Ibrahim Gardner
The Washington Semester Program at American University in Washington, DC, has been offering students life-changing opportunities for over 75 years. The program has a rich legacy of excellence, with 50,000+ alumni, including prominent figures such as activist and actress America Ferrera and former Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan. Students from hundreds of domestic and international universities have benefited from this program, gaining valuable academic credits, experiential learning, and structured internships in the heart of the US capital. The program empowers students with self-confidence, connections to influential leaders, and the skills to make a meaningful impact in their future endeavours. With access to prestigious internships, immersive seminars, and a vibrant city life, the Washington Semester Program offers a unique and enriching educational experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Program | Washington Semester Program (WSP) |
| Host University | American University, Washington, DC |
| Partner University | St. Norbert College |
| Program Type | Study abroad internship program |
| Duration | One semester or summer |
| Credits | 12-17.5 credits per semester; 1 or 3 credits in the summer |
| Internships | Available in almost every area of interest |
| Alumni | 50,000+ |
| Notable Alumni | America Ferrera, former speaker of the house Paul Ryan |
| Visa Sponsorship | Not provided for the summer program |
| Housing Options | Available with extended stays for an additional cost |
| Admission Requirements | Completion of 2 semesters of college coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) |
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What You'll Learn
International students are welcome to apply
International students attending college in the U.S. are welcome to apply to the Washington Semester Program at American University in Washington, D.C. The program has been running for over 75 years and has enabled 50,000+ students from hundreds of domestic and international universities to live, work, and study in the U.S. capital.
The Washington Semester Program is a study abroad internship program, allowing students to gain valuable job experience and networking opportunities. Students can take 12, 15, or 17 credits with their home university's approval. While enrolled in the program, students typically earn 8 credits for their seminar, 4 credits for their internships, and 3 to 4 credits for an elective course from AU’s wide range of course offerings. There is also the option to do a research project instead of taking a fourth course.
International students are considered domestic students for most processes at American University, however, the program does not sponsor visas for students in the summer program. There is limited flexibility surrounding the start and end dates, and students can request an extended stay in the housing provided for an additional cost.
To apply, students must have completed 2 semesters of college coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) prior to applying. In some cases, students who do not meet the minimum requirement may still be considered with approval from their home institution.
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Internships and seminars
The Washington Semester Program at American University in Washington, DC, offers a range of internships and seminars for students. The program has been running for over 75 years and has enabled 50,000+ students from hundreds of domestic and international universities to live, work, and study in Washington, DC.
Internships
The Washington Semester Program provides access to hundreds of internship openings and thousands of internship leads through its online database. Internships are available in various sectors, including arts, business, digital media, education, environment, foreign policy, government/politics, healthcare, IT, journalism, and law. Students can expect support from the university in landing an internship, with a 100% success rate for active and engaged students. However, internships are not guaranteed, and the outcome depends on the student's effort and the university's support. Most students secure their internships before arriving in Washington, DC, but some continue their search after the first day of classes, with all students settling into internships within 1-2 weeks into the semester.
Seminars
The program also offers immersive seminars, with 15+ site visits, where students can meet key decision-makers and explore the dynamic heart of the nation's capital. These seminars provide valuable experiential learning opportunities, combining academic coursework with practical, real-world exposure. Additionally, students can participate in career exploration workshops, professional skills-building sessions, alumni and employer networking events, and advising sessions with dedicated internship coaches and professional faculty.
Credit System
Credits earned during the Washington Semester Program can be transferred back to the student's home university, allowing them to graduate on time. The most common credit load is 12 credits, which provides a balance between academics and exploring the city. However, with approval from the home university, students can take up to 17 credits. For the summer internship program, students can earn 1 or 3 academic credits, depending on their chosen course.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Washington Semester Program, students must complete two semesters of college coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. In some cases, exceptions may be made with approval from the student's home institution. International students attending college in the U.S. are welcome to apply, and they will be considered domestic students for most processes at American University.
