Diplomacy Fellows

 
Diplomacy Fellows at the ICJ in The Hague.
The 2024 Diplomacy Fellows group at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The Nanovic Institute’s Diplomacy Fellows Program 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 a Diplomacy Immersion trip in Europe.

Through simulations, conversations with current and former diplomats, and coursework, students will develop six key competencies:

  • Judgment and decision-making

  • Conflict mediation and negotiation

  • Protocol and management

  • Intercultural communication

  • Public speaking

  • 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 Fellows program. 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

Accepted students are required to enroll in the three-credit Deep Dive Into Diplomacy (EURO 30007). Any student applying will need to be able to commit to the course in which they will discuss the diplomatic way of life and the ethical and political questions at the heart of international diplomacy. They will gain a direct understanding of what it means to work in a Foreign Service capacity. This course will be taught by Clemens Sedmak, professor of social ethics at the Keough School of Global Affairs and director of the Nanovic Institute.

Students will 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 course enrichment activities including a consulate tour in Chicago and immersion in Europe.

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 Nanovic Institute will cover all expenses related to this course and the spring break diplomacy immersion.

Application Details and Eligibility

The Diplomacy Fellows Program is competitive and requires the submission of an application. The course is open to all interested undergraduate students from any major, as well as Master of Global Affairs students in the Keough School of Global Affairs. The application includes a motivational essay.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now collected.

Questions? Contact Program Manager of Student Research and Academic Affairs Roy Kimmey.