A Postgraduate Professional Training Program
Our One-Year Certificate in International Diplomacy is an exceptional opportunity to spend two semesters learning from and working with career ambassadors with decades of experience. Short of actually working in diplomacy, this is the most comprehensive, in-depth and hands-on practical professional training program in diplomatic tradecraft offered anywhere.
The world needs diplomacy more than ever, and WIDA aims to train the next generation of diplomats. This program prepares students for careers in diplomacy and international affairs, including work in government ministries, embassies and consulates, international organizations and global NGOs. It includes four courses during each of the two semesters, creating optimal conditions for highly interactive, immersive and experiential learning.
Our instructors are ambassadors and other professional diplomats who have served in dozens of countries around the world. They teach the skills they learned by practicing diplomacy and managing international relations for decades, with simulation exercises and case studies derived from their own careers. They provide invaluable first-hand insight into policy-making and implementation, diplomatic protocol, the functions and management of embassies and consulates, diplomatic reporting and writing, negotiation and mediation, political and economic tradecraft, public diplomacy, cross-cultural communication, cyber diplomacy and other competencies.
The program also includes individual and group career-counseling sessions.
WIDA does not confer academic degrees.
Certificate Requirements
Hybrid of In-Person and Online Classes
CALENDAR & COURSES
2025
22 September: Fall semester begins
22 September — 2 October: In-person classes
6 October — 6 November: Online classes
10-21 November: Thanksgiving break
24 November — 11 December: Online classes
15 December — 9 January: Winter break
2026
12-15 January: Exam preparation period
19-22 January: Final exams (online)
26 January: Spring semester begins
26 January — 6 March: Online classes
9-20 March: Spring break
23 March — 16 April: Online classes
20-23 April: Exam preparation period
27 April — 7 May: Final exams (in person)
8 May: Graduation
National & Global Diplomacy Systems
This course focuses on the systems that individual countries and international organizations use to conduct their diplomatic relations. It includes diplomatic history and doctrine, as well as diplomatic protocol and immunities. It emphasizes specific skills in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. It examines diplomacy’s relationships with the defense and intelligence parts of the national security toolbox. It provides case studies of American, European, Russian and Chinese diplomatic successes and failures.
Managing a Diplomatic Mission
This course focuses on the structures and functions of embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions and zooms in on the daily lives of diplomats. It examines the role and authority of the chief of mission, the relationship between headquarters and the field, as well as relations with the host-country’s government and society. It also covers consular affairs, crisis-management abroad and ethical challenges of leadership. It provides case-studies of diplomatic service in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
Political & Economic Tradecraft
This course teaches the core skills that define a diplomat’s work of daily management of political and economic relationships with foreign countries. After examining the interagency foreign-policy process, the course focuses on the role and functions of an embassy’s political and economic sections. It further teaches the main skills of political and economic officers — from preparation before arriving at post to the tasks of a new officer to daily duties and responsibilities. Those skills include diplomatic reporting and writing, diplomatic communication, diplomatic advocacy, bilateral and multilateral negotiations. The course also covers commercial diplomacy, environmental, science and health diplomacy, and cyber diplomacy.
Public Diplomacy & Cross-Cultural Communication
This course breaks down the mission and functions of public diplomacy and teaches skills in both media relations and cultural affairs. Those include giving media interviews and participating in press conferences, crisis communication and designing strategies for social-media engagement. The course also focuses on organizing big events and VIP visits, as well as on the intricacies and impact of cross-cultural communication.
Diplomatic Reporting and Writing
This is an advanced course that teaches students in great practical detail how to write both reporting and analytical diplomatic cables, as well as other forms of diplomatic communication, including diplomatic notes, aide memoires and non-papers. Students also learn how to deliver a diplomatic demarche, write memos and briefing papers, and prepare op-ed articles.
Diplomatic Negotiation and Mediation
This advanced course helps students improve their negotiating and mediating skills in a diplomatic context. It provides key concepts, strategies and tactics, as well as practical competencies, such as shaping and adjusting arguments, and verification and compliance with an agreement. It focuses on different types of negotiations, including political, trade and conflict resolution.
Foreign-Policy Analysis and Policy-Making
This course prepares students for roles as analysts and foreign-policy advisers. It offers a broad and comprehensive view of national security structures and mechanisms and provides the skills needed to navigate them, and to influence and guide the policy process. It includes case studies in the fields of international security and arms control, democracy and human rights, migration and refugees, development and foreign assistance, counterterrorism and law-enforcement.
Persuasion, Influence and Power Projection
This advanced course begins with the principles and techniques of effective persuasion and examines how it can result in significant influence in diplomacy, statecraft and international relations. It breaks that down into influencing a single foreign representative, a group of people in a foreign country, and a group of countries in an international organization. It also focuses on the ethical challenges of exercising influence, as well as on the tools of hard and soft power and on power-projection in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Professionals and recent graduates who have earned a bachelor’s (or higher) degree are eligible to apply for the One-Year Certificate Program in International Diplomacy. Previous coursework in political science, international relations or related fields is highly desirable, but not required. Both U.S. and foreign citizens may apply. Fluency in English is required.
Tuition fee: $27,500
The fee includes the cost of tuition for all courses, as well as all study materials (except for recommended books). For students who have completed a shorter WIDA course, such as the Summer Diplomatic Academy, the full amount paid for that course will be credited toward the one-year tuition fee. APPLICATION PROCESS
You may apply either for the full two-semester program or for the Fall semester only. However, priority will be given to candidates for both semesters. Applicants for the Spring semester only must have completed the Fall semester previously or served as diplomats at a mission abroad for a minimum of 5 years.
Application Form, CV/Résumé and Cover Letter
Please complete the application form, which requires you to upload a CV or résumé, as well as a cover letter or personal statement, explaining how the Academy will help you achieve your career goals (up to 500 words).
Virtual Interview
If the Selection Committee advances your application, you will be invited to a virtual interview with one or more committee members, who will make a final decision.
Application fee: $55
Deadline for early admission: 31 January 2025
Deadline for regular admission: 31 March 2025
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