International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA)


International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance

Course Description In order to enable humanitarian aid workers who are actively engaged in the field to attend the training program, and in an attempt to create a teaching program which reflects the complexity and intensity of the conditions humanitarian workers face, the IDHA has been designed as an intensive four-week training program, including more than 200 hours of lectures, presentations, debates, and group work. The intensity and duration of the course enables aid workers who are active in the field to attend with minimal disruption to the operations with which they are involved. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, seminars, practical exercises, and scenarios. A multidisciplinary approach has been taken, covering the full range of disciplines that are involved in humanitarian programs. These include management, logistics, health, psychology, social sciences, anthropology, communication, agriculture, environment, education, conflict resolution, international law, civil/military relations, security, media, politics, and economics. An important aspect of the IDHA program is promoting cooperation and teamwork rather than competition and individualism. This is encouraged at a personal level in the sharing of expertise as a member of a “syndicate.” As a member of one of six different syndicates, participants work together as a team for the duration of the course. The objectives of the course are (1) to provide volunteers and professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds with extensive insight into the needs of refugees and internally displaced people in acute and chronic settings and equip them with the awareness, understanding, and skills that are essential for effective service in a humanitarian crises, (2) to enable humanitarian workers to function effectively, both as individuals and members of a team, in acute and chronic situations of conflict and disaster, (3) to promote cooperation and dialogue between international, governmental, and non-governmental agencies involved in humanitarian action (assistance and protection), (4) to evaluate interventions and identify examples of good practice, and (5) to examine ways in which humanitarian crises can be anticipated and prevented. How to Apply In response to requests for a more manageable application process, we have made the following administrative changes: For students who are interested in applying for the upcoming International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance please submit the following at the time of application: IDHA Application Please indicate which course you are interested in attending – (IDHA 38 in Pretoria, IDHA 39 in Berlin, or IDHA 40 in New York.) The dates and locations of the course are listed below. Program Cost The fee for the course is 5500 USD. This cost includes tuition, fees, course materials, lodging, and all weekday meals. It does not include transportation costs. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact miha@fordham.edu. Course Dates and Locations IDHA 38 November 4 - November 30, 2012 Pretoria, South Africa IDHA 39 February 24 – March 22, 2013 Berlin, Germany IDHA 40 June 2 – June 28, 2013 New York, USA Advanced Certificate The International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) has been approved by New York State's Education Department as an Advanced Certificate program. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an Advanced Certificate from Fordham University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). This Advanced Certificate is equivalent to 8 graduate level academic credits that are accepted towards our Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action and maybe to other academic institutions.