Components Academic WorldQuest Students put their world affairs knowledge to the test in this fun, fast-paced, quiz of international facts. Student teams from across Houston compete, and the winning team is sent, all expenses paid, to Washington, D.C. to compete nationally. Houston teams have won the National competition on two occasions; Kinkaid School in 2003 and Stratford & Bellaire in 2004.

Conversations with History This forum is an opportunity for a small group of student leaders to meet and interview people of historical significance. Speakers have included Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; General Colin Powell; and Lech Walesa, former President of Poland. Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank

Educators' Forum A monthly seminar for teachers on select international topics, guided by experts from leading research centers and universities. Lesson plans and reference materials are furnished with each event. Gifted-and-talented credit hours are submitted for approval by the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented.

Foreign Language Symposiums The theme lunches are held in the specified language and include a speaker and student entertainment. The goal is to recognize students for learning a new language and to acknowledge teachers who nurture these interests.

Global Ambassadors This series brings university students to 6th-12th grade classrooms to speak about their experiences studying abroad. Its goal is to expand students' knowledge of world cultures through a first-person presentation.

Global Energy Initiative The Independent Petroleum Association of America has given us the resources to deepen and enrich programs on global energy. Events have included an all-day teacher workshop, Energy in Crisis; in-services at local school districts and state social studies conferences; and emphasis on energy geopolitics in all programs.

Global Issues in Depth  This full-day workshop provides substantive professional development on current global issues. Past workshops have included Energy in Crisis, India on the Modern World Stage, and the "Axis of Evil" 5 years later: Inside Iran, Iraq, and North Korea.

Celebration of International Education Week An annual event spotlighting a theme celebrating cultural diversity and enhance students’ knowledge of international affairs. For 2008-2009 the evening will include a key note speaker who will address the topic "Exploring International Cultures and How We All Fit Together" and four student groups will showcase musical performances from around the world.

International Economics Series A forum for post-secondary students and educators to learn about the convergence of economies and societies.  Topics examine the opportunities and complexities of the world's economy. Anders Aslund, Peterson Institute of International Economics

International Travel An opportunity for teacher fellows to travel overseas for in-depth study, complete with pre- and post-trip briefings. Since 2005, teacher fellows have traveled, all expenses paid, to China, Vietnam & Cambodia, Turkey, Russia, and India.

Noon Briefings An opportunity for small school groups to attend informative, luncheon briefings. Speakers have included Robert Rubin, former Secretary of the Treasury; Cokie Roberts, journalist; and William Cohen, former Secretary of Defense.

Resources for Teachers Our teacher resources include a curriculum support library at the Council, and a website, complete with compilations of internet resources, curriculum resources on the web, and more.

Speaker to School Series The Council will bring experts into Houston-area colleges, universities, and high school classrooms for an in-depth discussion of global topics. Speakers have included Ed Peck, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq; Maura Harty, U.S. Department of State; and H.E. Bader Omar Al-Dafa, Qatari Ambassador to the U.S. Gabriella Megyesi, Economic Thinking

World Cultures Summit  This is an exciting and interactive three-hour event that brings world cultures alive for 6th graders. Students have an international adventure by visiting exhibit booths and traveling "Around the World in 80 minutes" in a fact-finding scavenger hunt.

World Affairs Scholar This scholarship is awarded based on financial need, academic ability, character, leadership, and community involvement.

Young Leaders' Forum A speaker series for students and educators, provides a forum for the discussion of international issues and puts students in direct touch with world leaders. Speakers have included Madeleine Albright, Former Secretary of State; Daniel Yergin, Author of Commanding Heights; and Corazon Aquino, Former President of the Philippines. Karim Sadjapour, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Approaching Iran