Discover Capitol Hill
The Washington Semester provides a platform for Western New England University students to take advantage of all that Washington, DC has to offer during a semester of study in the nation’s capitol. Administered by the American University, our program allows you to pursue your interests and develop your aptitude through participation in rigorous seminars, individualized research opportunities, and a skill-building internship that places you with an influential agency or organization situated in the nation’s capitol.
Students in the program reside in a dorm on the American University campus, and participate in highly ranked programs taught by internationally recognized faculty. Upon entry into the program, you will choose one of almost two dozen different concentrations that include U.S. Politics, Diplomacy, Global Business, Sports Management and Media, International Affairs, and Biotechnology among many others. All students experience an academic seminar with guest lecturers from major players in the Washington community, a guided research project, and an internship involving approximately 20 hours per week. There are a wide variety of choices in selecting your internship that range from federal government agencies like the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency, to congressional offices, nonprofit advocacy groups like Amnesty International, national political party offices, news media offices, and private companies.
After a semester of study in Washington, DC, you will gain the benefit of a new network of global contacts, valuable work experience, enhanced leadership skills, and a solid foundation to support your future career.
For questions about the program, please contact its advisor Dr. Donald Williams, Professor of Political Science at donald.williams@wne.edu.