The Institute for Foreign Service and Diplomacy, established in 2002 by a Congressional appropriation, aims to encourage students to consider careers in the Foreign Service and in international affairs.

To expose Kean University students to this interesting and important field, the Institute strongly encourages students to obtain an internship position. Moreover, the professional skills developed via such an internship experience make students stronger candidates for future careers with government agencies, international institutions, and other organizations. The Institute for Foreign Service and Diplomacy makes resources available to aid in the internship search & provides students with a stipend while they are working in these positions.

To prepare students for careers in international affairs, the Institute offers a series of skills workshops and promotes student participation in experiential learning activities such as the Model United Nations. The Institute hosts several speaker presentations throughout the year, presenting students the opportunity to learn first-hand from professionals in the field. The Institute can also provide assistance to those students interested in improving proficiency in a foreign language, attending graduate school or applying for fellowships, and participating in short-term real or simulated international experiences.

The Institute is open to all Kean University students, undergraduate and graduate. The Institute also has a Pre-College component, teaming with the Adelante Scholars program to provide high school students from local areas with a summer enrichment experience, including a field trip to Washington D.C.

Ultimately, it is hoped that the Institute for Foreign Service and Diplomacy will generate a diverse group of alumni who will become diplomats, policy makers, area specialists, economists, and activists, drawing upon their unique backgrounds and perspectives to help shape U.S. foreign policy.