So, you’ve decided that you want to take your international relations studies to the next level? Good for you! Every year, young people from all over the world come together to attend international relations summer schools. This unique educational experience offers students a chance to learn about global affairs and develop important skills that can help them in their future careers.
Students will get to learn about different cultures, international organisations, and the workings of global politics. It could be diplomacy, international law, or another topic. There are many potential career opportunities that can come from attending an international relations summer school. For example, you could become a diplomat for your country, work for a non-profit organisation, or be a journalist covering international news.
But what is international relations summer school, exactly? And why might you want to attend? In this post, we will discuss the pros and cons of international relations summer school and provide some advice on whether or not it is right for you and some potential career opportunities that can come from it.
What is International Relations Summer School?
Before we actually delve into what summer school is about this particular subject, it is important to understand international relations as a whole. International relations, simply put, can be described as the relationship between various countries and international organisations, such as the United Nations or NATO.
International relations exist at many different levels. There are international organisations, such as the United Nations or NATO, countries and alliances like the EU and ASEAN, and international relations within a country, such as between state governments and local governments. As such, international relations summer school can cover any number of topics relevant to international affairs and global politics.
Many international relations summer schools are offered at universities around the world and cover topics like international law, diplomacy, international development, global health, and international economics. They generally focus on providing students with real-world skills that will be applicable in their future careers.
Reasons You Should Attend International Relations Summer School
So why might you want to attend international relations summer school? There are several key benefits of this educational experience that make it valuable for those looking to advance their studies or pursue a career in international affairs. Some of these include:
- Learning about different cultures and perspectives from around the world. It’s important to realise that international relations is not just about politics and economics; it’s also about understanding different cultures and perspectives. Attending an international relations summer school allows you to learn more about these, which can help you become a well-rounded global citizen.
- Developing key professional skills. International relations summer schools are designed to help students develop important skills needed for international careers. These might include public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication.
- Expanding your professional network. Attending international relations summer schools puts you in contact with people from all over the world who share similar interests and can be valuable contacts in your future career.
Cons of International Relations Summer Schools
Of course, international relations summer school isn’t without its drawbacks. Some potential challenges that you may face include:
- Time and financial commitments. International relations summer schools can last anywhere from one week to a few months, which means they require a significant time commitment on your part. Furthermore, many international relations summer schools are quite expensive; this is not ideal for students on a tight budget or those who need to work during their studies.
- Dealing with international conflict. International relations is, unfortunately, often rife with conflict and disagreement, as evidenced by current events such as the ongoing refugee crisis or the tensions between countries like Russia and the US. As such, international relations summer schools may entail dealing with these difficult topics and learning how to navigate international politics in a constructive way.
Potential Career Opportunities
There are many career opportunities available to those with international relations skills. The following are 5 of the most popular possibilities:
Diplomat
Diplomats work for international organisations, embassies, and other international institutions to represent their country’s interests and establish positive relationships with other countries. This requires strong negotiation and communication skills, as well as familiarity with international politics and economics.
International Consultant or Researcher
International consultants help businesses, governments, non-profits, and international agencies develop strategies that address international issues like climate change or global poverty. Similarly, researchers conduct research on these same issues in order to inform policy decisions at all levels of government. Both of these careers require extensive knowledge of international relations topics like international law and diplomacy.
Journalist or Writer Specialising in International Affairs.
Journalists working in this field report on international issues like international conflict, global health crises, and international trade. To succeed in this career, you’ll need excellent communication skills as well as a deep understanding of international relations concepts and current events.
Civil Servant
Civil servants work for international bodies like the UN, World Bank, and NATO to help guide international policy and coordinate international efforts on global issues. This requires a working knowledge of international relations as well as political science and economics.
Teacher or Professor
If you’re interested in international relations but aren’t looking for a career in international affairs, you might consider becoming a teacher or professor instead. You can teach international relations courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels to help prepare the next generation of international leaders. To succeed in this field, you’ll need excellent teaching skills as well as a solid understanding of international relations concepts and their relevance to current events.
As you can see, international relations summer schools can be an incredibly valuable experience for students interested in pursuing a career in international affairs or global politics.
Conclusion
So whether international relations summer school is right for you ultimately depends on your goals and interests. If you’re looking to gain in-depth knowledge about international affairs and hone your professional skills for a future career in global politics, international relations summer school can be an excellent option.
Just do your research to find the best program for your personal needs and goals, and be sure to reach out to alumni or current students of international relations summer school programs for more insight into their experiences and advice on how to make the most of this opportunity.