. Department of State
Location: Host countries across 10 countries (varies by language)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship (program costs covered)
Program Dates: 8–10 months (academic year programs typically begin in late August or September)
Application Deadline: November 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15-18
NSLI-Y’s Academic Year Abroad program gives you the chance to spend 8 to 10 months living in another country while studying Arabic, Chinese, or Russian through an intensive language curriculum. You’ll take at least 10 hours of language instruction each week, complete homework and exams, and work on a semester or year-long project. Outside of class, you’ll live with a host family or in a supervised dorm setting and participate in cultural activities, volunteering, and excursions. The program is fully funded through a U.S. Department of State scholarship, so tuition, travel, and program costs are covered. No prior language experience is required, though advanced speakers at higher proficiency levels are not eligible. If you want long-term immersion rather than a short summer experience, this is one of the few programs that lets you spend nearly a full academic year abroad while still in high school.
4. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Summer Abroad – U.S. Department of State
Location: Hosts across 16 countries (varies by language)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship (program costs covered)
Program Dates: 6–7 weeks (Summer programs typically begin in mid-late June)
Application Deadline: November 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15-18
The NSLI-Y Summer Abroad program allows you to spend 6 to 7 weeks studying Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Russian in an immersive overseas setting. You’ll complete at least 120 hours of intensive language instruction, typically around four hours a day, five days a week, along with homework and assessments. Outside of class, you’ll live with a host family for all or part of the program and take part in structured cultural activities and peer language partner sessions. This is a fully funded U.S. Department of State scholarship, so travel and program expenses are covered. The program follows a structured schedule, and independent travel is generally not permitted.
5. Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (Virtual NSLI-Y) – U.S. Department of State
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship (no program cost)
Program Dates: 10 weeks from September to November
Application Deadline: Typically in June (exact date varies)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15–18 | Small classes of approximately 10 students
Virtual NSLI-Y is a 10-week online language and culture program designed for beginners in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, or Russian. You’ll meet twice a week for 90-minute live sessions in a small class of about 10 students, led by experienced language teachers. In total, you complete 30 hours of live instruction, plus homework and pre-program assignments. Classes include conversation practice, skits, projects, cultural presentations, and virtual guest speakers, along with optional community-building activities. Because it’s fully funded by the U.S. Department of State, there’s no cost to participate. The program is structured and interactive, with limited flexibility in scheduling. If you’re curious about critical languages but not ready to commit to travel abroad, this gives you a structured starting point and a credential that can strengthen future applications.
6. Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship – Purdue University
Location: West Lafayette, IN (with site visits to Indianapolis, Chicago, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded exchange program covering travel, housing, and program costs
Program Dates: June 23–July 21
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: High School students aged 16–18 | Limited to 10 U.S. Fellows and 25 European Fellows
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is a four-week exchange program hosted at Purdue University that brings together U.S. and European students for coursework in international diplomacy, media and journalism, civic education, and service. Your days include faculty presentations, debates, simulations, such as a United Nations role-play, and group projects, such as Project Citizen. You’ll participate in workshops, policy discussions, and practical seminars focused on citizenship, media literacy, and community engagement. The program also includes structured site visits to places like the Indiana State House, Capitol Hill, Independence Hall, the Smithsonian Institution, and major museums in Chicago. Cultural activities feature events such as an International Cultures Night, a July 4th picnic, and group excursions. With only 35 total Fellows and direct interaction with policymakers, journalists, and university faculty, this is a selective civic leadership program that blends academic discussion with real-world exposure.
7. Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad – U.S. Department of State
Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Ghana | India | Indonesia | Jordan | Malaysia | Morocco | North Macedonia | Senegal | Thailand | Türkiye
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded program covering airfare, room and board, school tuition (if applicable), visa fees, medical benefits, and a modest stipend
Program Dates: Academic year (8–10 months)
Application Deadline: December 4
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school students and recent graduates aged 15–18.5 | Approximately 65 U.S. students selected nationwide | You can check the additional eligibility requirements here
YES Abroad is an exchange that places American high school students in partner countries for a full academic year. During the year, you take regular classes at your host school, participate in community activities, and work on leadership and cultural engagement projects. The program is designed to build mutual understanding, so you’ll also share aspects of American culture while learning about your host country’s society and values. The scholarship covers nearly all major costs, including international airfare, housing, school tuition (where required), and a stipend. With only about 65 U.S. students selected each year, it is competitive. If you’re open to living abroad for a full school year and to adapting to a different academic and cultural environment, this offers sustained immersion that stands out from short-term summer programs.
8. Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) – U.S. Department of State
Location: Georgia | Kazakhstan | Poland | Romania
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded program covering major program expenses
Program Dates: Academic year (10 months)
Application Deadline: December 8
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, enrolled in grades 9–12 (including homeschooled students), aged 15-18.5 | Check here for further details
FLEX Abroad is a fully funded academic year exchange program that allows you to attend high school in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, or Romania. The program focuses on cultural exchange, civic engagement, and cross-cultural learning. During the academic year, you attend classes in the host country’s school system, participate in community activities, and develop language and intercultural communication skills through daily interactions. It is administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. Department of State. If you want long-term immersion in a new country and are open to adapting to a different school system and daily routine, FLEX Abroad offers sustained cultural exposure rather than a short-term summer experience.
9. Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) High School Program – U.S. Department of State & German Bundestag
Location: Germany
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded scholarship covering international airfare, host family lodging and meals, school tuition (if required), language training, medical benefits, in-country support, and a monthly stipend
Program Dates: Academic year (approximately 10 months)
Application Deadline: Early November
Eligibility: U.S. citizens ages 15–18.5 with a minimum 2.5 GPA | Approximately 300 total scholarships across program track
CBYX is a year-long exchange program that places you with a German host family and enrols you in a local German high school. Your experience includes pre-departure orientation in the U.S., language training upon arrival in Germany, cultural excursions to the German Bundestag and other cities, and meetings with U.S. and German government officials. The scholarship covers most major expenses, though you’re responsible for costs like obtaining a passport, certain medical requirements, and travel to your U.S. departure city. The program emphasizes citizen diplomacy, meaning you represent your community while building cross-cultural understanding. If you’re ready for a long-term commitment abroad and want sustained language immersion rather than a short-term exchange, CBYX offers a structured, government-funded pathway to do that.
10. Communications Internship – Global Ties U.S.
Location: Washington, DC (hybrid or remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend (distributed in two payments)
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to current students at all levels and institutions | Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
As a Communications Intern at Global Ties U.S., you’ll support the External Affairs Team across website updates, email campaigns, social media, publication production, and advocacy initiatives. The role is structured to give you hands-on exposure to nonprofit communications, including drafting content, editing materials, supporting fundraising and marketing campaigns, and helping develop toolkits and templates for the broader Global Ties Network. Interns commit to at least 24 hours per week and take on substantive responsibilities rather than purely administrative tasks. You’ll complete real writing and editing assignments and must pass a short writing and editing test as part of the selection process. The internship offers mentorship from staff and opportunities to engage with the U.S. Department of State and international exchange partners. If you’re considering a career in communications, public diplomacy, or international exchange work, this provides structured nonprofit communications experience with a policy-oriented organization.
11. Fundraising & Development Internship – Global Ties U.S.
Location: Washington, DC (hybrid or remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to current students at all levels and institutions | Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
As a Fundraising & Development Intern, you’ll support the External Affairs team with donor stewardship, sponsorship coordination, and campaign materials. Your responsibilities may include conducting prospect research using public records and databases, drafting thank-you letters and fundraising correspondence, tracking sponsor materials and payments, and helping coordinate virtual or in-person development events. The role is designed to give you exposure to nonprofit fundraising operations within an organization focused on international exchange and public diplomacy. You’ll complete substantive writing and research tasks and must pass a short research and writing test as part of the selection process. Interns receive mentorship from staff and can engage with the U.S. Department of State and international exchange partners. If you’re interested in nonprofit management, development, or international affairs and want hands-on experience with donor relations and fundraising strategy, this internship provides structured exposure to that side of policy-focused nonprofit work.
