Korbel’s Winter Interterm trips offer students an immersive, faculty-led academic experience abroad during the break between the Fall and Winter Quarters. These short-term programs provide hands-on learning opportunities, cultural engagement, and direct interaction with global leaders. Offerings vary each year, but past trips have included:

• Netherlands – Studying climate resilience in communities, infrastructures, and governance through visits to innovation sites and meetings with water managers and policy advisors.
• Kenya – Researching green energy and sustainability policies in collaboration with the University of Nairobi.
• Balkans – Meeting with local politicians, ambassadors, and academics to study post-conflict governance.
• Colombia – Exploring political advocacy, security issues, and sustainability through site visits and expert discussions.

The Diplomat in Residence (DIR) program at the Korbel School connects students with expert guidance on careers, internships, and U.S. Department of State fellowships. Serving the Rocky Mountain region, the DIR provides both in-person and virtual resources to inspire and support those interested in public service and careers with the Foreign Service. At Korbel, the current DIR, James Denver Herren, brings decades of international experience to mentor students in exploring and pursuing State Department opportunities.

A simulation is an immersive, hands-on experience where participants take on roles, tackle tasks, and collaborate (or compete) in high-pressure, dynamic scenarios. With limited information and tight deadlines, success hinges on teamwork, strategy, and navigating complex challenges. Examples of past simulations include:

• The International Security Conflict Negotiation with the U.S Army War College
• The Sie Center Simulation Series
• The Climate Conscious Corps Environmental Crisis Simulation

The Korbel School regularly hosts notable guest speakers, giving students the opportunity to learn from experts across various fields. Previous speakers have included:

In-Person:

• Judy Woodruff, Journalist and Former Anchor and Managing Editor of the PBS NewsHour (2024)
• Hilary Rodham Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State (2023)
• Carol Spahn, Director of the Peace Corps (2023)

Virtual:

• Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado (2024)
• Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy (2022)
• Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian Opposition Leader and Activist (2022)

Visit our events calendar to see what speakers we have coming up next.