US: D.C. Internship
Intern in the Capital!
This competitive program at American University lets students intern in Washington D.C. while taking seminars with guest speakers from the realms of politics, law, international business, journalism, economic policy, peace and conflict resolution, and more. This program is excellent for students in international relations and political science.
Why Study in D.C.?
“I would highly recommend this program to students seeking an impactful internship, professional connections, and political involvement in our Nation’s Capital.” - Rollins D.C. Alum
Academic Information
Courses
Students on this program pick a particular concentration area (listed below) and then take the following courses:
- Internship and Internship Course: provide students with professional experience in their concentration area or a related field. Students use the program's internship network to search for a placement site: internship placements are confirmed during the first two weeks of the program.
- Two Core Seminars: focused on your concentration area and utilize guest exports and out-of-classroom visits to enhance the learning experience.
Students choose one cocentration area to focus on for the internship and core seminars:
Transfer of Credit
- The internship and core seminars are worth 4 credits each for a total of 12 credits.
- Students take three courses for a total of 12 credits.
- Grades appear on the Rollins transcript and are factored into the Rollins GPA.
- It can take up to three months for grades to be processed.
- Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).
What It’s Like to Study in Washington D.C.
Housing & Meals
- Students will choose off-campus housing from a selection offered by AU from the following: the Flats at Bethesda, 1301 Thomas Circle, or Meridian Mount Vernon.
- There is no meal plan. Instead, apartments have kitchens and students buy groceries and cook for themselves.
Student Life
- Student Association of Student Activities (SASA): organizes events for students such as barbecues, a Super Bowl Watch Party, and Second Chance Prom.
- SASA also plans community service events, fundraisers for local/international organizations and host special guest speakers to the Tenley campus.
- Students also have access to other American University activities, events and facilities.
Program Calendar: Spring 2025
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Jan 10 | Arrive |
| Jan 13 | Internship Starts and First Day of Classes |
| April 28 | Program End Date |
| May 8 | Depart |
Program Calendar: Fall 2024
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| Aug 16-20 | Move-In Window |
| Aug 26 | Internship Starts and First Day of Classes |
| Dec 6 | Program End Date |
| Dec 6-12 | Move-Out Window |
Requirements for Admission
- There are limited places on this program -- it is highly competitive!
- Juniors and Seniors
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Depending on your major, you may need to have completed specific course prerequisites in order to receive major credit for the internship.
- Required advising session (30 minutes). Please schedule an appointment.
Getting There
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Flight
Students are responsible for booking their own flights to D.C.
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Orientation
- During the orientation program, students move into their housing, learn about the program, meet their fellow students and finalize course registration.
- The orientation week hosts an Internship Bazaar where 100 prospective internship employers come to campus to conduct on-the-spot interviews with interested students.
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Visa
- No visa is needed since this program is based in the United States.
- If you choose to participate in an international experience as part of your program, AU will assist with any visa paperwork as needed.
Costs
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Program Fee
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
Tuition: $30,290
Housing: $5,115
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Also Includes
Orientation, seminar activities and excursions, transportation pass for DC metro and bus, program administration, and emergency insurance.
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Estimated Additional Costs
Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $300, on-site $400
Meals/food: $1,600
Books/course materials: $200
Personal expenses: $1,000
Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0 -
Need-Based Scholarships
Since this program is US-based and does not involve extensive additional costs, scholarships are only available to off-set increased costs of accommodation for commuter students. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.
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Need-Based Scholarships
Since this program is US-based and does not involve extensive additional costs, scholarships are only available to off-set increased costs of accommodation for commuter students. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.
Connect with an Advisor, Apply or Learn More
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