Executive Education FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Enrollment Programs at DCID
DCID’s Executive Education plans to hold our PARM and TARF programs in-person. The M&EDP and Behavioral Economics programs will be held online. Apply Now!
In-Person Programs:
Tuition includes instruction by Duke University Faculty and visiting guest lecturers from other prestigious universities; classroom materials and readings; accommodations; airport pickups and drop-offs; transportation between the hotel and Duke University campus; and transportation to local field visits and recreational activities.
Accommodations include a kitchenette, private bedroom and private bathroom. Amenities include a swimming pool, daily refreshments, a daily continental breakfast, local telephone service, Wi-Fi connection, cable television, a laundry room on the complex premises, basic household goods like linens and basic kitchen equipment. Long-distance telephone options are available. Your hotel is located within walking distance of a large grocery store and a number of small shops and restaurants where you may purchase food.
Online Programs:
Tuition for the online programs includes instruction by Duke University Faculty and visiting guest lecturers from other prestigious universities, course materials and readings, and access to the course website.
A detailed schedule will be shared with participants closer to the start of each program.
In-Person Programs:
Standard academic days run from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with four 1.5-hour-long class sessions. Between classes are refreshment breaks and a lunch break, with enough time for participants to socialize and stretch their legs. Other academic days include group work or presentations. After class, participants will be driven back to their hotel, where they will find additional refreshments. At the hotel, participants will work on readings and problem sets after class alongside peers, and will eat dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants, or prepare dinner for themselves. Course advisors will often be available to answer questions.
It is important to us for our participants to have downtime to recharge and enjoy the area. As such, there is no class on Saturdays or Sundays. There are optional activities organized by the program administrative team for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. These activities could include bowling, shopping, enjoying nature, hiking, and going to local museums and popular cultural sites. During your free time on the weekends, you can also make your own arrangements for local sightseeing or exercise.
Online Programs:
Depending on the program, standard online synchronous days run from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Other academic days include group work or presentations. Participants will be expected to work on readings and problem sets between classes. Course advisors will often be available for online office hours to answer questions.
One of the greatest benefits of attending a DCID Open Enrollment Program is becoming part of a larger network of development practitioners. We encourage participants to get to know each other, professionally and personally. Our participants include government officials and private professionals from all over the world – all of whom have experience and wisdom to offer.
Upon admission to your respective program, you will receive an academic packet detailing how you should prepare for the program. Read the packet carefully and contact the program director if you have any questions.
Currently, the Duke Center for International Development and Duke University offer no financial assistance to participants apart from group discounts. DCID does not maintain special relationships with any outside sponsoring organizations.
The majority of people who attend our programs are funded by their employers. Of those who are funded from outside sources, some find funding through the local projects of development organizations. Examples of organizations which may be operating in your city include: USAID, the World Bank, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the United Nations Development Program. We encourage you to search on the internet for organizations with offices in your area. Your local EducationUSA advising center, which is supported by the U.S. Department of State, may be able to provide you with additional information on funding available in your city or country. Find your local advising center at: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php.
Generally, it is advised that applicants seek funding locally, as very few have had success petitioning the central offices and headquarters of large development agencies.
If a participant can no longer attend a program, requests for withdrawing must be sent in writing to the program director and the DCID Executive Education Team. If a participant withdraws from a program more than 21 calendar days prior to the start date of the program, the participant will receive a 100% refund. If a participant withdraws from a program between 7 and 21 calendar days prior to the program, the participant will receive a 50% refund. If a participant withdraws less than 7 days prior to the program, the participant will forfeit the full payment amount. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
Should a participant not be able to participate due to factors beyond their control (e.g. visa issues, family emergency, work emergency, etc.), the participant may elect (pending any necessary sponsor approvals) to credit the payment towards the following program cycle. If a participant would not like to take advantage of the deferral policy, they may request a refund. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
If a program is cancelled for any reason, the Duke Center for International Development (DCID) will refund the program tuition in full, but is not responsible for any additional costs covered directly by the participant. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice. We will make every effort to notify participants as soon as possible if a program will be canceled.
