In-person Humanitarian Assistance Course
The International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA), the flagship program of the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, is designed to equip mid-career professionals with essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of humanitarian aid and to drive the humanitarian sector of the future in a more effective, sustainable, and dignified direction. Students will develop a holistic perspective on global humanitarian issues to propel them to the next level in their careers, helping them create positive social change both in and out of the field. The IDHA focuses on four core learning objectives that guide students in their professional development:
For over 28 years, the intensive, four-week residential training of the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) has welcomed thousands of humanitarian workers in cities around the world – from Kathmandu to Amman, New York to Pretoria. Unique among other academic training of its kind, the IDHA emphasizes cultural diversity, cooperation, and teamwork. Students join a cohort of diverse and highly qualified aid and development professionals from all over the world.
Directed by alumni practitioners, the IDHA centers around the Ignatian principle of being people for others by enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in complex emergency and protracted crisis intervention. Students are also encouraged to critically examine global humanitarian processes to identify necessary reforms in both the public and private sectors.
The IDHA in Pretoria is run in collaboration with the University of Pretoria.
IDHA 62 Pretoria, South Africa
May 17 – June 12, 2026
Application deadline for IDHA 62 is May 4, 2026. We recommend submitting your application as far in advance as possible, however, to give yourself time to prepare your trip to the training location. This includes booking flights, Visa process, and accommodations if applicable.
More information
Pricing is listed on our FAQs page.
Contact iiha@fordham.edu or (718) 817-5732 for program and application questions.
Contact m.vanderdoes@fordham.edu if you are interested in taking the IDHA for credit as an MSHS student.
Sometimes people work in the humanitarian sector without having a background or a theoretical understanding of everything related to this field. The IDHA gave me all of this. Continue reading her story.
IDHA 61, Amman, Jordan
The curriculum emphasised practical application of a full range of humanitarian action disciplines — from International Humanitarian Law, sector reform, camp management to Sphere Standards. We were kept busy learning the rudiments of the humanitarian trade. To place theory into context, our visit to Mamelodi showcased pioneering advocacy work that integrated the efforts of academia, local NGOs, and citizen leaders. Throughout this intensive learning, we remained reflective practitioners, constantly examining our assumptions and biases. Continue reading Haymond’s story.
IDHA 60, Pretoria, South Africa
He currently works as an Environmental Public Health Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency
Assistant Provost for Corporate Relations at Fordham University
Holly Curtis is an accomplished education leader, currently serving as the Assistant Provost for Corporate Relations at Fordham University. In this role, she fosters partnerships between academia and industry, driving innovative collaborations and advancing strategic goals. Prior to this, Holly was the Chief of Staff at Ascend Public Charter Schools, where she oversaw strategic planning for one of New York’s largest charter networks, and she also led MBA Admissions at NYU Stern School of Business.
With a strong background in strategic leadership, education management, program development, and recruitment, Holly’s career began in international development with Pencils of Promise in Laos. Her work there shaped her expertise in strategic planning and talent development.
Holly holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a BA in International Political Economy from Fordham University. She is deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion, and is a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She is also an alumna of NYU’s Global Inclusive Leadership Management Institute.
Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow and Global Program Director
Martine van der Does is a Dutch national and humanitarian expert with over 15 years of international experience. With a background in architecture she started her career working on humanitarian shelter at Delft University of Technology but soon moved to the field with Médécins sans Frontières (MSF) as a Construction Logistician. In 2010 Martine joined the Netherlands Foreign service where she worked in the Africa Department, Stabilisation and Humanitarian Aid Department and served as a Diplomat in Afghanistan and Jordan. In 2018 joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Myanmar where she worked in remote areas on protection and water and habitat issues. Until recently Martine was the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Netherlands Government in Amman, Jordan.
Martine is academically involved as a lecturer at Delft University in the Netherlands and Fordham University in New York. In the past years she also ran the prestigious International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) as a Course Director in Geneva. Martine holds a Master of Science Degree in Architecture from Delft University of Technology and a Masters of Arts Degree in International Humanitarian Action from Fordham University. In her time off she is an active cyclist, runner, and enjoys ultraraces.
She accepted a position as Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow at the IIHA in 2024.
Seriously considering the IDHA and want to learn more? Book an appointment with Martine on the left.
Martine hosts Corporate Humanity, a podcast produced by Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs.
Master of Science in Architecture (MSc) and Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action (MIHA) and IDHA 24
With the IIHA since: 2008
Current courses: IDHA and non-academic courses
In my free time I enjoy: Traveling, mountains, playing guitar and endurance sports such as long (distance) running, cycling, skiing and swimming.
“In a world you can be anything, be kind to yourself and the people you work for and with. ”
