Diplomatic Immersion, Policy Learning, and Observation (D.I.P.L.O)
ABOUT
Founded in 2025 by Master of Global Affairs students in partnership with the Consul General of France in Houston, Dean of the Consular Corps, and the Baker Institute for Public Policy, Diplomatic Immersion, Policy Learning, and Observation (D.I.P.L.O.) is a unique gateway into the world of modern diplomacy.
This innovative program blends high impact mentoring with real-world immersion:
- Mentoring by Consuls General based in Houston.
- Immersion through direct exposure to the daily work of senior diplomats.
From high-level meetings to diplomatic simulations and policy writing, D.I.P.L.O. offers first-year MGA students a rare, hands-on experience at the heart of international relations.
HOW IT WORKS
- Day 1- Diplomatic Immersion with a Head of Mission
- Immersed in the heart of diplomatic and consular work, students discover behind-the-scenes access to the consulate: visits to offices, the consular residence, and partner sites
- Bespoke exchanges with the Head of Mission and their team
- In-depth discussions analyzing key diplomatic issues impacting the host mission.
- Day 2- Simulation and Diplomatic Exercise
- In groups, students take part in a realistic simulation culminating in the drafting of a policy paper.
- Supervision by experts: diplomats and international relations specialists
- Evaluation by a host mission and MGA faculty.
- Awards for the top D.I.P.L.O. Prize, recognizing academic and professional excellence.
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2025 Host Mission: Consulate of France in Houston
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- Consul General: Valérie Baraban
- Student Lead: Amir Abdel Aziz Zouaoui, '26
- Team Projects:
- Strengthening UN Support for Peace and Security in Haiti
- Alliance Forestière 2025 Projet de Collaboration Environnementale
- Feminist Foreign Policy on Abortion
- Paris Summit: Outcome Document on the Diplomacy of the African Union, French Republic and the Group of Four