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Credits and costs
The Washington Semester Program (WSP) at American University, Washington, DC, is an academic programme that combines coursework with internships and seminars. The program is open to international students, who are considered domestic students for most processes. The credits earned by students depend on the courses they choose and their home university's approval. While the most popular option is 12 credits, students can also take 15 or 17 credits. In addition, students can earn 1 or 3 academic credits through the summer internship program.
Students participating in the WSP through St. Norbert College can typically expect to earn 8 credits for their seminar, 4 credits for their internship, and 3 to 4 credits for an elective course from AU's offerings. Alternatively, they can choose a research project instead of a fourth course.
Tuition fees for the Washington Semester Program are charged per semester, per credit hour, and are based on the prevailing American University flat fee tuition rate for undergraduate students enrolling in 12-17.5 credits. There are no additional costs associated with the program itself. However, students should be aware of potential costs for extended housing stays, which may be available upon request.
Financial aid is available for the Washington Semester Program, and students can refer to the university's website for more information. Additionally, the program does not sponsor visas for students, and international students should consider the cost of acquiring a visa.
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Alumni and networking
The Washington Semester Program at American University has a large alumni network of over 50,000 former students. The program boasts a rich legacy of excellence, with alumni ranging from activists and actresses like America Ferrera to former speakers of the House like Paul Ryan. The program actively encourages networking and community building among its students and alumni.
Students are provided with numerous networking opportunities, including access to prestigious employers and internship supervisors, as well as alumni networking events. The program's database offers over 4,000 internship leads and employers, providing students with valuable connections and potential mentors.
The Washington Semester Program also facilitates connections with influential leaders and decision-makers, empowering students with self-confidence and the skills to make a meaningful impact. The program's immersive seminars and site visits further enhance networking opportunities by allowing students to engage with professionals, practitioners, and academics who are leaders and experts in their respective fields.
Additionally, the program encourages students to participate in group activities and explore the city of Washington, DC, providing further chances for networking and community building. Students can also take advantage of career exploration workshops, professional skills-building sessions, and advising sessions with dedicated internship coaches and professional faculty.
The Washington Semester Program at American University fosters a strong sense of community and encourages students to build lasting connections with their peers, alumni, and professionals in their fields of interest. By providing numerous networking opportunities, the program equips students with the tools and confidence to succeed in their future endeavours.
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Housing and extended stays
Students participating in the Washington Semester Program through St. Norbert College will be enrolled full-time and can expect to earn credits for their seminars, internships, and elective courses. While specific details about housing are not readily available, it is likely that students will need to arrange their own accommodations for the duration of the program.
American University does offer on-campus housing for students, and there are processes in place for checking in and out of residence halls at the beginning and end of semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring their rooms are clean and in good condition upon departure, and there may be fees for any damages incurred. The university also provides information about preparing rooms for winter and summer breaks, including removing perishable food items and arranging for the storage of valuables.
For students participating in the Washington Semester Program, it is important to coordinate housing arrangements that align with the duration of the program. This may involve securing short-term housing for the semester or coordinating with the university to reside in on-campus housing, if available. It is recommended that students reach out to the university's housing department or student services for guidance on accommodations during their semester in Washington, DC.
Overall, the Washington Semester Program at American University provides a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and connections in the heart of the nation's capital. By arranging suitable housing for their stay, students can fully immerse themselves in the program and take advantage of the educational and professional opportunities it offers.
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Frequently asked questions
Over 50,000 students from hundreds of domestic and international universities have taken part in the Washington Semester Program at American University.
The Washington Semester Program is a semester-long program, with some students also taking part in the summer program.
Students typically take 12 credits, but can take up to 17 with their home university's approval. Credits are also assigned for internships and elective courses.
Students must complete 2 semesters of college coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) prior to applying. In some cases, students who do not meet the minimum requirement may still be considered with approval from their home institution.
