Washington Semester at American University
Everything You Need to Know about The Washington Semester Program
May 20, 2009
The Washington Semester program is similar to a study abroad program in that it brings students from around the world together in one school to study different topics of their choosing. In addition, similar to studying abroad, one of the major pros to participating in the Washington Semester program is location.
Washington D.C. is one of the best places in the world to study, especially when pursuing careers in journalism, foreign policy, and of course, politics. Furthermore, the city itself is rich with culture and history, and brings together people from across the nation and the world.
How the Washington Semester Works
The Washington Semester program requires that students participate in a seminar of their choosing three days a week. These seminars are held at different times each week based on your program. The seminars offered are far different from the normal classes you may attend at your home college.
While there are lecture based classes, more often than not, classes consist of a question and answer period with a professional relevant from your field, whether it is legendary journalist Helen Thomas or a former FBI agent. These sessions with guest speakers allow you to hear from experts in your chosen field who can give you first hand experience and advice about what it's like in the "real world."
There will also generally be at least one field trip a week to an institution in D.C. such as The White House, Congress, or the Newseum. These trips will give you an inside tour of the building as well as further question and answer sessions with a speaker.
Students will intern the other two days a week at an institution in D.C. Though many students take internships related to their topic of study, the two do not necessarily have to correlate. Internships provide students with real world experience and networking opportunities. Many students feel the internship is the most rewarding part of the program. Past students have interned at places such as Congress, the Pentagon, and NBC.
Topics of Study
There are numerous topics students can choose from as their program of choice for the semester. Topics can range from subjects such as journalism, American politics, contemporary Islam, economic policy, and foreign policy. Other programs offered include international business and trade, international environment and development, international law and organizations, justice, peace and conflict resolution, public law, and transforming communities. Programs may change semester to semester.
Some programs offer a study abroad component as well. Programs in the past generally take three weeks towards the end of the semester to travel. Past countries visited include South Africa, Greece, Belgium, China, Turkey, England, and the Netherlands.
Research or Elective
In addition to the internship and seminar, students also often take an elective course at American University of their choosing or conduct a research paper.
The research project is an in-depth look at a topic of your choice. You will be assigned a professor who will guide you through the process. Students are expected to take advantage of the city of D.C. as a haven of information to thoroughly research their chosen topic.
Some home universities may require students to conduct a research project, while other schools may not require students to do either option. Inquire at your school for further details.
WSP Admissions Process
Students should look at the Washington Semester Web site to see if their school is considered a home school or not. If it is, then students can contact their school's Washington Semester representative for more information, or else check out the Web site for more details. The application itself is simple.
The Washington Semester program is a great way to "study abroad" for those who are not quite ready to take the plunge of traveling to another country for three months. The program furthermore gives students a chance to explore their chosen field by learning directly from professionals at both their internships and seminars.
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