Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Women2Women is an international leadership program for rising female leaders. Participants will gain the skills they need to be successful negotiators, public speakers, and advocates for change in the world. Over 100 girls from up to 30 countries come every year to exchange ideas, share cultures and build friendships that last a lifetime.
The Women2Women-America International Leadership Program has been held in Boston, MA for the past 18 years.
The Women2Women-America International Leadership Program is 10-day experience (including travel days).

Applying to the Program

Each year we select up to 100 applicants.
Emerging female leaders across the world between the ages of 15 and 19 are welcome to apply. We welcome applicants of from every country and from all ethnicities, religious backgrounds and socioeconomic status. We are looking for young women who have demonstrated leadership abilities through academics, service, international experience or volunteer involvement.
Yes. The cost for the 10-day program is $3,800 + airfare. The program fee covers all food, housing and transportation during the program as well as fees for speakers, activities, workshops and program materials. For international students, the fee also covers travel health insurance.
There are a limited number of scholarships available for students in need of financial assistance. Please write in your application why you need a scholarship and we will consider all requests. If you do not receive a scholarship and still wish to participate, you must pay the $3,800 + airfare by the deadline indicated for payment.
No. However, we look for well-rounded, hard-working applicants.

Travel and Transportation:

You do not need a passport to submit your application. However, if you are accepted, you will need to obtain a passport if you are traveling from outside of the US.
If you are traveling to the United States from another country, you will need to get a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) depending on what country you are from.
You should be eligible to get an ESTA if you are a citizen or national of the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
If you are not a citizen or national of one the countries listed above, you will need to apply for a visa.
Here is a great tool to determine if you are eligible to apply for a visa or ESTA. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wizard.html
Please note, you are responsible for paying any associated fees in obtaining an ESTA or visa. The cost for an ESTA as of September 2023 is $21 USD. The cost for a visa as of September 2023 is $185 USD.
You will need to have a passport in order to apply. Once you have been selected and have received your official invite letter, please begin the visa/ESTA process.
First, verify you require a visa to participate in the W2W program. If you require a visa to travel to the US, you will need to complete the DS-160 form online. The DS-160 form can be found here (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/). The form may take up to 1 hour to complete.
Once you complete the DS-160 form you will be required to pay the $185 fee and will be able to schedule a in-person visa interview date and time. It may take several weeks/months to get an appointment.
First, verify you require an ESTA to participate in the W2W program. If you require an ESTA to travel to the US, you will need to complete the Official ESTA Application here (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/). This form will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

During the program:

The weather in Boston can be very unpredictable. Generally in the summer we can see temperatures around 85 to 90 degrees fahrenheit. Passing rain showers are common. All participants will receive a suggested packing list so that you arrive in Boston well prepared for any weather situation! One thing is for sure, you will want to bring comfortable shoes! We will be doing a lot of walking!
Yes, you will have a roommate from another country. We do not take roommate requests.
As a delegate, you are required to attend all program activities. During your limited free time, you are able to see family and friends. You must clear this visit with a staff member prior to leaving and you are required to arrive back on campus by curfew.
Yes, absolutely. As a W2W delegate you are required to attend and participate in all conference activities. If for some reason you are not able to attend due to an illness, you must notify a staff member.
Your meals, housing and transportation to program related activities are covered in the registration fee. You are only responsible for covering your costs as it relates to your personal needs including free time activities, souvenirs and shopping. IMPORTANT FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS - Please be sure to exchange your money to US dollars BEFORE arriving in the United States. It is very difficult, at times impossible, to exchange money during the program week.
There will be limited free time during the day and in the evening, with a curfew at night.
Yes. We are located near the Fenway area of Boston, near a Target, Sephora, Boston Red Sox Shop as well as a number of restaurants and cafes. Using public transportation, some girls often like to go to Downtown Crossing where there is Primark, Old Navy, Macy’s and more; Newbury Street where there is an H&M, Forever 21, Sephora, and more and the Shops at Prudential Center where there is Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lululemon and more.
Yes, Empower Peace staff members as well as W2W Alumnae will be available 24/7 during the program.
You may want to purchase a calling card to call home. Calling cards can be purchased in Boston or you can purchase a calling card online from sites such as www.CallingCards.com and www.Rebtel.com.

Still have questions?

Please email Tricia Raynard at traynard@empowerpeace.org.

Women2Women – America 2025

Our flagship, 10-day program is held each summer in Boston, MA USA. 2025 program dates and application will be available in the beginning of the new year.