In-person Programme

    International Diplomacy

    by National Student Leadership Conference

    A residential diplomacy programme combining UN-style simulations, negotiation practice, expert perspectives and field visits in Washington, DC and New York City.

    Last verified: 4 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    International Diplomacy
    • What Succeed checks

      We review public programme details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Programme dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    International Diplomacy Programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Past

    Eligibility

    High-school students

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Washington, DC; New York, NY

    Cost

    $4,495

    Duration

    9 days

    Format

    Residential, in person

    Next deadline

    Not announced

    See similar programmes
    Politics

    Accommodation: Supervised campus dormitories

    Meals: On-campus meals included

    Outcome: Diplomacy and leadership practice

    Campus experience: Georgetown and Columbia

    College credit: Optional 1-credit course

    International Diplomacy Programme summary

    International Diplomacy is an immersive pre-college experience where students act as diplomats, debate foreign-policy challenges and examine how nations negotiate and cooperate.

    The programme combines United Nations and world simulations with NGO teamwork, cross-cultural communication and professional negotiation practice.

    It suits students curious about international relations, politics, global affairs or public-facing careers who prefer collaborative, experiential learning to lecture-only study.

    What is International Diplomacy?

    International Diplomacy is a National Student Leadership Conference pre-college programme focused on foreign policy, negotiation and global relations. Students assume diplomatic roles, debate current events and explore how cultural and economic factors influence cooperation.

    The practical experience includes United Nations, world and NGO simulations, cross-cultural communication exercises and negotiation practice. Expert speakers, leadership workshops and educational visits connect classroom concepts with diplomacy in action.

    Why Succeed highlights International Diplomacy Programme

    • Students practise diplomacy through structured simulations instead of learning only through lectures.

    • The two-campus itinerary connects Washington policy settings with New York's international institutions.

    • United Nations, NGO and negotiation exercises develop distinct but complementary views of global cooperation.

    • Leadership workshops broaden the experience beyond subject knowledge into communication, listening, resilience and empathy.

    • Housing, meals, academic costs and programme trips are bundled into the published residential tuition.

    Who is International Diplomacy Programme for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy debate, teamwork and current affairs and want to test their interest in diplomacy or international relations through realistic scenarios.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost day course, independent study or a programme centred on formal examinations rather than residential group activities.

    Is International Diplomacy Programme worth it?

    The programme can be worthwhile for a student seriously exploring international relations because it combines simulations, leadership work, professional perspectives and relevant visits. The dual-city residential format also gives students experience of campus life and greater independence.

    The main limitation is value for money: the latest verified tuition was substantial, and travel to and from the programme was separate. Families should judge whether the structured experience, supervision and included activities offer enough benefit over cheaper local, school-based or online options.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,495; includes Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Transportation for off-campus programme events.

    Accommodation

    Supervised campus dormitories

    Meals

    On-campus meals included

    Provider details

    Review the National Student Leadership Conference provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    9 days; Washington, DC; New York, NY.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does International Diplomacy Programme need?

    Effort level

    High and immersive.

    Best started

    Begin two to three months before your preferred session to prepare enrollment, funding and two-city travel.

    Main challenge

    Negotiating complex issues collaboratively under time pressure.

    Typical preparation

    • Read regularly about one current international issue and identify the interests of different countries.

    • Practise presenting a position clearly while responding respectfully to opposing views.

    • Review funding and visa needs early, then wait for acceptance details before finalising travel.

    • Use the packing list and travel instructions in the enrolled student account.

    Useful if

    You follow international news and enjoy speaking, listening and teamwork.

    What do students do on International Diplomacy Programme?

    Students move from exploring international-relations concepts to applying them in diplomatic simulations, leadership workshops and relevant visits.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Examine current events, global power dynamics and the cultural and economic influences on diplomacy.

    2. 2

      Represent a country in a United Nations simulation and collaborate on agreements and resolutions.

    3. 3

      Build a new country and manage its relationships during a worldwide dilemma.

    4. 4

      Research an NGO and propose future work aligned with its mission.

    5. 5

      Practise cross-cultural communication and professional negotiation techniques.

    6. 6

      Learn from guest speakers with practical diplomacy and global-affairs experience.

    7. 7

      Visit international institutions, embassies, cultural centres and city landmarks where scheduled.

    International Diplomacy Programme dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18

    • Completed at least one high-school year

    • Current high-school student or recent graduate

    • Attendance allowed through summer after graduation

    • Academic excellence and leadership ability encouraged

    How much does International Diplomacy Programme cost?

