About AYD

The Academy of Young Diplomats (AYD) is an annual diplomatic program for emerging young global leaders, preparing future diplomats, civil servants and social entrepreneurs for international careers in a spirit of responsibility for the surrounding world. Addressed to senior students and young graduates, the program offers, among other things, 100+ hours of hands-on diplomatic training,diplomatic skills workshops, and study visits.

Since 2004, over 2200 participants from 50 countries have graduated from the Academy of Young Diplomats. Over 100 AYD Alumni found work in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of their respective countries, while others are employed in European institutions, international organizations, public administration and business.

Why join us? 

Unique Methodology: Since 2004 we have continuously been developing and perfecting our teaching methods. The uniqueness of the AYD program approach lays in the emphasis put on the development of practical skills, which are useful in the future international careers of our participants. Based on this approach, the program is a mixture of theory and practice. Participants gain knowledge and experience that are not offered by other educational institutions.

Highest quality of education: All AYD trainers are carefully selected and evaluated on a session-to-session basis. All of our top trainers have extensive experience working with multinational groups. There professional backgrounds span from diplomacy to international business. In addition, the AYD hosts a number of special guests, such as former Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Presidents, Prime Ministers or senior diplomats, who share with the students their professional experience in pursuing a successful international career. The Academy of Young Diplomats program has an accreditation of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Poland.

Extraordinary student profile: The participants of the Academy of Young Diplomats come from over 50 different countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Each of our students - guided by the program values of global openness, social involvement and professional development - contributes uniquely to the program. The Academy offers a networking platform for young international leaders with similar interests, plans for the future and objectives. The intimate atmosphere of the Academy fosters a sustainable network of contacts. The friendships made during the program almost always extend well beyond the graduation date.

Openness and collaboration: The European Academy of Diplomacy is always eager to deepen and strengthen cooperation with the AYD participants. Both during the program and after its completion, we assist our students and Alumni with new initiatives, conferences and other activities. We stay in touch with the graduates through the Alumni Club and reengage our Alumni in new programs which are constantly developed.

Assisting in future career: The European Academy of Diplomacy assists students in their effort to develop successful future careers by issuing professional recommendations and providing patronage for events organized by our students.

Student Profile

In order to recruit the best participants, the EAD leadership, in consultation with the EAD Council of Ambassadors, senior lecturers and Alumni Club, has developed a student profile of the ideal EAD candidate. This profile is based on the values of the European Academy of Diplomacy and includes:

Global openness: AYD students are aware of the common challenges facing the global community and meet these challenges with engagement. They are proactive in seeking opportunities to gain experience in an international environment (through internships, volunteering and student exchange). They do not discriminate against other human beings based on religion, ethnicity, race, sex or country of origin.

Social involvement: AYD students dynamically contribute to their communities and their societies. They operate locally, regionally, nationally or globally to improve the well-being of people around them. Prospective candidates of the Academy of Young Diplomats are members of volunteer organization, grassroots initiatives.

Professional development: AYD students strive for continuous personal and professional development. Both at university and at work, they are courageous in undertaking new projects and tasks, which push them out of their comfort zone. They understand their strengths and weaknesses and show willingness to develop both intellectual capacity and emotional intelligence (empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation and social skills).

This profile provides the Committee on Admissions with the basis for the verification of each application received. The ideal candidate is a person characterized by proactiveness and commitment to each of these areas. Applicants for the Academy of Young Diplomats must be motivated to consciously and courageously strive to develop important skills useful in their future.

Formal conditions:

18 years or older

University diploma or current university student status

English proficiency (C1)**

Academy of Young Diplomats 21st Edition

 

 

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