If a program is postponed or rescheduled for any reason, DCID will automatically enroll the participant into the newly scheduled date. If a participant cannot join on this new date, DCID will refund the program tuition in full, but is not responsible for any additional costs covered directly by the participant. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
In the case of cancellation and/or rescheduling, participants or participant sponsors may credit their program tuition towards the next program cycle.
Tuition includes instruction by Duke University Faculty and visiting guest lecturers from other prestigious universities; classroom materials and readings; accommodations; airport pickups and drop-offs; transportation between the hotel and Duke University campus; and transportation to local field visits and recreational activities.
Accommodations include a kitchenette, private bedroom and private bathroom. Amenities include a swimming pool, daily refreshments, a daily continental breakfast, local telephone service, Wi-Fi connection, cable television, a laundry room on the complex premises, basic household goods like linens and basic kitchen equipment. Long-distance telephone options are available. Your hotel is located within walking distance of a large grocery store and a number of small shops and restaurants where you may purchase food.
Standard academic days run from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with four 1.5-hour-long class sessions. Between classes are refreshment breaks and a lunch break, with enough time for participants to socialize and stretch their legs. Other academic days include group work or presentations. After class, participants will be driven back to their hotel, where they will find additional refreshments. At the hotel, participants will work on readings and problem sets after class alongside peers, and will eat dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants, or prepare dinner for themselves. Course advisors will often be available to answer questions.
It is important to us for our participants to have downtime to recharge and enjoy the area. As such, there is no class on Saturdays or Sundays. There are optional activities organized by the program administrative team for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. These activities could include bowling, shopping, enjoying nature, hiking, and going to local museums and popular cultural sites. During your free time on the weekends, you can also make your own arrangements for local sightseeing or exercise.
One of the greatest benefits of attending a DCID Open Enrollment Program is becoming part of a larger network of development practitioners. We encourage participants to get to know each other, professionally and personally, and there are plenty of opportunities for socializing at the Welcome Reception, the daily lunch hour, and each day after classes. Our participants include government officials and private professionals from all over the world – all of whom have experience and wisdom to offer.
Upon admission to your respective program, you will receive an academic packet detailing how you should prepare for the program. Read the packet carefully and contact the program director if you have any questions.
Obtaining a visa for entry into the United States is your personal responsibility. Increased security measures at U.S. embassies and consulates can greatly increase the time needed to obtain a visa – so please begin your application for a visa as soon as you are admitted. Most participants will need a B-1 Visa, a traveler visa which allows you to attend conferences, educational, professional, or business events, such as an Open Enrollment program. The A1 visa is for diplomats or foreign government officials who are travelling to the US on official duties or representing their government. For more information on obtaining a visa, see here and here.
You are welcome to bring your family! However, please be aware that the executive education summer programs at DCID are intensive academic programs and allow participants limited free time. DCID charges $250 per family member to account for the costs of social events, the welcome reception, the graduation luncheon and airport transportation. The program makes no other special provisions for family members and the participant is fully responsible for the additional costs and fees incurred by family members, including hotel costs.
The weather in North Carolina is cool to hot during the spring and summer. Summer temperatures range from 10° C to 35° C, and we recommend packing layers as the temperature can range greatly over the course of a single day. The air is frequently humid and thunderstorms and rainy days occur occasionally. There is no need to pack an umbrella. Classrooms can feel cool compared to the outdoors, and many participants benefit from bringing a sweater to class during the day.
Currently, the Duke Center for International Development and Duke University offer no financial assistance to participants apart from group discounts. DCID does not maintain special relationships with any outside sponsoring organizations.
