International Security Studies

Dates: July 4 – 31, 2027

Credits: Two 3 – credit courses; total 6 U.S. credits

Cost: $7,350 USD

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Château de PourtalèsStrasbourg, France

Live and study in this 18th century royal chateau.

European ParliamentStrasbourg, France

EU’s directly elected legislature.

Council of EuropeStrasbourg, France

European human rights organization.

Haut Koenigsbourg CastleOrschwiller, France

Historic medieval castle in Alsace.

Memorial Alsace MoselleSchirmeck, France

Museum of Alsace-Moselle’s wartime history.

Centre Europeen Robert SchumannScy-Chazelles, France

Center for European integration and history.

U.S. Mission to NATOBrussels, Belgium

U.S. diplomatic mission to NATO.

NATO HQ / SHAPEBrussels, Belgium

NATO’s political and military headquarters.

European Council on Foreign RelationsParis, France

Pan-European foreign-policy think tank.

EU Institute for Security StudiesParis, France

EU foreign and security policy think tank.

Verdum Battlefield MuseumFleury-devant-Douaumont, France

Verdun battlefield memorial.

U.S. Mission to EUBrussels, Belgium

U.S. diplomatic mission to the EU.

The World Needs People Who Understand International Security

The Arclight Institute’s education abroad programs combine academically rigorous coursework with educational experiences in the places where international cooperation takes shape.

Based in Strasbourg, France, our programs use one of Europe’s leading centers of international governance as a gateway to learning across the continent. Participants engage with policymakers, institutional leaders, practitioners, and communities in Strasbourg and throughout Europe, connecting academic study with professional practice while exploring career pathways that many students never have the opportunity to experience firsthand.

Designed for university students interested in international affairs, public policy, diplomacy, environmental governance, law, and related fields, Arclight programs prepare participants for graduate study and internationally focused careers by broadening perspectives, expanding professional networks, and opening doors to opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.

Meet the people. Join the conversations. Experience the institutions.

If you're ready to see international security from the inside, we invite you to join us in Strasbourg.

Apply Now Attend an Information Session

The Questions You’ll Explore

International Security Studies invites students to wrestle with some of the defining questions of our time.

What causes conflict between nations?
How do diplomacy and international institutions prevent or resolve conflict?
What roles do NATO and other international organizations play in global security?
How are cybersecurity, intelligence, and emerging technologies reshaping international affairs?
How might governments respond to evolving global threats while protecting democratic values?

Additional topics include regional conflict, strategic analysis, collective security, nuclear proliferation, and contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Professional Development for International Careers

An Arclight education is designed to help students discover what’s possible. Through conversations with diplomats, military officers, policy experts, and nonprofit leaders, participants gain firsthand insight into the many paths that lead to careers in international affairs. As practitioners share their professional journeys, students begin to see themselves in these roles and develop a clearer understanding of the opportunities ahead.

Structured career development activities complement these conversations, helping students explore their options, prepare for graduate study, and take their next steps with confidence.

Participants leave with:

Understanding of the many career pathways available in diplomacy, international organizations, government, nonprofit leadership, and related fields.
Firsthand insight from experienced practitioners who share the professional journeys that shaped their own careers.
Greater confidence envisioning themselves in international leadership roles and the steps required to pursue them.
Practical tools for future success, including guidance for graduate study, internships, applications, interviews, and professional communication.
Professional relationships with practitioners and peers that continue well beyond the program.
A foundation for building a meaningful career in international affairs.

Base Schedule

June 21-July 3, 2027

Pre-Travel Study

Complete assigned readings, essays, hot takes, and other preparatory coursework to build a strong foundation before departure.

July 4-July 31, 2027

In-Country Program

Study abroad in France and Belgium, combining coursework with site visits, lectures, and cultural experiences. Site visits include NATO Headquarters, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission. Evenings and weekends are free for independent exploration.

August 1-August 18, 2027

Capstone Policy Paper

Synthesize your learning into a final policy paper, providing a tangible academic product and portfolio piece.

Student Testimonials

These weeks were life-changing. What stayed with me was how much I learned--and how it reignited my love of learning. This program helped me find my path and the confidence to pursue it. I won't say it was easy, but it was absolutely worth it--an unforgettable academic and personal turning point.

My experience in the International Security Studies program was unforgettable. Traveling in Europe in a scholarly group, visiting NATO and the UN, was a blessing I'll always be grateful for. Aside from the academics, exploring Europe with both my program group and on my free time was a walk through history, culture, and a timeless, immeasurable feeling of wonder.

The ISSP 25’ program was such an important experience for me, both academically and personally. The class content and your lectures (yes, even the bus ones) shaped the way I think about international security. That experience—and our private conversations—gave me a unique perspective that helped me earn a position with the Congressional Research Service supporting analysts on NATO defense spending.

The Global Environmental Justice Program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met amazing people, explored incredible cities, and spoke with experts at the UN and other international organizations. I came home more confident, focused, and ready for my post-grad career.

Participating in the International Security Studies Program in Switzerland was an amazing experience that helped me further my understanding of important economic, political, humanitarian, and security organizations in the context of international security issues. [It] helped me acquire a government internship with a focus on international organizations such as NATO! I highly recommend this unique program.

My time in Switzerland fundamentally changed my life. Not only is it an excellent resume builder . . . it steered me toward a career I love. Not in small part because of this experience, I ended up in my dream role with the U.S. federal government. I recommend this trip to anyone I meet who is even vaguely considering a career in government or international relations. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.

My time in the International Security Studies and Global Environmental Justice programs at the Arclight Institute was the highlight of my college education! They offer a unique opportunity to learn from the diplomats, politicians, and activists who are writing the next chapter of our world’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring for classes?
Pack a laptop, notebooks, and writing utensils for assignments, plus any readings provided before departure. Reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout the chateau, so you’ll want your laptop handy for research, writing, and group projects.
Who will we meet during our time abroad?
Past cohorts have met with an extraordinary range of leaders: Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukrainian ambassadors to the UN and EU, members of the Swiss and Canadian parliaments, senior officers in the Swiss and NATO militaries, UN weapons inspectors, EU parliamentarians, US State Department officials, and leading experts in terrorism and humanitarian law.
What careers do alumni pursue?
ISS alumni have gone on to careers in diplomacy, defense, international law, humanitarian organizations, think tanks, and public service. The blend of applied academics and insider access gives them a competitive edge in these fields.
How does the program prepare me for my career?
ISS bridges academic study with practical engagement. You’ll not only master theories of conflict and cooperation but also test them against the lived experience of diplomats, military leaders, and policymakers. The capstone policy paper gives you portfolio-ready work, while networking opportunities connect you with professionals in diplomacy, defense, and international law.
Will this program help me find a job after graduation?
While no program can guarantee employment, many ISS alumni credit their experience with helping them land internships, graduate school placements, and even first jobs in government, law, and international organizations. Employers recognize the weight of studying security issues directly with practitioners at NATO, the European Union Parliament, and other global institutions.
Who should apply?
This program is designed for students studying international relations, political science, security studies, public policy, history, law, intelligence, public administration, and related disciplines. Students from other academic backgrounds with a strong interest in international affairs are also encouraged to apply.