Applications are due on Friday, May 22 by midnight.

The Summer Institute on International Affairs provides high school and community college students with in-depth study and training on today's global issues. This year we are partnering with The Experiment Digital. Taking place over the course of 7 weeks, this seminar style program will combine with an exchange program conducted entirely online. It allows students to experience World Affairs events, engage with like-minded peers and practice research, writing and public speaking skills. The program is designed to be interactive, with students learning about the world through policy simulations, debates, presentations, speaker interviews, and preparing youth to be more civically engaged by teaching them how to design and implement a service project for their local communities.  

The 2020 Summer Institute will meet once a week from the week of June 22 through the week of August 16, 2020.

Prior to each weekly meeting, students prepare by completing assigned readings and writing assignments. Participants are expected to attend all sessions; although exceptions can be made in special circumstances. Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours preparing each week. They then convene at the World Affairs Council in downtown San Francisco to discuss the evening’s topic and depending on the schedule, may meet with that day’s speaker. Following this discussion, students join World Affairs members to attend the public lecture. Upon successful completion, Summer Institute students receive a one-year membership to the World Affairs Council enabling them to attend many programs free of charge.

The Experiment Digital

For seven weeks during the summer, students log on to an interactive platform to learn about leadership, civic engagement, and interact with their peers through videos, chats, webinars, and games. Students come away from the program with:

- An enhanced understanding and practice of leadership

- Increased involvement in civil society and volunteering

- Mutual understanding between youth from different countries

While we encourage all interested high school and community college students to apply, preference is given to students who are beginning their sophomore, junior or senior year in high school and underclassmen in community college.

We look forward to receiving your application!