Diplomacy & Peace Studies
Master the art of negotiation and learn to advocate for peace in East Asia.
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.
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Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun discovering East Asia through two of its modern capitals.
Network
Meet new friends and international relations experts. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Develop practical debating skills and collaborate at a mock negotiation.
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 Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Overnight excursion to Matsu Archipelago
The Matsu Archipelago awaits, its winds carrying stories of resilience and diplomacy. Named after the sea goddess Mazu, Matsu's islands, including Nangan and Beigan, blend rich history with vibrant culture. Walking through tunnels and forts that once protected Taiwan from Mainland China, you feel the weight of its military past. Later, the air fills with laughter and song as you join locals for a festival, sampling fresh seafood while immersing yourself in traditions that connect community and culture.
Exploring Matsu’s historic landscapes, you bond with friends over the island’s unique mix of military and cultural significance. Guided by local experts, you reflect on Taiwan’s complex cross-strait relations, experiencing firsthand how a site marked by conflict has evolved into a symbol of peace and heritage. Your new friendships deepen as you discuss diplomacy's role in transforming places and people, sparking curiosity and meaningful dialogue.
This visit challenges your perspective on international relations, encouraging you to explore cultural diplomacy’s power to build peace and understanding. Inspired by Matsu’s history and your peers’ insights, you may find yourself drawn to a future in international studies, bridging cultural divides with diplomacy, compassion, and curiosity.
Pineapple Cake DIY Workshop
You step into the bustling kitchen, greeted by the sweet aroma of fresh pineapple and dough. Today, you’ll learn to craft Taiwan’s beloved pineapple cakes from scratch! With aprons on, you and your friends dive into the experience, blending ingredients, kneading dough, and shaping your pastries. As you work, your instructor shares stories about the pineapple's symbolism of luck and prosperity in Taiwanese culture, adding depth to each step. Laughter and conversation fill the room as you bond with peers over the shared challenge of creating these delightful treats.
This workshop goes beyond baking; it’s a hands-on lesson in culinary diplomacy. Together, you celebrate Taiwanese heritage and connect with local traditions, realizing how food bridges cultures and fosters friendship. After the workshop, you tour a museum dedicated to Taiwan’s pastry history and even try on a traditional Hanfu, immersing yourself in the elegance of Taiwan-Chinese heritage.
You leave with a newfound appreciation for cultural exchange and the power of food as a tool for diplomacy. This experience inspires you to explore international relations through unique, impactful exchanges, enriching your understanding of Taiwan's vibrant culture and the universal language of food.
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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
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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