A Practical Training Program for Students and Early-Career Professionals
The Summer Diplomatic Academy is an exceptional opportunity for those interested in international engagement to learn from career ambassadors with decades of experience. The world needs diplomacy more than ever, and WIDA aims to train the next generation of diplomats.
This unique and intensive four-week practical professional training program introduces undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, to careers in international diplomacy. It covers the fundamentals of diplomatic practice and focuses on real-world aspects of work in embassies, consulates, government ministries, international organizations and global NGOs. The material emphasizes a skills-based and experiential-learning approach, and is generally not offered at colleges and universities.
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 and other competencies.
Short of actually working in diplomacy, there is no other place to learn what we teach. The program also includes career-counseling sessions. Students receive certificates from the Academy.
In person & online
PROGRAM SESSIONS
- National & Global Diplomacy Systems
- Diplomatic Protocol
- Diplomatic Communication
- Interagency Foreign Policy Process
- Managing a Diplomatic Mission
- Political Tradecraft
- Diplomatic Reporting & Writing
- Civilian-Military Relations
- Cyber Diplomacy
- Consular Affairs
- Crisis-Management Abroad
- Economic Tradecraft
- Commercial Diplomacy
- Environmental Diplomacy
- Science Diplomacy
- Health Diplomacy
- Public Diplomacy
- Public Speaking in a Diplomacy Context
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Diplomatic Negotiation
- Multilateral Diplomacy
- Career-Counseling
Tuition fee: $4,000
The fee includes the cost of all sessions, as well as all study materials (except for recommended books).Accommodation options
For students participating in the program in person, the cost of accommodation is additional and depends on whether you choose to stay at a hotel or in student housing. The rates we offer at a hotel near the academy start at $2,650 for the duration of the program (26 nights). Rates at the International Student House, which is not affiliated with WIDA, start at $1,580 (please note that availability is limited). Once you are accepted, we will provide more details. Students can also arrange their own accommodation. APPLICATION PROCESS
Undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates and early-career professionals are eligible to apply to the Summer Diplomatic Academy. Previous coursework in political science, international relations or related fields is highly desirable, but not required.
Applications must include a completed application form and a CV or résumé. A cover letter or personal statement, explaining how the academy will help you achieve your career goals (up to 500 words), is strongly encouraged but not required. We reserve the right to ask for such a statement if we believe it will strengthen your application.
Both U.S. and foreign citizens may apply. Fluency in English is required.
Application deadline: 31 March 2022
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