Washington Center

Internships and Academic Seminars in Washington, D.C.

The Washington Center experience is an academic semester built around an internship. The Washington Center offers students a unique integration of work and academics through which you gain valuable professional experience and earn credits towards graduation requirements.

The internship, however, is only part of the story.  By spending a semester, or a summer experience, immersed in the dynamic and multi-cultural Washington D.C. area, you’ll have an experience that is not possible in a traditional campus setting.  You will not only have a great work and learning experience, but you will also get a great life experience.

The Washington Center’s educational philosophy integrates professional work, classwork, leadership and civic engagement.  Consequently, the academic internship program is comprised of three (3) components.

• An Internship that provides substantive, professional experience related to your academic and professional goals gives students a clear cut advantage when competing for entry level positions after graduation.  These semester long work experiences are critical stepping stones to professional success.
• An Academic Course selected from up to 30 offered each term by highly qualified faculty.  All students are required to enroll in an academic course.
• The Leadership Forum, a structured set of activities that give interns opportunities to understand leadership and contribute to their communities locally, nationally and internationally. Students hear and interact with distinguished speakers – including cabinet members, ambassadors, journalists, members of Congress, and others who introduce them to current public policy debates and the organizations and people who shape them. You will participate in events such as panel discussions, site visits and briefings especially designed for students with similar professional interests.  Through civic engagement activities, students learn how to apply skills to help them make a positive difference in the community by becoming a more active citizen and contributing to one of many different social causes through direct service.
• The Portfolio While in Washington, D.C., you will create a portfolio of your work, documenting your activities and accomplishments.  It gives you a chance to reflect on your strengths and plan for your future.  This portfolio gives faculty and staff back on campus a glimpse into all that you did while in DC and provides you with a valuable product to show prospective employers.

Housing

You will share an apartment with other TWC students either at TWC’s Residential and Academic facility or at another carefully selected building, all of which are located in the NoMa neighborhood near the U.S. Capitol. All housing units are fully furnished, have A/C, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, phone and basic cable service, wireless high speed internet, 24-hour front desk coverage, exercise facilities, computer labs and convenient access to the Metro subway system.

To see more about Washington Center Housing visit:
http://resources.twc.edu/living-in-dc

You’ll get to know people not just from all over the United States but from all over the world.  You will participate in social activities, trips and adventures with your colleagues that help you create friendships that remain strong even after you complete your internship.