    Residential tuition

    $4,495 — Latest verified 2026 price

    Funding or discounts

    • Summer scholarship: Typically $500-$1,000 — Need-based; enrollment and deposit required
    • Payment plan: Monthly payments — Latest cycle offered plans at no extra fee
    • Optional college credit: $1,044 — Separate one-credit online course

    What's included

    Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Transportation for off-campus programme events

    How to apply to International Diplomacy Programme

    1. 1

      Open the official NSLC online enrollment application.

    2. 2

      Create or recover an NSLC ID and enter the student's details.

    3. 3

      Choose International Diplomacy and an available session.

    4. 4

      Complete the online application and place the required deposit.

    5. 5

      Check the student account for acceptance, availability and travel information.

    6. 6

      If seeking funding, enroll first and then complete the separate scholarship application.

    What does International Diplomacy Programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    United Nations diplomacy

    Represent a nation and collaborate on agreements addressing global issues.

    Global crisis simulation

    Create a country, build diplomatic relationships and respond to a worldwide dilemma.

    NGOs and global action

    Research existing organisations and propose initiatives aligned with their missions.

    Cross-cultural communication

    Practise cultural competency to support understanding between different communities.

    Diplomatic negotiation

    Apply professional negotiation techniques used to maintain peace and stability.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    Who teaches on International Diplomacy Programme?

    Students learn from programme staff and guest speakers with professional experience in diplomacy, government and global affairs. Past speakers have included ambassadors, embassy officials and leaders from international-policy organisations.

    Past speakers are examples and are not guaranteed for future sessions.

    Where do students stay on International Diplomacy Programme?

    Residential plan

    • Campus dormitories: All students stay in supervised university housing.
    • Room setup: Students share with one or two roommates on age-grouped floors.
    • Residential supervision: Team Advisors live on student floors and provide overnight supervision.
    • Meals: On-campus meals are included in tuition.
    • Two-campus stay: Students spend six days at Georgetown and three at Columbia.

    Students arrive at Georgetown University and depart from Columbia University; accepted students should review their account before booking travel.

    What happens after International Diplomacy Programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to test interest in international relations or politics.

    Draw on simulation examples in future applications and interviews.

    Continue developing debating, negotiation and public-speaking skills.

    Explore related study in international relations, politics or law.

    Take the optional one-credit American University online course.

    The college-credit option is separate, online and subject to an additional fee.

    Where does International Diplomacy Programme take place?

    The programme divides its nine days between Georgetown University in Washington, DC and Columbia University in New York. Students arrive at Georgetown, spend six days in Washington, transfer within the programme and spend three days in New York before departing from Columbia.

    Programme trips may include embassies, cultural centres, the United Nations, Times Square, historic Georgetown and Washington at night.

    International Diplomacy Programme FAQs

    Students explore international relations, current events, global power dynamics and the cultural and economic factors that affect negotiation and cooperation.

    Activities include United Nations and world simulations, NGO research, cross-cultural communication and diplomatic negotiation.

    Yes. Students are required to live in supervised campus dormitories and receive meals through campus dining services.

    Students spend six days at Georgetown University in Washington, DC and three days at Columbia University in New York.

    Published inclusions are housing, on-campus meals, course materials, academic expenses, trips, tours, activities and transportation for off-campus programme events.

    Campus dining services can accommodate dietary allergies and restrictions when preferences are completed in the student profile.

    No. Students may add a separate one-credit American University online course, completed outside the residential programme dates for an additional fee.

    Students live in supervised housing. Team Advisors accompany smaller groups, act as Resident Advisors on student floors and are supported by an on-site administrative team.

    Alternatives to International Diplomacy Programme

    Compare these related international-relations programmes by format, location, academic depth and residential commitment.

    Alternatives to International Diplomacy Programme

    Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programmes
    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • INTL GU-NY by NSLC - Flipsnack
    • NSLC Online Enrollment
    • NSLC Student Protection Plan
    • Explore Our Study Abroad Programs for International Students | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Summer Pre-College Career Exploration Programs for Students
    • Youth Leadership Programs | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Frequently Asked Questions | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Summer Program Scholarships | National Student Leadership Conference
    • High School International Diplomacy | National Student Leadership Conference

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 4 Aug 2026)

    • Programme details checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Tuition verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Inclusions checked

    • Scholarships reviewed

    • Travel guidance checked

    • Future cycle flagged

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.