Harvard International Relations Scholars Program

HARVARD INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

June 17th – 19th, 2021 (Online)

The Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative will be hosting for the very first time the top international relations summer program for high school students around the world. The three-day program will comprise of discussions with Harvard professors, experienced policymakers, government officials, and regional experts. Students will have the opportunity to learn real-world policy writing skills, cross-cultural leadership, and how to address global challenges from all sectors of international relations.

Why are we doing this?

Our entire program is completely organized by our dedicated team of 12 Harvard undergraduates. Access to the world of foreign policy and international relations can be overly concentrated in elite schools like Harvard and it is our goal to democratize this access. Our team agreed we wish we had a program like this when we were in high school.

Eligibility

All high school students, grades 9-12 are eligible to apply. Rising high school freshmen and graduating seniors who have already been admitted to college may also apply. Due to the virtual nature of the program, there are no geography-based restrictions.

Program Structure

Applicants will choose from among 7 regions to focus on during the three days — Latin America and the Caribbean, Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, South Asia, or East Asia & the Pacific — and receive 8 total hours of targeted lectures, workshops, and activities by the top experts.

The other 16 hours of programming will involve:

Keynote lectures from leading American and foreign statesmen to begin and close each day
1:1 office hours with leading diplomats, ambassadors, and government officials
A final policy simulation competition judged by experts with the opportunity to win and attend our collegiate conference in-person at Harvard in Spring of 2022. Students will form teams and respond to crises as senior advisors and policymakers—presenting recommendations in the form of an options memo and a presentation.

Cost

For admitted students, the cost of the program will be $450USD, and a reduced $350USD for early applicants. Generous need-based financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis and will be determined by the submission of relevant documents on the application.