Seattle’s economic and cultural ties to global initiatives make it the perfect setting to explore foreign affairs. Through interactive discussions and a group project, students will develop key skills in public speaking, decision-making, and negotiation. In Summer Springboard’s first year of the Foreign Affairs course, students tackled complex topics like NATO, the refugee crisis, and geopolitical tensions in a simulated negotiation.

This course provides a broad perspective on international relations, global challenges, and career paths in diplomacy, policy, and global governance. Students will engage with real-world scenarios, gain a foundational understanding of international relations and key stakeholders, and explore pressing issues like human rights and climate change. Students are guided through a dynamic curriculum led by Gael Tarleton, a foreign affairs expert and public servant. By the end, students will be equipped with the skills and confidence to analyze, negotiate, and address complex global issues.