Diplomacy & Peace Studies
Summer '25 Applications Open
Experience what it takes to negotiate and maintain peaceful diplomatic relations.
Tensions in East Asia continue to make headlines. This traveling program offers you a unique chance to gain perspective on the region’s complex history and present-day challenges. Start in Seoul, engaging in debates on current issues. Then, see it all culminate in a final mock negotiation in Taipei with other Global Navigators—putting your new knowledge and debating skills to the test!
Meet experts and deepen your understanding of how diverse groups resolve conflicts. Visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. Tour the offices of political parties and diplomats in Taipei. Explore the long-term diplomatic actions taken to keep the region peaceful and stable.
Soak in the variety each city offers, too—from the the neon-lit streets and ancient palaces of Seoul to the lush gardens and skyscrapers of Taipei. On excursions, visit the city of Busan, in southern South Korea, and travel to Taiwan’s Kinmen Island. In these two countries, you’ll encounter distinct cultures, languages, and flavors and meet local teens to expand your views on diplomacy and sustaining peace.
Academic Merit Award Available
Only the Academic Merit Award is available for this program. The CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship (GNS) is NOT available. If you want to apply for the GNS based on your academic merit and financial need, check out our Diplomacy & Peace Studies program in Tallinn, Estonia.
CIEE is a proud sponsor of NAIMUM LXII
Headed to this year’s conference in D.C.? You could win a CIEE Model UN grant worth up to $5,000.
Learn more
The Take-Aways
Real-World Experience
Explore South Korea and Taiwan's history and how the two nations have achieved peace and stability. Come home with improved communication, negotiation, and debating skills and a greater understanding of diplomacy.
Credentials for Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a proposal for a peace-building initiative.
Life Skills and New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
45
Hours Of Expert Instruction
3
Weeks Pursuing Your Passion
1
Life-changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Seoul and Taipei, two of the most dynamic cities of East Asia.
South Korea and Taiwan’s strategic locations make them central hubs for regional diplomacy. These two nations, known for their safety and quality of life, have achieved peace and stability in a short period of time. Despite having complex relationships with major world powers, they boast influential companies with a global presence, particularly in technology and trade, largely due to their diplomatic efforts.
Seoul exudes a frenetic pace and provides a window into the immensely popular South Korean culture—K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema. On the other hand, Taipei offers a serene atmosphere and a chance to participate in traditional Chinese customs, preserved better in Taiwan than in China. Both cities are replete with iconic landmarks, from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Bukchon Hanok Village, and Taipei 101 to Elephant Mountain. While exploring busy streets and markets, enticing foods, like Korean rice bowls, Taiwanese hamburgers, shaved ice desserts, and Boba Tea, await!
As you immerse yourself in the cultures, food, and shared history of the region, you’ll discover the uniqueness and global significance of these great cities.
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Explore the culinary traditions of Taiwan and Korea (South Korea and North Korea) in cooking workshops with your friends. Learn about the authentic flavors of the region.
- Experience street performers and new styles of fashion in the Hongdae neighborhood of South Korea. Choose your favorite themed café!
- Reflect on courage and sacrifice at the only United Nations Memorial Cemetery in the world, located in the city of Busan—South Korea’s largest port city.
- Visit the Joint Security Area in the DMZ and delve into the complex history of Korea's division and the Korean War, including the armistice that brought the war to a ceasefire.
- Meet representatives and government officials at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) to learn about U.S. diplomatic policy in Taiwan.
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
To new beginnings and endeavors
The typhoon has passed, the rain remains. I think our students resonate with this feeling; so much has happened, and we're still processing it. Our time in Taiwan has been... keep reading
Last day in Kinmen
Day 13 We've reached our last day in Kinmen. While Kinmen holds significant culture and history, the relentless heat has been a challenge for us. We never did get used... keep reading
Trip to Kinmen!
*Below is another student blog! Yay!* DAY 13 We arrived in Kinmen after a short one-hour flight and were greeted by our tour guide, Peter, who took us straight to... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More Questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Blocks IV, V 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $8,950 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Erik Perez
Executive Director of Regional Management – Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and Pacific Rim
Erik Pérez earned his B.S. in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and his M.A. in Economics as a Fulbright Scholar in the U.S.
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