At the NSLC on International Diplomacy summer program for high school students, you will live the life of a diplomat in the United Nations Security Council as you investigate, debate, and seek solutions to the vital challenges facing our world and our future. You will visit some of the most important diplomatic institutions in Washington, D.C. and New York City. By the time you finish this exciting, hands-on program, you’ll have a better understanding of the complex world of diplomacy.
College Credit is Available for This Program
The National Student Leadership Conference has a unique partnership with American University to offer college credit for our high school summer programs. The American University is distinguished as a premier global university and known for turning “ideas into action and action into service.” As a result of this NSLC/AU alliance, students attending the NSLC’s summer programs for high school students have the opportunity to take college credit classes taught by American University faculty at all NSLC locations. This credit option enhances your education within the framework of your program experience, without interrupting NSLC activities.
Read more about earning college credit through your NSLC program.
Program Highlights
United Nations Security Council simulation
Advocate for your country’s interests as you negotiate resolutions to some of today’s most pressing global problems
Diplomatic site visits
including an embassy, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Institute of Peace.
New York Experience
Students will travel to N.Y.C. to visit the United Nations and the Statue of Liberty
Dates & Locations
American University
Washington, DC
- July 8 - July 17
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
- July 22 - July 31
- August 3 - August 12
Immerse yourself in the complexities of world affairs
Hands-on Simulations
The NSLC on International Diplomacy uses an interactive approach to learning that gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the challenging complexities of world affairs. You will step into the shoes of a delegate on the United Nations Security Council. You will need to advocate for your country’s interests as you negotiate resolutions to some of today’s most pressing global problems, including nuclear proliferation, conflict in the Middle East and children in armed conflict. Once you’ve mastered the art of diplomatic negotiation, you and your team will have the opportunity to create your own international system as you develop a country from the ground up, building the economic and social institutions that will give your country power in the international arena.
Our college-level lecture series on international relations will provide a foundation for success, not only during your conference but in your future career in international relations.
Topics include:
- Theories of International Relations
- International Organizations
- International Law and Globalization
- Refugees & Human Rights
- Peace & Conflict
Meet Diplomatic Professionals
While at the NSLC you will meet with and learn from leaders in the diplomatic field. In past years, NSLC students have heard from special guest speakers including the Secretary of State, the President of the World Bank and Ambassadors representing countries all over the world.
Dr. Debrework Zewdie
Director, Global HIV/AIDS Program
Ambassadors to the United States
from Afghanistan, Belgium, Colombia, France, Germany, Iraq, Mexico, Thailand and others
Mr. Robert Tschetter
Director, Peace Corps
Dr. Coleman McCarthy
Founder, Center for Teaching Peace
Dr. Richard Solomon
Director, U.S. Institute of Peace
Mr. Folabi Olagbaju
Regional Director, Amnesty International
Explore diplomacy first-hand
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
An important part of the NSLC’s high school program for international diplomacy is seeing the sites around some of our nation’s greatest cities. These trips are designed as both sight-seeing tours and exclusive educational trips specifically tailored to the area of International Diplomacy:
- The State Department
- United Nations
- Foreign Embassies to the United States (Finland, France, Thailand)
- U.S. Institute of Peace
- Statue of Liberty
- Times Square
- Baltimore Harbor
- Capitol Hill
- The Smithsonian Institution
- Historic D.C. Monuments at Night
- The State Department
- United Nations
- Foreign Embassies to the United States (Finland, France, Thailand)
- U.S. Institute of Peace
- Statue of Liberty
- Baltimore Harbor
- Capitol Hill
- The Smithsonian Institution
- Historic D.C. Monuments at Night
Leadership Training
At the heart of the NSLC is a leadership curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. From the beginning of your program you will learn to work as a team during an exciting Ropes Challenge Course. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Leadership topics tailored to the International Diplomacy program include:
- Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
- Public Speaking, Negotiation
- Conflict Resolution
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Intrapersonal Communication
Your NSLC tuition is all-inclusive. Your tuition covers course materials, housing, on-campus meals, social events and transportation throughout your program.
We offer a comprehensive scholarship program to assist qualified students with the cost of NSLC tuition, based on financial need, academic merit and extracurriculars.
Fundraising is a great way to raise funds to contribute toward your NSLC program tuition while also forging relationships with leaders in your community.