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 practical professional training program introduces undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, to careers in international diplomacy and teaches key skill sets. It covers the fundamentals of diplomatic practice and focuses on real-world aspects of work in embassies, consulates, government agencies, international organizations and global NGOs. The material emphasizes a skills-based and experiential-learning approach, and is generally not offered at colleges and universities. The 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 they teach. The program also includes career-counseling sessions. Additionally, students receive certificates from the Academy.