A fundamental aspect the programme is the exposure to diverse histories and worldviews and the application of new perspectives in decision-making and leadership roles.To this end students:

• live with American host families during their stay in Washington, DC in order to gain a perspective on American life and share their stories of change and challenge in South Africa; and
• participate in a variety of learning experiences and events with WIP students from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (part of our sister program, the Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership) as well as students from the United States of America.

“My host family opened their doors and opened their hearts to me.  All lessons that I learned during the summer did not end at the office. I was with a family that I could engage with intellectually as well as in a familial way." (Vuyolwethu Goni - 2008).