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Diplomacy
Students from the International Relations Summer Institute holding up their certificates in the Diplomacy room.
Pre-College

International Relations Summer Institute

The institute will not be offered Summer 22.

Are you a rising junior or senior in high school? Eager to learn about international law? Interested in human rights? Academically motivated? Passionate about real world problems? Ready to interact with experts on current issues? Motivated to develop and apply new skills?

Through a series of seminars, newsflash briefings and interactive exercises, our week-long Institute will provide you with a strong understanding of international law, human rights and advocacy. You'll connect with a cohort of peers who share similar interests, as you expand your research and communications skills and develop your college/career readiness.

Resources:

A Photo of McQauid Hall

“Seton Hall’s International Relations Summer Institute opened my eyes to new human rights issues and allowed me to share my perspective and opinions with a great group of peers and teachers.”

B.A. from Broad Run, VA

Curriculum

The program is structured around a series of seminars led by full-time faculty of the School of Diplomacy, our career development professionals, University Librarian, and Academic Resource Center staff.

Participants will spend four days on Seton Hall's South Orange campus. The campus experience will be complemented by one day in New York City where students will take advantage of the School's alliance with the UN community by visiting either UN Headquarters or the United Nations Foundation.

In addition to faculty presentations, students will participate in group exercises and real-world simulations, debate, team and group work.

College/career readiness workshops may include: intro to business protocol and dining etiquette, time management/study skills, internships as career development, leadership skill inventory, career inventory, social media, resume writing, interview skills and academic research techniques.

A typical day includes:

  • Breakfast 
  • Breaking news briefing 
  • Presentations and discussion with faculty experts 
  • Group exercise 
  • Lunch 
  • Guest speaker 
  • College/Career Readiness Workshop I 
  • Dinner 
  • College/Career Readiness Workshop II

The International Law and Human Rights Summer Institute will immerse participants in activities from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day, and examine the following topics:

  • Introduction to human rights 
  • Human rights advocacy
  • Human rights courts and international institutions
  • Criteria to prosecute perpetrators of international crimes
  • International law and refugee protection
  • Role of the United Nations and human rights
  • Economic and social rights versus civil and political rights

Enrollment

Attendance at all Summer Institute sessions results in a certificate of completion from the Seton Hall School of Diplomacy. Institute tuition of $965.00 includes:

  • Four days on Seton Hall's South Orange, NJ campus 
  • One day in New York City: United Nations or United Nations Foundation (bus transportation included to/from campus) 
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Academic sessions + group exercises
  • College/Career readiness workshops

View Our Registration Checklist

Should you require special accommodations to participate in any events taking place on campus due to a disability, please contact Dr. Ursula Sanjamino, Associate Dean, at Ursula.Sanjamino@shu.edu or (973) 313-6210 to make arrangements.

Please Note: The institute will not be offered summer 2021.

Takeaways

  • Jump-start your understanding of international law, human rights and advocacy 
  • Build your skills in research, communication and leadership 
  • Connect with motivated peers who share similar interests 
  • Immerse yourself in the complexities of current global affairs 
  • Learn good practices now to help you succeed after your high school graduation
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Faculty Listing

The International Law and Human Rights Summer Institute will be led by Dr. Catherine Tinker. Professor Catherine Tinker has been a faculty member for the last five years at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, teaching courses on international law, international environmental law, human rights and United Nations. She has been named the "Distinguished Fellow" of the Center for United Nations and Global Governance Studies at the School of Diplomacy.

Dr. Tinker earned a doctorate in international law (J.S.D.) from N.Y.U. Law School and a law degree (J.D.) from George Washington University. She is the founder and president of the Tinker Institute on International Law and Organizations, an NGO accredited to ECOSOC at the United Nations since 1996, and regularly participates with select student interns from the School of Diplomacy in meetings on sustainable development and international law at the UN. She also serves as an expert on the IUCN's World Council on Environmental Law (WCEL), based in Switzerland.

Catherine Tinker posing
Catherine Tinker
Distinguished Fellow, Center for UN and Global Governance Studies
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About the School of Diplomacy

Just minutes from New York City and a few hours from Washington, D.C., the School of Diplomacy and International Relations is an ideal place to study international relations and practice diplomacy firsthand. Through a unique alliance with the United Nations Association of the United States of America and the United Nations Foundation, students are exposed to today's leaders and policymakers.

Students from around the world come together to participate in a multidisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution, international economics and leadership. Our distinguished faculty brings essential theories and practical perspectives to the classroom. With a growing network of alumni working in the field of international relations, the School is strengthening international institutions by contributing well-prepared and talented diplomatic professionals.

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