Program Details

This page provides a detailed information on key aspects of the Program:

- Cost
- Scholarships
- Working in a team
- Internships
- Leadership Curriculum
- Community Service
- Cross Border
- Global Leaders
- Host Families

Cost
While the Program is heavily subsidized by our donors, WIP asks that our students make a £600/€700 contribution towards their costs. In addition to organizing the leadership program and work placement, WIP will also provide students with:
- Return flights from Dublin to Washington
- Accommodation for their 8 weeks in DC
- $100 Stipend per week while in DC
- Costs associated with securing a US visa

Scholarships
WIP is committed to ensuring that finance is not a barrier for students participating in the Program.
To support this value, we will waive the participation fee (£600/€700) for students who are not in a position to make a financial contribution towards their costs this summer.
To ensure that this limited award is provided to the students with the greatest need, we ask that all those who apply for this Scholarship to provide an account of their current financial situation.
Scholarships are awarded after the interview process.
This Scholarship is made possible through the support of our donors and Alumni.

Working in a Team
In 2012 WIP plans to select a class of 30 future leaders from all across Ireland and Northern Ireland. We aim to ensure that this class represents the diversity of talent and perspectives in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Students will participate in a wide variety of team activities, from facilitating policy discussions to organizing community service projects. Successful applicants to the Program will have a desire to work in a dynamic team environment, with peers from different academic backgrounds and strong convictions.

Internships
The 8 week internship is the central component of the Washington Ireland Program. Internships vary greatly and are matched as best as possible to the students skills and interests. All students are expected to work hard, act responsibly, challenge themselves and soak in as much of the experience as possible. In return, the placement offers hands-on learning, insights, and possibilities.
The internships run from Monday to Thursday, and while Washington’s industry is politics, WIP does arrange for a wide variety of work opportunities.

Sample Internships:
Politics: Senate and Congressional Offices on Capitol Hill, government offices.
Law: Library of Congress, Department of Education.
Media and PR firms: CNN, CBS News, RTE
NGOs: Vietnam Veterans, EPA Common Cause, Habitat for Humanity.
Arts and Culture: Solas Nua, Imagination Stage.
Business and Finance: World Bank, SmartBrief

Leadership Curriculum
Students on the Class of 2012 will participate in an extensive leadership development program before, during and after their time in DC. The key components of the Leadership Curriculum are:
- Leadership Skills
- Service and Social Responsibility
- Teamwork
- Communication Skills
- Cross-Cultural Competencies
- Democracy and Politics
In addition to the Orientation Weekend (April), students are expected to complete a number of research projects in advance of their time in DC. While in Washington, students participate in the Leadership Curriculum on Fridays and in the evenings. These sessions are frequently done in conjunction with the students from our sister program, SAWIP.

Community Service
The ethos of Service is fundamental to WIP. Students are expected to actively look for opportunities to makes use of their skills and talents in the service of others. During the Pre-Departure phase of the program, students are expected to complete 30 hours of service with a local organization. Throughout the summer, students are expected to organize opportunities for the Class to contribute to the DC community. Before they graduate, the Class is expected to identify a group community service project back in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Cross Border
Core to WIP’s mission is the vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for Ireland and Northern Ireland. To this end WIP aims to bring together young leaders from all disciplines and political perspectives from Ireland and Northern Ireland.
WIP believes that by investing in this new network of young people, we can create a forum for discussion and debate on the future of Ireland and Northern Ireland as nations and neighbors.

Global Leaders
During their time in DC, the WIP Class will have the opportunities to meet and work with other young leaders from around the world, in particular the students of our sister program SAWIP.
WIP believes that learning with and from these students and peers will give the WIP Class a truly global network and perspective.

Host Families
WIP’s students are placed in host families around DC and the surrounding areas. These families voluntarily open up their homes to welcome these students, as an expression of their commitment to the mission and values of WIP. Through these families the WIP students gain a unique insight in to life in DC.