A Summer Beyond Borders: Exploring Difficult Diplomacy

 

A Summer Beyond Borders: Diplomacy on the Divided Korean Peninsula

June 8 to 22, 2024

Students will spend a fast-paced, educational two weeks exploring the political history of the Korean Peninsula and the lasting effects of the Korean War. From Seoul to Busan, students will follow the trajectory of inter-Korean relations; travel to the sites of critical battles; consider the complex diplomatic politics of North Korean nuclear proliferation; and the difficult path ahead toward Korean unification.

This trip emphasizes political and diplomatic history as well as armed and unarmed conflict from 1950 to the present day. It also introduces the United States' successes and failures while intervening in the Korean War, as well as in shaping South Korea’s economic and democratic development. Along the way, students will visit the site of the Gwangju uprising, the demilitarized zone at the Korean border, the Busan perimeter, and American military installations near Seoul. Students will also have a short overnight trip to Japan, where they will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and reflect on the stake of nuclear proliferation in East Asia.

Participation is limited to 12 students. Interested students should complete our online application. Applications will include a CV or resume, a cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and contact information from UT faculty or staff who are willing to serve as referrals. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Depending on demand, applicants may be required to interview, too.

Important Information

  • Applications are open to all University of Texas at Austin undergraduates. Qualifying students may be invited to an interview with Clements Center affiliates and coordinators. After the interviews are complete, we will notify students who have been selected by the end of February 2024. Selected students must pay a $500 deposit one month after acceptance.

  • Cost: $2,500: The Clements Center may offer limited financial assistance to a few qualified students.

  • Pre-trip preparations: Selected students must attend one, pre-trip orientation in order to prepare for the trip.

  • Applications will open on January 23, 2024 and close at 10:59 PM CT on February 23, 2024.

Info Session: January 24, 2024 from 4:30-5:30 PM in room FAC 430. 

Questions or Interested in participating in June 2024? Please contact [email protected]

Apply Here

 

A Summer Beyond Borders: Israel and the Palestinian Territories

 

POSTPONED TO 2025

Students will spend a fast-paced, educational two weeks exploring the political and cultural histories of Israel, the Palestinian territories, and their peoples. From Haifa to Hebron, participants will visit significant historical sites; meet with renowned policymakers, scholars, and community pillars; and learn from international security workers. Students will also have a fantastic opportunity to meet with students at Nablus University.

This trip emphasizes political and diplomatic history as well as armed and unarmed conflict from the late 19th century through the present day. It also introduces the role of the United Kingdom and the United States in the development of the region at different moments in time, acknowledging both the foreign policy successes and failures. However, students will have opportunities to see and learn about several other eras as well. Along the way, students will stay overnight in Galilee, Haifa, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, and Jerusalem, with day trips to Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Battir.

Participation is limited to 10 students. Interested students should complete our online application. Applications will include a CV or resume, a cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and contact information from UT faculty or staff who are willing to serve as referrals. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Depending on demand, applicants may be required to interview, too.

Important Information

  • Applications are open to all University of Texas at Austin undergraduates. Qualifying students may be invited to an interview with Clements Center affiliates and coordinators. After the interviews are complete, we will notify students who have been selected by the end of October. Selected students must pay a $500 deposit one month after acceptance.
  • Students interested in traveling to Israel/Palestine should carefully consider: (1) The rapidly changing COVID-19 testing and vaccine policies of the university and the Government of Israel; (2) Whether you are at risk of not obtaining an Israeli visa for travel (consult Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and US Department of State websites.
  • Cost: $2,500: The Clements Center may offer limited financial assistance to a few qualified students.
  • Pre-trip preparations: Selected students must attend three, pre-trip seminars in order to prepare for the trip. These seminar dates and times TBD. If you are unable or unwilling to attend these in-person seminars, please do not apply. Students will also be assigned carefully selected readings.

Questions or Interested in participating in 2025? Please contact [email protected]