International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance, Switzerland, Jan-Feb 2021

The International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) is the flagship program of Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, offered through Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. It is an intensive, four-week residential training program, including more than 200 hours of lectures, presentations, debates, and group work, which caters to a wide range of humanitarian aid professionals. The program is crafted to provide participants with both an academic and practical orientation toward current issues in the humanitarian field. It is designed to allow aid workers who are active in the field to attend the program with minimal disruption to their existing operations.

The IDHA incorporates a wide range of disciplines that are involved in humanitarian programs, including management, psychology, anthropology, communication, environment, education, conflict resolution, international law, civil/military relations, politics, and economics.

Graduates of the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance will gain extensive insight into the needs of people affected by conflict, disaster, and displacement and skills in facilitating cooperation and dialogue between international, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies.

They’ll gain awareness and understanding essential for effective service in emergency and protracted humanitarian crises and have the opportunities to collaborate and network with colleagues working for a diverse range of international, governmental, and nongovernmental humanitarian agencies. This program equips participants with the tools to evaluate interventions and identify examples of good practice; and methods for anticipating and preventing humanitarian crises.

Highlights include presentations, debates, case studies, practical exercises, and scenarios, which allow for collaborative learning opportunities in a cohort of field-experienced humanitarians. Other highlights include joining a group of diverse and highly qualified aid and development professionals from all over the world and an active and engaged alumni network.