Harvard Undergraduate International Relations Scholars Program
The upcoming iteration of the Harvard Undergraduate International Relations Scholars Program (HUIRSP) will occur during June 2025. Applications for this program will open in April or May 2025. Applications for all other HUIRSP opportunities are closed at this time. If you are interested in expressing early interest in the HUIRSP Summer 2025 program, we invite you to complete this form or email huirspforeignpolicy@gmail.com.
About the Program
The Harvard University International Relations Scholars Program (HUIRSP) is a multi-day virtual conference for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in foreign policy. This conference aims to reach students worldwide of diverse nationalities, socioeconomic classes, and lived experiences. HUIRSP provides participants with the unparalleled opportunity to explore pressing foreign policy subjects and engage in rigorous analytical assignments. Programming includes discussions with leading academics, policymakers, government officials, and regional experts. Students will gain skills in policy writing and cross-cultural leadership, and explore how to address global challenges from all sectors of international relations. There are two annual iterations of HUIRSP: the Summer Program (June of each year) and the Winter Intensive (January of each year). Students apply to HUIRSP on an individual basis.
The Policy Lab
Each iteration of HUIRSP offers participants the opportunity to participate in a Policy Lab. The Policy Lab offers a transformative experience for students, immersing them in a high-stakes simulation that mirrors the complexities of international policymaking. In this virtual lab, students are divided into teams, with each team representing different global actors, such as governments, international organizations (e.g., the United Nations), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or multinational foundations (e.g., the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). Teams will be placed in separate Zoom rooms, each tasked with addressing a pressing global issue—such as climate change, public health, or economic development—from their unique perspectives. As they develop policy solutions, real-world developments will be introduced that will force teams to reevaluate their strategies. For instance, a war might break out in one region, or an outbreak of a contagious disease may shift the global agenda. These events, along with the decisions made by other teams in different rooms, will have direct consequences on each group’s ability to move forward with their policies.
Throughout the process, teams will receive supervision, advice, and guidance from current Board Members of the Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative; after the conference, top policy solutions may be shared with professors at Harvard University.
Eligibility
All high school students (equivalent to grades 9-12 in the American education system) are eligible to apply. Rising high school freshmen and graduating seniors who have already been admitted to college may also apply. Due to the virtual nature of the program, there are no geography-based restrictions.
HUFPI is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for students of all backgrounds. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability status, socio-economic status, or any other demographic. Candidates with need-based financial circumstances will be considered for generous financial aid (see below). A demonstrated interest in the fields of international relations, foreign policy, and/or national security is the baseline criteria for admission to the program.
Program Fees
HUFPI offers a number of tuition rates for the HUIRSP programs that are allocated to students with consideration of financial need. The proceeds from these tuition rates contribute to several important aspects of HUFPI’s operations and permit us to continue serving governments, NGOs, and private clients as a 100% pro-bono research organization. Further information regarding HUIRSP tuition is released along with applications.
Past Speakers
Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Chief Economist to Former President Obama.
Executive Director of the Harvard Center for International Development. Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School.
Director of Foreign and Defense Policy at the American Enterprise Institute. Former Deputy Director-General of IISS.
Former Dean of Harvard Kennedy School. Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.
Former United States Secretary of State. Former National Security Advisor. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
Senior Economic Advisor and Chief Environmental Economist for the United Nations Environment Program.
Student Testimonials
Olivia Paulsen
“One of the most valuable aspects of the program was to be able to hear from experts and professionals in the field of international relations on their diverse educational and career experiences. I walked away from the program with a greater, more informed understanding of the exciting and broad prospects of pursuing a career in international relations and foreign policy.”
Maria-Emilia Lordache
“I enjoyed interacting with people from different countries and cultures in the Harvard Undergraduate International Relations Scholars Program because it allowed me to broaden my worldview and gain exposure to different points of view. Working on a capstone project related to a global issue was also a rewarding experience because it allowed me to hone my critical thinking skills and collaborate with others to solve complex problems. Finally, having access to international relations experts has been invaluable for me as I seek to deepen my understanding of global issues and gain insights into potential career paths.”
Facundo Valdez
“In the Harvard Undergraduate International Relations Scholars Program I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with people from diverse cultures and beliefs. The program fostered a hospitable environment that facilitated sharing experiences and provided a comprehensive learning space outside of individual bubbles. Also, I found it fascinating to listen to exemplary figures, and the experience was enriching and valuable.”
HUFPI Youth Partnership for International Relations
The HUFPI Youth Partnership for International Relations (HYPIR) is HUFPI’s conference offering that is tailored to deliver unique academic rigor to the students of an individual high school client. The HYPIR programming consists of case study and pitching components. During the program, student participants are divided into teams and presented with a problem statement. Participants will be mentored by Harvard students to research and ideate pragmatic and innovative solutions. HYPIR provides students with the opportunity to exercise critical thinking, collaborate effectively, and innovate. For more information about HYPIR, please reference the below slideshow. HYPIR is offered on a program fee basis.
Establishing a Partnership
We are eager to communicate with high schools who are interested in encouraging their students to apply to HUIRSP or create a HYPIR program. To express such inquiries, we invite you to email president@hufpi.org for HYPIR and huirspforeignpolicy@gmail.com for HUIRSP.