The World's Only Independent Practical Diplomacy School
Train Like a
Professional
Diplomat
Acquire the practical skills, judgment and confidence diplomats typically develop through years of experience.
350+
Alumni Worldwide
57
Countries Represented
16
Career Ambassadors on Faculty
1
Place to Learn Diplomatic Tradecraft
Why WIDA?
The Gap
No University
Will Fill
Academia prepares students to understand international affairs, not practice diplomacy. That's the gap WIDA was created to fill.
Learn by Doing
Move beyond theory and learn how diplomacy is actually practiced — not just how it's studied — from some of the best career diplomats in the business.
Gain Experience Without Waiting
Professional growth doesn't have to take years. WIDA accelerates that process with realistic simulations, practical exercises and instructor feedback.
Practice Before It Counts
Develop your abilities through practicing real-world scenarios in a safe environment, where the consequences aren't a matter of life and death.
Build an International Network
Study with participants from around the world and form professional relationships that extend well beyond the classroom.
Imagine
Yourself
at the Table
Representing your country.
Delivering diplomatic démarches.
Negotiating with other governments.
Managing crises.
Building international partnerships.
WIDA prepares you for the moments that define a career.
Our Programs
Choose
Your
Diplomatic
Journey
Whether you are preparing for a diplomatic career or strengthening your international leadership skills, WIDA has a program for you.
Short of actually working in diplomacy, this is the most comprehensive, in-depth and hands-on practical professional training program in diplomatic tradecraft anywhere.
This intensive program introduces undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, to careers in international diplomacy and teaches key skill sets.
This online program helps executives in both the public and private sectors who work in an international environment to sharpen their diplomacy skills.
Our custom programs help organizations build a cadre of leaders with strong diplomacy skills, strategic vision and global outlook
Our Faculty
One classroom,
16 Ambassadors
Our instructors teach the practical skills, methods, judgment and professional habits they honed at the highest levels of government over decades.
Ambassador
Kate Byrnes
Ambassador
Thomas Miller
Ambassador
Janice Jacobs
Ambassador
William Burns
Ambassador
Jimmy Kolker
Ambassador
Cindy Courville
Ambassador
Lisa Kubiske
Ambassador
Charles Ray
Our Alumni
Where
Diplomacy Skills
Can Take You
From students and recent graduates to senior executives, WIDA alumni apply practical diplomacy skills in foreign ministries, international organizations, business, nonprofits and many other fields.
“Sitting down with the ambassadors was tremendous — you get a window into the depth and breadth of their careers. To actually do it and be critiqued by people who had that experience is invaluable. You’ll get that nowhere else in the world.”
Nick Faust
United States
“WIDA offered the program that was going to give me the best insight into a career in diplomacy — and it topped all my expectations. I really felt immersed in everything foreign affairs and diplomacy. It changed my perception of things.”
Pamela Jahier
United States & Mauritius
“WIDA is an experiential immersion. Applying the fundamentals of diplomatic practice, you experience the different challenges a diplomat would run into. It will give you tools and skills that you wouldn’t get anywhere else.”
Ikenna Ezealah, Ph.D.
United States & Nigeria
Are You Ready
to Learn
Diplomatic Tradecraft?
- How diplomats negotiate.
- How embassies operate.
- How countries exert influence.
- How to write, brief and persuade.
- How to listen and shape messaging.
- How to navigate international crises.