WASHINGTON IRELAND PROGRAM - for Service & Leadership,
including an 8 Week Internship during Summer 2016 in Washington DC
Internship Includes: Flights, Health Insurance, J1Visa, Free Accommodation
with a host family & a Weekly Stipend
Open to all currently registered students for 2015 - 2016, at undergraduate & postgraduate level, of any discipline, additional criteria apply via www.wiprogram.org
The Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership (WIP) is preparing the next generation of leaders for Ireland and Northern Ireland. It does this by bringing together promising students for a unique team development experience and by placing them in Washington’s most prestigious internships.
In Washington, participants gain exposure to the world’s oldest democracy and are immersed in American culture. Through an intense eight-week schedule, WIP interns are trained to work together as a team and are challenged to develop their own vision for the future of a post-conflict Ireland.
Students are placed in offices representing government, business, non-profit and media organizations. At the end of the summer, participants return home with enhanced professional and interpersonal skills as well as a new confidence in their own leadership abilities.
More than 450 interns have graduated from WIP with many now emerging in important careers in politics, law, business, media and education. As they move into critical leadership roles, they retain their connection with WIP and continue to give back to their local communities through an active alumni network.
It has three distinct phases - Pre-Departure there are 2 orientation sessions and students are required to complete 30 hours of public service. This can be in an area in which students are already involved, or a new project. Students will also have to interview local leaders that inspire them. We believe that leadership qualities are developed through this aspect of service. Projects in the past have included active involvement in clubs and societies, mentoring, coaching, sports teams, charity work, volunteering or working as community carers. This is followed by Phase 2, the 8 week internship in Washington DC and then Re-Entry. The Re-Entry programme allows the Class to reflect on their experiences and identify how they are going to use their new skills and network to address the challenges in their society or an issue they are passionate about. They will also have to complete a 90 hour community service project.
Closing date 1st December 2015 For further details and to apply visit www.wiprogram.org