The majority of people who attend our programs are funded by their employers. Of those who are funded from outside sources, some find funding through the local projects of development organizations. Examples of organizations which may be operating in your city include: USAID, the World Bank, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the United Nations Development Program. We encourage you to search on the internet for organizations with offices in your area. Your local EducationUSA advising center, which is supported by the U.S. Department of State, may be able to provide you with additional information on funding available in your city or country. Find your local advising center at: http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php.
Generally, it is advised that applicants seek funding locally, as very few have had success petitioning the central offices and headquarters of large development agencies.
If a participant can no longer attend a program, requests for withdrawing must be sent in writing to the program director and the DCID Executive Education Team. If a participant withdraws from a program more than 21 calendar days prior to the start date of the program, the participant will receive a 100% refund. If a participant withdraws from a program between 7 and 21 calendar says prior to the program, the participant will receive a 50% refund. If a participant withdraws less than 7 days prior to the program, the participant will forfeit the full payment amount. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
Should a participant not be able to participate due to factors beyond their control (e.g. visa issues, family emergency, work emergency, etc.), the participant may elect (pending any necessary sponsor approvals) to credit the payment towards the following program cycle. If a participant would not like to take advantage of the deferral policy, they may request a refund. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
If a program is cancelled for any reason, the Duke Center for International Development (DCID) will refund the program tuition in full, but is not responsible for any additional costs covered directly by the participant, for example, airfare, meals, or visa costs. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice. We will make every effort to notify participants as soon as possible if a program will be canceled.
If a program is postponed or rescheduled for any reason, DCID will automatically enroll the participant into the newly scheduled date. If a participant cannot join on this new date, DCID will refund the program tuition in full, but is not responsible for any additional costs covered directly by the participant, for example, airfare, meals, or visa costs. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
In the case of cancellation and/or rescheduling, participants or participant sponsors may credit their program tuition towards the next program cycle.
At this time, DCID’s Executive Education will be holding the summer 2021 Open Enrollment programs online. Our team is constantly monitoring the dynamic situation and will provide updates in accordance with the latest information and guidance from Duke University officials and local authorities. Please monitor this webpage for these important updates.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Participants that attend in-person executive education programming will be able a part of Duke University’s highly successful efforts to stop the spread COVID-19. Explore some of the questions below to better understand in-person programming at Duke University.
If you have additional questions about our team’s efforts aimed at keeping you safe and healthy, please feel free to e-mail us.
Since the Fall semester of 2020, Duke University has successfully held in-person classes and simultaneously prevented widespread outbreaks of COVID-19. This success story is a result of a comprehensive safety plan aimed at preventing behaviors that promote the spread COVID-19. All Duke staff, faculty, students, and visitors are required to follow guidelines set out by Duke United. Participants in executive education programs would be required to adhere to the following protocols:
- Wear a mask while in all public or classroom settings;
- Maintain social distancing while in all public or classroom settings;
- Participate in daily symptom monitoring completed through a mobile or desktop application;
- Participate in surveillance testing for COVID-19.
Duke University’s surveillance testing program is a community-wide effort that helps monitor the potential spread of COVID-19. Individuals are randomly selected to complete a simple nasal swab test. This non-invasive test takes less than 3 minutes and is self-administered.
You can learn more about Duke University’s successful surveillance testing system here. To read more about the positive impact of Duke’s surveillance testing system, read the full article here.
Our programs’ hotel partners are committed to keeping a safe and clean environment for all guests. This includes masking requirements, social distancing in public areas, sanitization of rooms, and other important steps.
You can read more about the steps the Hilton brand is taking to keep you safe and healthy here.
At this time, Duke University does not require you to be vaccinated to join in-person programing. However, all participants will participate in a baseline testing period to ensure they have not been exposed to COVID-19 during their travel to campus. During the baseline testing period, which will last 2-4 days, programming will take place remotely until all participants receive several successive COVID-19 tests.
At this time, all international participants entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three (3) calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. Airlines will deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery. For more details, please visit the US State Department’s website.
