Washington – December 22, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
The University of Duhok (UOD) continues to advance its internationalization agenda as a group of Diploma students from the College of Political Sciences participate in a six-week academic and professional program in the United States, hosted by the Institute of World Politics (IWP) in Washington, D.C.

This academic mobility takes place within the framework of a joint degree agreement between UOD and IWP, signed in 2023, which aims to enhance academic cooperation, promote global learning, and prepare students for careers in diplomacy, international relations, and public policy.

From Virtual Learning to On-Site Diplomacy Training

The participating students began their studies under the joint program in 2024, starting with an online course in diplomacy delivered by,Vice President of Government Business Development, Prof. Paul Davis, a senior academic at IWP. The program is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical diplomatic experience, following internationally recognized higher education models.

As part of the current phase, five students are undertaking in-person studies in Washington, D.C., while the remaining students continue their coursework remotely from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The on-site students are enrolled in an intensive course titled “Arms and Influence”, combined with structured professional development activities.

Practical Experience in Diplomatic Institutions

Beyond classroom learning, the visiting students are completing internships at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington, D.C., and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representation in the United States.

This practical component significantly enhances students’ academic profiles and strengthens their readiness for the global labor market.

Supporting UOD’s Strategic Vision

This initiative reflects the University of Duhok’s Strategic Plan (2023–2038), particularly its focus on:

• International academic partnerships
  
  
• Student mobility and global exposure
  
  
• Employability and career-oriented education
  
  

Through sustained collaboration with reputable institutions such as IWP, UOD continues to position itself as a regional hub for international education and academic diplomacy, empowering its students to engage confidently on the global stage.

University Press Office, December 22, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

The News Keywords

• University of Duhok Political Science
  
  
• UOD–IWP Joint Degree Program
  
  
• Student Exchange USA
  
  
• International Relations Education
  
  
• Academic Diplomacy and Global Learning