By Ethan Chong, The Youth Diplomacy Network Writer
If you're interested in diplomacy, policymaking, and international affairs, excelling in international relations requires more than great grades. The field demands quick thinking, good communication, and cross-cultural skills—qualities that can be best developed through experiential learning. These are the best five extracurriculars that will drive you to the top!
1. Model United Nations (MUN)
MUN not only replicates diplomacy but also teaches it. Delegates learn negotiation, crisis management, and leadership skills while learning international affairs from an array of different viewpoints. But real value lies in taking things beyond participation. Having done 1 or 2 MUNs, try a leadership role such as chairs or secretariats.
Take, for instance, António Guterres, the current UN Secretary-General. Already as a young student, at an early age, he was engaged in debating actively and keeping abreast of world affairs, learning the habit later that marked his leadership. If you wish to work for the UN, serving in the secretariat of a big MUN conference can equip you with experience in policy-writing, logistical organization, and delegating international management.
2. Debate & Public Speaking
Persuasion is diplomacy. Whether negotiating a trade treaty or defending a human rights resolution, international relations working professionals must articulate complex ideas persuasively. Debate and public speaking competitions sharpen this ability.
Consider Malala Yousafzai, for instance. Before she became a Nobel laureate, her ability to deliver articulate speeches on education rights gained international attention, influencing policymakers around the world. Similarly, participating in high-stakes debate tournaments or extemporaneous speech competitions can prepare students for real advocacy.
3. Research Programs
A career in international relations typically requires extensive knowledge in geopolitics, international law, or conflict resolution. Research programs form the foundation for understanding world complexities and shaping your problem-solving and analytical capacities.
For instance, Samantha Power advocates for freedom of peace and justice as a human rights ambassador. She started out in journalism during the Yugoslav Wars. Her work on genocide informed U.S. foreign policy later in her career. Conducting research on issues of global concern, either through university sponsorships or solo studies, can equip one with analytical capabilities to inform policy choices.
4. Community Service & Cross-Cultural Engagement
Diplomats and policymakers must understand the cultures they deal with. Practical experience among diverse communities hones cross-cultural sensitivity vital to international collaboration.
Take the case of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Early life exposure to working for human development projects shaped his people-centered diplomacy philosophy. Working on refugee resettlement programs, language exchanges, or working with international NGOs could give tremendous insight into different worlds—something future global leaders are in great need of.
5. Start Your Own Project
Initiating something demonstrates leadership. Whether it is starting a global affairs blog, hosting cross-cultural discussions, or starting a policy awareness campaign, starting your own project develops problem-solving abilities and credibility.
One good example is Amal Clooney, who is a prominent human rights attorney and co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice. Her political life began even prior to pursuing law, proving that to make an impact takes more than being afforded the right chance—it means creating one of your own. Being an entrepreneur if you're an aficionado of global relations will provide you with a cut above the rest.
Conclusion
International relations success isn't a matter of memorizing treaties—it's a matter of taking an active role in the world. These extracurricular activities provide real-world experience, foster critical skills, and lead to future opportunities. The key? Take the first step. The world is waiting.
Guterres, A. (n.d.). Biography. United Nations Secretary-General. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/biography
Malala Fund. (n.d.). Malala’s Story. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://malala.org/malalas-story
United Nations. (n.d.). Malala Yousafzai: United Nations Messenger of Peace. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://www.un.org/en/messengers-peace/malala-yousafzai
Amal Clooney. (n.d.). Clooney Foundation for Justice. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://cfj.org/person/amal-clooney/
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