Arkansas and the World: International Affairs Summer Camp

The UCA Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies hosts the Arkansas and the World: International Affairs Summer Camp for high school students on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.  This summer camp is one of the few summer camps in the United States focusing primarily on international affairs and diplomacy.  It is an educational summer camp that includes both classroom instruction and experiential learning activities.  Early in the week, students will participate in educational workshops that enhance their knowledge and understanding of international relations, international organizations, United Nations, and the fundamentals of Model United Nations.  In the evenings, students will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers about educational opportunities and professional careers in international affairs.  Throughout the week, students will represent assigned countries during committee and plenary sessions of the UN General Assembly.  Students will also participate in several groups competitions, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Poster Competition and the Global Trivia Competition.  At the end of the week, the summer camp culminates in an emergency plenary session of the UN General Assembly during which students will use their knowledge of international affairs and diplomatic skills to resolve an international crisis.

2023 Summer Camp Photos

2024 Summer Camp Photos


Details:

When?  Sunday, July 13, 2025 to Friday, July 18, 2025.

Where?  University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas.

Who may apply for the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA?  Students interested in international affairs who are entering 10th through 12th grades at any public, private, or charter high school in the state of Arkansas the following school year, as well as home schooled students at the same grade levels in the state, may apply to participate in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA.  Students from low-income families are encouraged to apply for the summer camp.  Students participating in the 2025 Arkansas Governor’s School (AGS) are not eligible to participate in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA during the same summer.  Participation in Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs at high schools is not required for participating in this summer camp.  Parents or guardians of student participants under the age of 18 will be required to submit a signed Parental/Guardian Consent Form, as well as other forms, prior to the start of the summer camp (see “Important Links” below).

What is the cost of participating in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA?  Assuming that the International Affairs Summer Camp continues to be funded by a grant from the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) / Academic Enrichment for Gifted & Talented in Summer (AEGIS), there will be no registration fees for Arkansas high school students who are selected to participate in the summer camp.

How to apply?  Interested students are encouraged to submit the online application form below between January 15th and May 15th.  In addition to the online application, students are required to request a letter of nomination from a guidance counselor, administrator, or teacher at the applicant’s high school.  Students are also required to submit an essay of a maximum of 500 words explaining their interest in international affairs and how the program might increase their awareness of the world by May 15th.  All essays and the letters of nomination should be emailed directly to Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Summer Camp Director, at markm@uca.edu.

When will successful applicants be notified? Students who apply to participate in the International Affairs Summer Camp at UCA between January 15th and May 15th will be notified of the status of their applications no later than May 31st.  Students whose applications are not initially approved may be placed on a waiting list.  Students on the waiting list will be contacted no later than June 30th if their applications are later approved.


Important Links:

Instructions for Online Application FormPlease carefully read these instructions before submitting online application form below.

Online Application FormStudents should submit applications between January 15th and May 15th.

Program Guidelines & Policies

Program Schedule

Parental Guardian Consent FormParents may print out and submit this form prior to the start of the summer camp or during check-in on the first day of the summer camp.

UCA Liability Waiver, Photo Release, and Medical Form – Parents and students should submit this online form at least two weeks prior to the start of the summer camp.

International Affairs Summer Camp – Staff Application – Summer camp staff must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma by the start of the summer camp.  Please contact the summer camp director if you have any questions.

 

Contact Information:

Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Co-Director, markm@uca.edu
Dr. Bailey Fairbanks, Co-Director, bfairbanks@uca.edu
Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies
217 Irby Hall, 201 Donaghey Avenue
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035
Phone Number:  (501) 450-3412