This is the FAQ for the international summit. To download the India Summit FAQ, please click here.
We are going to be quite active during the week, moving between classrooms, television studio, Congress, the State Department, embassies and other venues in Washington, DC. You must keep track of all your personal possessions -- handbags, purses, knapsacks, cameras, laptops, etc. Please do not bring any valuables with you such as jewelry. You are solely responsible for your possessions. Neither the I LIVE 2 LEAD YOUNG WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ("YWILS"), nor American University are responsible for the theft or loss of your possessions.
What should I do for airline tickets?
Once you are accepted in the program, you are responsible for purchasing your airline ticket and obtaining any necessary VISA. A few travel scholarships are available for those who are unable to purchase a ticket.
Fly into Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) or Reagan Washington National (DCA) on Sunday, July 17th, preferably arriving between 1:00 and 5:00 pm. Depart the following Saturday July 23, preferably after 2:00 pm. If you need to book a flight that arrives outside of these times, please let us know as it is possible to accommodate different times.
How do I get from the Washington DC airport to American University?
A representative of YWILS, or a transport company driver, will meet you at the airport at the arrivals hall, and he/she will have a sign with your name and "I LIVE TO LEAD" on it. Each participant will receive specific details on this before she arrives. Before you depart for the United States, make sure you have received confirmation from us that we have received your information on flight arrival time…Otherwise, there might not be someone to meet you at the airport!
Where will we be staying? Is this a safe area for young women?
All the participants will be staying in a dormitory at American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC 20016 (www.american.edu). American University has a beautiful campus on the outskirts of the city in a very nice residential neighborhood. The campus has 24-hour security. YWILS representatives will be at American University and on all the field trips throughout the program.
Each YWILS participant will share a dorm room with at least one other participant. The school provides all bedding and towels.
Where will we eat? Do I need money for my meals?
YWILS will provide for all your meals. For the most part, you will be eating in the dining hall or in the dormitory lounge on the American University campus. When we have field trips or other off-campus events, food will also be provided.
Where are our classes?
Your classes are mostly in academic buildings on the American University (AU) campus. We will have other classes and learning sessions off campus where YWILS will provide transport to the venues. (These venues are detailed on the Master Schedule).
Map of AU campus:
http://www.american.edu/media/upload/AmericanU-Campus-Map_2009-2.pdf.
Are we allowed to leave American University campus without a chaperone?
No. You may only leave AU if you are on a YWILS field trip or other YWILS activity, or with a YWILS chaperone. You must stay on the campus at all other times. Any violation of this rule will result in your removal from the program.
Will we have any time to go shopping in Washington?
Our schedule is very full, and there is no specific time set aside for shopping but you will have at least two hours for shopping during the week.
May I use my cell phone?
You may bring your cell phone along, but cell phones must be turned off during all our YWILS sessions and meetings.
May I bring my laptop with me?
Yes, that would be very useful but you are solely responsible for its safety. We will have the use of American University computers in the campus computer labs and you will have internet access on the campus.
Are my parents and friends allowed to contact me?
Certainly, but unless it is an emergency, please only communicate with them at night or early in the morning, outside of classroom time.
What field trips are we taking? What is our transport?
All of your activities and trips are detailed on the Master Schedule that you will receive when you arrive. YWILS will provide buses to transport you to the various off-campus activities, or we will ride the Metro (DC subway system) together.
Do I need pocket money for expenses?
You may want some pocket money to buy souvenirs, snacks or other items, but YWILS will cover all your food, room charges, learning materials, and transport costs.
Is there an orientation program?
When you arrive at AU on Sunday, you will be met by YWILS representatives at the dormitory where you will be staying. We will have an informal orientation meeting the first evening at 5.30 pm in the dormitory.
What is the weather in Washington, DC in the summer?
Washington, DC summers are generally hot and humid, averaging high 80's to low 90's F (about 33 C) during the day and 60's–70's F (about 21 C) at night. Although it will be hot outside, most of the venues where we will be living and working are air-conditioned.
What clothes do I need to bring?
You can dress casually in the dormitories and in the AU classrooms. However, we would like you to bring professional clothes for two of our off-campus events (visiting Congress and an Embassy reception). These clothes can be very basic, such as a nice skirt and two blouses. Please do not wear high heels at any time because we are going to be riding the Metro and doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are important! You may also want to bring some exercise clothes for running and yoga.
Remember that we will often be in air-conditioned rooms so you may want a light sweater/cardigan.
Are all the classes in English?
Yes.
