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At St. Joseph High School, the day for students in the UCONN Early College Experience (ECE) International Relations course starts early—7:00 a.m., to be exact. While most teenagers are just waking up, these students are already engrossed in lively debates, passionately discussing everything from global terrorism to human rights. Under the guidance of Gary Schmidlin, a veteran educator with a master’s degree in international relations specializing in Soviet foreign policy, this course transcends traditional learning, offering students a deeply immersive experience in global issues and diplomacy that few high schools can match.
One of only a few high schools in Connecticut to offer this UCONN-affiliated course, St. Joe’s provides students the opportunity to earn 3 college credits in just one semester while engaging in rigorous study. Schmidlin, who has been teaching at St. Joseph for over a decade, designs his classes to challenge students, pushing them to analyze complex political ideologies, evaluate foreign policy goals, and understand the motivations that drive alliances and conflicts across borders. Reflecting on the course’s impact, Lilly Kugit ’26 shares, “This course is of great significance to me because it emphasizes current events and helps me understand my role in our global community. I feel much more informed and engaged with the world around me.”
An Early Start to Global Thinking
Each morning, students gather to dissect world news in real-time, drawing insights from AI-assisted translations of global news articles and delving into the unfolding stories of nations they represent in class debates. In these lively discussions, Schmidlin’s students sharpen their ability to think critically and defend their perspectives with evidence—a skill essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world. The curriculum, a true college preparatory experience, covers an impressive range of topics, including global economics, environmental policy, and international law, all woven into discussions on current issues. Constantly challenged to anticipate national motivations, question political narratives, and discern truths behind propaganda, students leave this course prepared for higher academic rigor.
For Reese Vartelas ’26, the timing couldn’t be better. “I’m grateful to take this course, especially with the upcoming presidential election. It’s made me more aware of global issues that might not always make the nightly news. The skills I’m learning will help me make informed decisions in the real world.”
Taking on Crisis at Yale’s Model UN
But the real-world experience doesn’t end in the classroom. Each January, students in the International Relations course have the unique opportunity to attend Yale’s Model United Nations, a four-day event that brings together 2,000 students from around the world. Due to St. Joseph High School’s strong reputation at the event, Cadets often secure positions on elite committees, including crisis committees. Here, diplomacy is taken to a new level. Adalene Fallot ’26 can hardly wait. “I can’t wait to attend the Model UN at Yale this year. I’m learning so much about the motivations and contextual decisions that shape the actions of countries across the globe; I look forward to collaborating with students from all over the world.”
During the event, students may get a knock on their door at 2 a.m., summoning them to tackle complex crises in the middle of the night. Sleep-deprived yet undeterred, they leap into high-stakes discussions, weighing potential outcomes, considering multifaceted solutions, and making decisions while (pretend) lives hang in the balance. These adrenaline-filled moments forge unforgettable lessons in problem-solving and teamwork, instilling students with confidence and clarity to harness future goals.
Skills for College and Beyond
The UCONN International Relations course requires a level of dedication and intellectual rigor comparable to college, and the benefits are profound. Through research projects, debates, and persuasive presentations, students learn to defend their views under pressure and back up their opinions with credible evidence. They emerge with more than just college credit; they leave with the skills to thrive in college and beyond. Many SJ alumni from the program have gone on to careers in international law, human rights, finance, and global security—fields where cultural awareness and the ability to navigate global complexities are invaluable.
As Mr. Schmidlin explains, “My job isn’t to give students the answers but to give them the tools to evaluate complex global issues on their own. This course builds critical thinkers who can navigate our ever-evolving world with integrity and insight.”
Lifelong Learning and Inspired Global Citizenship
Schmidlin’s philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking and resilience. By presenting multiple perspectives and sometimes playing devil’s advocate, he helps students think ahead and anticipate counterarguments. Students like Lily and Reese report that the course has fundamentally changed how they think, encouraging them to view the world with an informed, balanced perspective. At St. Joseph High School, students aren’t just learning about the world; they’re preparing to make a positive impact on it.
With the UCONN International Relations course, SJ students join a vibrant academic community “on a mission for more,” building a foundation that empowers them to step confidently onto the world stage, equipped with empathy, analytical skills, and a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.
Inspired by the global perspective and leadership opportunities at St. Joe’s? Visit sjcadets.org/visit to learn more about our programs and see how St. Joseph High School prepares students to thrive on the world stage. Schedule a tour today and take the first step toward joining our vibrant community!
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