TFED builds bridges between students and the institutions, ideas, and leaders shaping international affairs through four complementary areas of activity.

Partnering to Expand Student Opportunity

TFED is proud to partner with UNC Global Affairs in bringing internationally recognized diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and global leaders to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Together, we sponsor public conversations, lectures, negotiation simulations, and special programs that connect students directly with contemporary issues in international affairs.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for thoughtful leadership in an increasingly interconnected world while demonstrating how the humanities, diplomacy, and public service complement one another.

Professor Harold Hongju Koh

Sterling Professor of International Law
Yale Law School

Curriculum in Peace, War, and Defense (PWAD) Partnership

TFED is proud to partner with the Curriculum in Peace, War, and Defense (PWAD) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in developing programs that connect academic study with the practice of diplomacy, international affairs, and national security. Together, TFED and PWAD create opportunities for students to engage directly with distinguished practitioners whose careers span diplomacy, public service, international security, and global leadership.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to interdisciplinary learning and experiential education, demonstrating how the liberal arts, the humanities, and professional education complement one another in preparing students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

One example of this collaboration was TFED's presentation of Ambassador William B. Taylor, former United States Ambassador to Ukraine. His visit brought together students, faculty, and members of the broader community for an informed discussion of the war in Ukraine, diplomacy, and the continuing importance of principled international leadership.

United Kingdom Partnership

TFED's longstanding relationships with colleagues in the United Kingdom have created exceptional opportunities for students to engage directly with British diplomacy, government, higher education, and public life. These collaborations strengthen the transatlantic relationship while providing students with firsthand insight into democratic institutions, international affairs, and public service.

One recent example was TFED's program featuring four Members of the United Kingdom Parliament, who visited The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for a discussion of diplomacy, democratic leadership, and the future of UK–US relations. The visit was made possible through TFED's continuing relationships within the United Kingdom's diplomatic community, including the assistance of Justin Sosne in coordinating the parliamentary delegation's visit to Chapel Hill.

Together with partnerships throughout The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and abroad, these international collaborations illustrate TFED's commitment to serving as a bridge between higher education and the practice of diplomacy, strengthening transatlantic relationships while expanding opportunities for students, scholars, and future leaders.

Ambassador Barbara Stephenson

Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Chief Global Officer
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC School of Law Partnership

TFED has also benefited from the support of the UNC School of Law in presenting distinguished authorities on international law, diplomacy, and public service. This collaboration has helped make possible programs featuring Professor Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School, former Dean of Yale Law School, and former Legal Adviser to the U.S. Department of State.

Through public lectures, student discussions, and smaller opportunities for conversation, these programs connect students with leading scholars and practitioners while encouraging engagement across law, diplomacy, international affairs, and the humanities.

Ambassador William Taylor
Former United States Ambassador to Ukraine

Honors Carolina Partnership

TFED is proud to partner with Honors Carolina in creating distinctive educational opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom. Through this collaboration, students have participated in special programs that connect academic study with diplomacy, public service, and international engagement.

One especially memorable example was a TFED program at the House of Lords, where Honors Carolina students had the opportunity to take part in high tea and meet with members of the House of Lords and other distinguished guests, including Baroness Catherine Meyer CBE and the Earl of Effingham, both members of the TFED Board of Directors.

Experiences such as these reflect TFED's commitment to experiential education: giving students opportunities not simply to study institutions and international affairs, but to enter those settings themselves, engage directly with leaders, and develop relationships that can continue well beyond a single event.