Diplomacy Fellows
The Nanovic Institute’s Diplomacy Fellowship seeks to provide a select group of undergraduate and graduate students with the skills necessary to be effective diplomats working to advance the common good in the world today. This program provides a theoretical background but it also emphasizes practical aspects of diplomacy in dialogue with experienced diplomats. The course culminates in an immersion in Europe (March 2027: Brussels, Belgium and The Hague, Netherlands).
Through simulations, conversations with current and former diplomats, and coursework, students will develop six key competencies:
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Judgment and decision-making
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Conflict mediation and negotiation
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Protocol and management
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Intercultural communication
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Public speaking
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Written communication
Diplomats in Residence
Beginning in the spring 2024 cohort, the Nanovic Institute has brought experienced diplomats to campus to teach and mentor students in the Diplomacy Fellowship. These interactions have been some of the most impactful moments students experienced while in the course.
Diplomats in residence are hosted by the Nanovic Institute for 1-3 weeks, when they teach as guest lecturers within the Deep Dive into Diplomacy course and also offer one-to-one mentorship opportunities for the students, giving them an experienced view of what the diplomatic life is like and how they might see themselves in such a role in the future.
So far, the program has hosted several world-class diplomats with deep experience and knowledge, including:
- Catherine Arnold OBE, ambassador of the United Kingdom to Mongolia (2015–18) and career diplomat, in 2024;
- Mark Gitenstein, US ambassador to Romania (2009–12) and to the European Union (2022-25), in 2025 and 2026;
- Kent Logsdon, US ambassador to Moldova (2022-24) and a 34-year veteran of the US State Department; and
- Maria-Pia Kothbauer, ambassador of Liechtenstein to Austria (1997–present) and the Czech Republic (2011–present).
Expectations
Admitted students are required to enroll in the three-credit course, Deep Dive into Diplomacy (EURO 30007/EURO 60007). Please note that EURO 30007/EURO 60007 is scheduled to meet T/Th 9:30–10:45 a.m. during spring semester 2027. In this course, students will discuss the diplomatic way of life and the ethical and political questions at the heart of international diplomacy with diplomats, ambassadors, and foreign service professionals. In this way, they will gain a direct understanding of what it means to work in a foreign service capacity. This course is taught by Clemens Sedmak, professor of social ethics at the Keough School of Global Affairs and director of the Nanovic Institute.
Students learn from and practice diplomatic skills in exclusive sessions with visiting speakers from a variety of diplomatic fields. In addition to the course sessions, students will be expected to participate in a few additional enrichment activities, including an immersion in Europe over spring break (for spring 2027: Saturday, March 6 to Saturday, March 13).
This is an intensive program that requires students to be engaged with and committed to the material and activities. Class materials, including books, excursions, and activities, are provided by the Nanovic Institute. The institute will cover all expenses related to this course and the spring break diplomacy immersion.
Application Details and Eligibility
The Diplomacy Fellowship is competitive and requires the submission of an application. The course is open to all undergraduate students from any major, Master of Global Affairs students in the Keough School of Global Affairs, and other interested graduate students. The application includes a motivational essay as well as responses to two additional prompts on the themes of multilateral diplomacy and diplomatic history.
Questions? Contact Program Manager of Student Research and Academic Affairs Roy Kimmey.