WPI fellows are required to prepare for and participate in all briefings and other scheduled WPI events. They must agree to stay for the entire program and to return to their home countries at the program's conclusion. WPI requires that fellows write for the WPI Web site (Reporter's Notebook) and file for their readers, listeners or viewers back home. Periodic reviews and evaluations are required, and WPI fellows participate in several roundtable discussions about their insights into the U.S. or international journalism issues.

WPI pays all program costs, including transportation to the U.S. and back, all transportation within the U.S. related to the WPI program, and all lodging costs. In addition, a modest daily per diem for food is provided. Personal expenses, such as cameras, film, postage and clothing, are the responsibility of the fellows.

Fellows must have a tolerance for others of different cultures and a good sense of humor. The program is nonstop and fellows live out of suitcases much of the time as venues change frequently.