12. Membership Programs Internship – Global Ties U.S.
Location: Washington, DC (hybrid; in-office Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Program Dates: Varies by cohort (preference for full academic year commitment during Fall and Spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to current students at all levels and institutions | Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
As a Membership Programs Intern, you’ll support the planning and execution of professional development programs for Global Ties U.S. members. This includes webinars, online resources, and in-person events such as the National Meeting, Network DC, and regional summits. Your responsibilities may involve writing and editing marketing materials, updating website content, managing membership data, building project timelines, and assisting with both virtual and in-person event logistics. You’ll gain hands-on experience in program coordination, digital communications, and member engagement within a nonprofit focused on international exchange and public diplomacy. The role requires strong organizational skills and comfort with tools like Zoom, Excel, and content management systems, with additional platforms considered a plus. If you’re interested in nonprofit program management or international exchange work, this internship provides structured exposure to how professional development initiatives are designed and delivered.
13. Programs & Events Internship – Global Ties U.S.
Location: Washington, DC (hybrid or in-person preferred for Fall and Spring; more remote flexibility in Summer)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to current students at all levels and institutions
As a Programs & Events Intern, you’ll support the External Affairs Team in planning and executing major events, including the National Meeting, Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summits, and the National Programmers Workshop. Your work may include building registration systems, creating project timelines and run-of-show documents, drafting email and social media promotions, and helping manage both virtual and in-person event logistics. You may also assist with writing and publishing event recaps after each program concludes. The role is hands-on and project-driven, with real responsibility for event coordination and communications materials, rather than just observation. Prior experience in event planning or project management is helpful, and strong organizational and writing skills are expected. If you’re interested in nonprofit leadership, public diplomacy, or international exchange programming, this internship gives you structured exposure to large-scale event execution within a mission-driven organization.
14. TechGirls – U.S. Department of State
Location: United States (Virginia Tech and additional U.S. cities, including Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, or Seattle)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded exchange program covering international travel, housing, programming, and mentorship components
Program Dates: 23-day U.S.-based summer exchange with a seven-month mentorship program (including pre- and post-exchange)
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: Young women ages 15–17 from the United States and selected partner countries | Limited to 111 international participants and 13 U.S. participants
TechGirls is a U.S.-based summer STEM exchange program that brings together teenage girls from the U.S. and around the world for hands-on technical training and cross-cultural exchange. The core of the experience is a 23-day program that begins with an interactive tech camp at Virginia Tech, where you explore cutting-edge technologies and different STEM career pathways. After that, you travel to another U.S. city for community immersion, job shadowing, and STEM career exploration. Participants live with host families during part of the program and continue working with mentors for seven months, including time before and after the U.S. exchange. The program combines intensive STEM learning with cultural exchange and structured mentorship. When you return home, you’re expected to apply what you learned by leading a community-based project with ongoing support. If you’re a high school student interested in STEM leadership and global engagement, this offers both technical exposure and long-term mentorship in a fully funded format.
15. Youth Ambassadors Program – U.S. Department of State
Location: Exchanges between the United States and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (specific host countries vary)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded exchange program
Program Dates: 3–4 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by country and implementing organisation
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15-18 with at least one semester of school remaining after the program
The Youth Ambassadors Program is a short-term exchange focused on leadership development and community engagement. During the 3–4 week program, you’ll participate in workshops, team-building activities, and community service projects while meeting with local leaders and living with a host family. Most exchanges bring students from Latin America and the Caribbean to the United States, though some U.S. students travel abroad to select partner countries. After returning home, you’re expected to apply what you learned by developing and implementing a community-based project. The program emphasises leadership training and service, not just cultural exposure, so you’re expected to actively design and carry out a project after the exchange ends. Because you must have at least one semester of school remaining, the program is designed for students who can continue their leadership work in high school. If you’re interested in civic engagement and cross-cultural exchange but prefer a shorter commitment than a full academic-year abroad, this offers a structured, leadership-focused alternative.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like governments, global politics, and international trade, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specialisations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Purdue University