Conflict Resolution and International Negotiation for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

Course Description: Conflict Resolution and International Negotiation for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

Course Description: Conflict Resolution and International Negotiation Program at Dartmouth

Discover the intricate world of international relations and conflict resolution with our immersive program at Dartmouth. Designed for aspiring diplomats and peacemakers, this course delves into the complexities of civil wars and the global strategies employed to manage them. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics that drive conflict and peace.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Cultivating future leaders in international relations and diplomacy.

• Equipping students with negotiation skills applicable in diverse global contexts.

• Offering hands-on experience through UN Security Council simulations.

• Providing opportunities to engage with esteemed guest speakers and experts in the field.

Instructor:Megan Becker, PhD

Instructor Bio

Megan Becker is an Associate (Teaching) Professor of International Relations at the University of Southern California and a faculty director of the USC Security and Political Economy Lab (uscspec.org). During the 2023-24 academic year, she was a Distinguished Visiting Scholar with the Dartmouth Initiative for Global Security and taught courses on issues related to war and peace in the Government Department. Dr. Becker's research focuses on what makes civil wars likelier, longer, and more intense, with a particular interest in the role that natural resources like oil, gems, and minerals have to play in fueling conflict. Prof. Becker also researches effective methods of mentorship and research methods pedagogy, which she refined as the director of the country's only National Science Foundation-sponsored Research Experiences of Undergraduates program in political science. An award-winning teacher, she received the 2017 Craig Brians Award for Undergraduate Research Mentorship and the 2021 CQ Press Award for Teaching Innovation from the American Political Science Association. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego.

Location

Nestled in the scenic campus of Dartmouth, this program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and natural beauty. Students will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and the opportunity to visit the renowned Dickey Center for International Understanding. The campus environment fosters a collaborative spirit, ideal for students to immerse themselves in the study of global affairs.

Course Description

Conflict Resolution and Negotiation

In this intensive program, students will explore the intersection of foreign policy, strategy, and negotiation. They will learn about the causes and resolutions of civil wars, the role of the United Nations as a peacemaker, and the effectiveness of various conflict resolution strategies. The course culminates in an engaging UN Security Council simulation, where students apply their knowledge to real-world conflicts.

Learning Outcomes

• Master key negotiation concepts and their application in international contexts.

• Analyze the causes and resolutions of civil wars.

• Develop strategies for conflict resolution and apply them in simulations.

• Enhance research skills with guidance from Dartmouth's History and Social Sciences librarian.

• Improve written and oral communication skills through drafting resolutions and participating in debates.

Hands-on Activities

Students will partake in structured research sessions, guided by our expert instructors and librarians. These sessions are designed to hone research skills and provide support for individual and group projects, culminating in the creation of briefings and draft resolutions.

Guest Speakers

• Wendel Cox, History Librarian.

• Victoria Holt, Director of the Dickey Center, former State Department official.

• Elizabeth Shackleford, Dickey Policy Director, with experience in Somalia and South Sudan.

• Peter Jenkins, Dickey Center Internship Coordinator.

Field Trips

Participants will spend time in Dartmouth's library and visit the Dickey Center for International Understanding, gaining firsthand insights into international diplomacy.

Admission Criteria

This program is ideal for students with a passion for international relations and peacemaking. Applicants should demonstrate:

• A recommended GPA of 3.5 or above in related fields.

• A completed Summer Institute application, including thoughtful responses to short-answer questions.

Who Should Attend

This program is perfect for students interested in political science or international relations. It offers valuable skills in negotiation, perspective-taking, and conflict resolution. Many alumni have pursued majors in these fields and joined Model UN teams at their schools.

Benefits

Participants will receive a university-level course experience and leave with:

• A branded Course Completion Certificate from the Dartmouth Summer Scholars program.

• A Letter of Recognition from Summer Institute, acknowledging their academic achievements.

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of international diplomacy and conflict resolution, and emerge as a well-rounded, informed global citizen ready to make a difference.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Dartmouth College – Campus Profile (Hanover, NH)

Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is a distinguished Ivy League institution known for its deep academic tradition, research excellence, and strong sense of community. Set within the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers an inspiring environment for motivated students seeking challenge, intellectual exploration, and personal growth.

Surrounded by quintessential New England beauty, the campus features a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, including iconic spaces such as the Baker-Berry Library. Hanover’s walkable Main Street adds to the experience with cafés, shops, restaurants, and a welcoming small-town charm. The region also offers abundant outdoor recreation, including trails, parks, and access to the Connecticut River.

Students join a vibrant community of learners, take part in a range of academic academies, and benefit from small class sizes led by experienced instructors. The program encourages both academic achievement and social development, offering a balanced schedule of coursework, activities, and excursions designed to help students grow as scholars and individuals.

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✨ Program Environment

• Ideal for high-achieving high school students considering selective universities

• Academically rigorous curriculum taught by knowledgeable instructors

• Opportunities to explore multiple subjects across a wide variety of academies

• Supportive environment that encourages independence, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity

• Beautiful, safe, and walkable campus surrounded by natural landscapes

• Perfect blend of academics, recreation, and community engagement

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing

• 🍽 Three meals per day, 7 days per week

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Linens (two full sets including sheets, blanket, pillow, and towels)

• 🧺 Laundry (detergent/softener not provided)

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Some specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental academic fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

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🎡 Top Activities in Hanover, New Hampshire

• 🖼 Hood Museum of Art

• 🎮 Dave & Buster’s

• ⚾ Fisher Cats Minor League Baseball Game

• 🛍 Shopping at the Mall of New Hampshire

• 🎢 Six Flags New England

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

• 🎭 Variety performances featuring comedians, hypnotists, mentalists, and magicians

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports tournaments, leagues, and game nights

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music