Modular program

REACT content is divided into five modules which can also be taken separately.

HEAT Training

As part of the REACT course, participants will receive the HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) certification, an essential program for working in high-risk international contexts.

This practical training equips professionals to operate safely in critical or emergency situations, strengthening their skills in personal security and teamwork in hostile environments. In this way, HEAT complements the theoretical content of the course and ensures that participants are better prepared to face the real challenges of an international field mission.

Format and Methodology

• Intensive training: 5 weeks
• Modality: On-site
• Language: English

The programme is delivered in small groups, allowing for personalised support and fostering active participation. It combines theoretical training with a strong practical orientation, using real case studies, applied exercises and simulations, ensuring that the knowledge acquired can be directly transferred to professional contexts.

The programme brings together an international faculty with extensive experience in field missions, NGOs and international organisations, and a diverse group of participants from different nationalities and professional backgrounds, promoting the exchange of experiences and the development of global professional networks.

Who is REACT for?

The REACT course is designed for individuals seeking to develop professional competencies in peace operations, international cooperation, crisis management and conflict-affected contexts, at both national and international levels.

The programme is especially suitable for:

• Humanitarian and development workers
• Staff from public administrations and governmental institutions
• Personnel from international agencies and organisations
• Professionals from NGOs and civil society organisations
• University lecturers, specialised trainers and researchers in fields such as human rights, international relations, peace studies, cooperation and development
• Diplomatic staff, policy advisors and public policy professionals
• Peace operations and peacebuilding professionals
• Recent graduates seeking specialisation in international cooperation, humanitarian action and peace missions
• Professionals seeking to reorient their careers towards the humanitarian, peace and international cooperation sectors
• Individuals aspiring to work in peace missions, humanitarian operations and complex international field contexts

REACT combines a solid theoretical foundation with strong applied training, making it suitable for participants from diverse professional backgrounds who aim to work effectively in complex international environments.

Career Opportunities and International Outlook

Our Alumni at the World’s Leading International Organisations.

The REACT course consolidates professional careers within some of the world’s most influential institutions. Its solid academic foundation, practical approach, professional guidance and the network developed throughout the programme enable participants to successfully access high-impact positions in the global arena.

Our alumni are currently working in international organisations, cooperation agencies, and development platforms recognised for their leadership and capacity to drive structural change:

🔹 European Union – across multiple Directorates-General and international delegations

🔹 International Organization for Migration (IOM)

🔹 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

🔹 AOffice of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

🔹 Carolina Foundation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain)

🔹 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

🔹 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

🔹 World Bank

🔹 UNICEF

🔹 European Union (ie. European External Action Service)

🔹 International NGO networks

🔹 Government institutions or government offices of their home countries.

This strong record of professional placement demonstrates that the REACT course not only enhances knowledge, but also fosters solid and meaningful professional careers in the spaces where decisions are made that transform the world.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive the following diplomas:

• Official REACT Diploma from the International University Centre for Peace Missions of HELSINKI ESPAÑA, validated by the OSCE and recognized by international organizations.
• HEAT Diploma, recognized by international organizations, NGOs, and institutions.
  ‘Duty of Care’ Requirement: NGOs and international organizations have the responsibility to ensure the safety of their personnel in the field, and the HEAT constitutes the industry standard for fulfilling this pre-deployment training obligation.

Academic Scholarships

Helsinki España offers a limited number of partial scholarships for the REACT course, with the aim of facilitating access for highly motivated professionals with the potential for institutional impact, particularly in international contexts. Helsinki España promotes geographical, professional, and institutional diversity as a core element of the REACT course approach.

Scholarships and financial support

Scholarships may cover up to 35% of the total course fee. The award of scholarships is subject to the availability of funds provided by our funders and is not guaranteed.

Applications are assessed on an individual basis, taking into account criteria such as the applicant’s country of residence, financial situation, academic background and/or professional experience, as well as the motivation letter.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, until available funds are exhausted.

Special scholarships and preferential conditions

n addition to general scholarships, Helsinki España offers special access conditions for specific profiles:

• Helsinki España Alumni: preferential conditions and special discounts are available for former participants of our training programmes.
• Students from Latin America: availability of specific scholarships, in line with our commitment to international training and regional cooperation.
• Participants from the Valencian Community: scholarships and special conditions may apply, subject to the availability of funds.
• Participants recommended by the REACT course teaching staff: may be eligible for preferential conditions, subject to academic validation.

These conditions are subject to availability and to the specific criteria of each call.

Would you like to apply for a scholarship or special condition?

Please indicate this during the registration process and attach the required documentation. Our committee will review your application and inform you of the outcome.

Why REACT for Your Career?

In a world where conflicts are a constant reality, focusing on Peace Missions and Reconstruction Operations is essential. Programs like REACT by Helsinki Spain have become indispensable and highly sought after.

This intensive five-week course specializes in conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation, playing a crucial role in advancing a career in peace operations and international security.

Benefits for Participants:

🔹 Acquisition of Practical Skills: Through case studies, teamwork, and simulations, participants develop competencies to navigate real-world environments.
🔹 International Networking: Engaging with professionals and experts from various international organizations expands one’s network and collaboration opportunities.
🔹 Enhanced Employability: Specialized training and course recognition open doors to positions in international organizations, NGOs, and government entities dedicated to peace and security.

Next Call

The next edition will take place from May 24 – June 25, 2027

Information documents

General Information ↓

REACT 2027 ↓

FAQS ↓

REACT by modules ↓

5 reasons for REACT is essential ↓

Registration and More Information:

To register, please send us an email at iucpm@helsinkiespana.org with:

• The completed registration form
• Your CV
• A passport-size photo.

If you would like more information, you can write to us at the same email address or send us your inquiry directly through this form:

REACT Alumni Testimonials