The World's Only Independent Practical Diplomacy School
Think and Negotiate
Like a Professional
Diplomat
Acquire the practical skills, judgment and confidence diplomats typically develop through years of experience.
350+
Alumni Worldwide
60
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. WIDA bridges that gap.
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 Matters
Develop your abilities through practicing real-world scenarios in a safe environment, where the consequences aren't a matter of life and death.
Build a Global Diplomatic 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.
Thinking like a diplomat.
Negotiating with other governments.
Managing crises.
Building international partnerships.
WIDA prepares you for the moments that define a career.
Our Programs
Choose Your
Path to Diplomacy
Whether you are preparing for a diplomatic career or strengthening your international leadership skills, WIDA has a program for you.
Your gateway to one of the world's least understood and most consequential professions. Discover what diplomats actually do — and begin doing it yourself.
Train like an entry-level diplomat and begin your career with a significant advantage over your peers.
Gain an insider's understanding of diplomacy and strengthen the competencies essential for international leadership in the public and private sectors.
Develop a strong team of leaders with the diplomacy skills, strategic vision and global outlook to multiply your organization's international impact.
Our Faculty
One classroom,
16 Ambassadors
Our instructors teach the practical skills, judgment and professional habits they honed at the highest levels of government over decades. Collectively, they bring centuries of diplomatic experience.
Ambassador
William Burns
Ambassador
Kate Byrnes
Ambassador
Michael Fitzpatrick
Ambassador
Janice Jacobs
Ambassador
Jimmy Kolker
Ambassador
Lisa Kubiske
Ambassador
Thomas Miller
Ambassador
Charles Ray
Our Alumni
Where
Diplomacy Skills
Can Take You
Whether they pursue careers in diplomacy or international leadership in the public and private sectors, WIDA alumni put practical diplomacy skills to work every day.
“To practice and be critiqued by people who had that experience is invaluable. You’ll get that nowhere else in the world.”
Nick Faust
United States
“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. It will give you tools and skills that you won’t get anywhere else.”
Ikenna Ezealah, Ph.D.
United States & Nigeria
Are You Ready
to Practice
Diplomatic Tradecraft?
- How diplomats negotiate.
- How embassies operate.
- How countries exert influence.
- Write, brief and persuade.
- Listen and shape messaging.
- Navigate international crises.