WIDA Programs
Summer
Diplomatic
Academy
A 25-day immersion for students and early-career professionals exploring diplomatic work and testing their abilities.
- 7–29 July 2027
- Washington, D.C.
-
Monday–Friday
10:00 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.
- Sessions held live
- In-person or online
- Certificate of Training upon completion
Overview
Experience Diplomacy
from the Inside
The Summer Diplomatic Academy will introduce you to the work of embassies, consulates, foreign ministries and international organizations. You will learn from career ambassadors who draw on their own experience to explain how diplomacy operates — and what the profession demands.
Through simulations, practical exercises, case studies and instructor feedback, you will begin developing the skills diplomats use to analyze events, communicate policy, negotiate agreements, manage crises and exercise influence. Career-counseling sessions will help you assess possible paths to diplomacy and related international work.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Training from the Academy.
Choose How to Participate
IN PERSON
Attend live sessions, interact with instructors and classmates and participate in simulations and exercises in the classroom.
ONLINE
Join the same sessions live from anywhere in the world and participate in all discussions, exercises and simulations.
Curriculum
What You Will Learn
How Diplomacy Works
National and global diplomacy systems
Diplomatic protocol
Interagency foreign-policy process
How does an embassy work?
Career Preparation
Career-counseling sessions
Mentoring
Diplomatic Fields
Political tradecraft
Economic tradecraft
Commercial diplomacy
Public diplomacy
Consular affairs
Health and science diplomacy
Multilateral diplomacy
Crisis management abroad
Artificial intelligence in diplomacy
Core Diplomatic Skills
Diplomatic communication
Diplomatic reporting and writing
Interpersonal skills
Judgment and creativity
Diplomatic advocacy
Public speaking
Cross-cultural communication
Diplomatic negotiation
Networking and relationship management
What You
Will Practice
- Analyze political and economic developments
- Report, research and write diplomatic cables
- Advocate a position and exercise influence
- Negotiate across competing interests
- Communicate across cultures
- Respond to an international crisis
- Plan embassy programming and budgeting
- Brief ambassadors and present recommendations
Our Faculty
Work Alongside
Career Ambassadors
Our instructors have managed international relations around the world. They teach the practical skills, methods, judgment and professional habits they honed over decades, with simulation exercises and case studies derived from their own careers. Here are some of them.
AmbassadorWilliam Burns
YEARS OF SERVICE: 33
SENIOR POSITIONS:
● Deputy Secretary of State
● Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs
● Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs
● Ambassador to Russia
AmbassadorKate Byrnes
YEARS OF SERVICE: 32
SENIOR POSITIONS:
● Ambassador to North Macedonia
● Deputy Chief of Mission in Greece
● Civilian Deputy and Foreign Policy Adviser to U.S. European Command
AmbassadorJanice Jacobs
YEARS OF SERVICE: 34
SENIOR POSITIONS:
● Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs
● Ambassador to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau
● Deputy Chief of Mission in the Dominican Republic
AmbassadorCharles Ray
YEARS OF SERVICE: 30
SENIOR POSITIONS:
● Ambassador to Zimbabwe
● Ambassador to Cambodia
● Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Take a Peek
Behind the Scenes
and Hear from
Our Alumni
Prepare Your
Application
A background in international relations or political science provides a useful foundation for this program, but it is not required. We welcome applicants from across disciplines, where diplomacy skills have broad value. A cover letter, while optional, would strengthen your application.
Tuition Fee
$4,350
Includes all sessions and study materials except books.
Optional hotel package available separately.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- Recent graduates and early-career professionals
- U.S. and international applicants
- English fluency required
Checklist
- Application form
- CV or résumé
- $36 application fee
- Optional cover letter or motivational statement