(MAHWAH) - Ramapo College of New Jersey will offer a new International Studies Institute this summer, an intensive program designed for highly motivated high school students who are internationally and globally minded.

Offered through the College's Center for Innovative and Professional Learning, the International Studies Institute will be offered to talented rising juniors and seniors from July 5 through 16, 2010. The International Studies Institute is an intensive, residential learning experience designed to develop intellectual abilities, reinforce and enrich a positive self-image, and challenge capabilities with new vision through deep personal involvement and sincere, open exploration of ideas and feelings.

"Ramapo recognizes the importance of cultivating and encouraging international awareness among today's high school students, and is responding to the need for a program which would allow high school students to be exposed to globally important issues," says Program Director Jeremy Geller. "We are hopeful that these students will remain engaged in international affairs throughout their college experience and careers, with aspirations to become international leaders."

The program will consist of multi-disciplinary learning through courses, workshops and seminars, as well as an International Communications and Negotiations Simulation (ICONS). Courses will cover topics such as negotiations and diplomacy, human rights and law, global environment and resources, international trade and economics, and international public health. The knowledge acquired in these courses will help students with the ICONS component, in which students are split into teams by country, and will use what they have researched throughout the program to formulate foreign policy, agreements on negotiation strategy and priority and attempts to resolve international issues, such as trade agreements and development, with diplomacy and efficiency.

Students will be housed in residence halls on Ramapo College's beautiful campus.  Curricular activities continue throughout the weekend and evenings, however the program will offer a number of social activities, including the "RCISI Olympics," alumni barbeque, talent show and farewell dance. The program's close proximity to New York City also allows for a United Nations field trip.

For more information on the program, including application information, program cost and itinerary details, contact Dr. Jeremy Geller, executive director, Roukema Center for International Education at 201.684.7533. Website: www.ramapoprecollege.com.