Washington Semester Program Fellows work fulltime in Washington, DC while also completing evening coursework. Students receive Honors credit for both their internship experience and completed courses.
“The Washington Semester Program combined what, for me, are three vital components of a 21st-century education in the liberal arts: small-class instruction led by leaders in politics, government, and the arts; work in government service tailored to the individual student's interests, and the invaluable opportunity to develop one's academic, professional, and personal contacts in one of the world's most exciting and influential cities.” --Noah Koubenec, Fall 2008 Fellow
“The Washington Semester Program combined what, for me, are three vital components of a 21st-century education in the liberal arts: small-class instruction led by leaders in politics, government, and the arts; work in government service tailored to the individual student's interests, and the invaluable opportunity to develop one's academic, professional, and personal contacts in one of the world's most exciting and influential cities.”
--Noah Koubenec, Fall 2008 Fellow
Washington Semester Program Fellows work full-time in congressional, executive, judicial or private sector offices. The South Carolina Congressional Delegation, with six representatives and two senators, provides the core of fellowship placements. However, other recent placements have included the U.S. Supreme Court, The White House, The Institute of Peace, CNN’s The Situation Room, The Center for American Progress, The Heritage Foundation, The Aspen Institute, The Department of Education, The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, The National Endowment for the Arts, The National Organization for Women, The House Subcommittee for Africa and Global Health, and The House Committee on Financial Services.
Office work varies widely, from copying and faxing, to giving tours of the Capitol, to answering constituent mail. Much of the job is routine office work, but it can also include taking notes for the Congressional office at a committee meeting, attending meetings and hearings, or providing public policy research. The job can range from preparing information for news conferences to representing an office at a reception to writing public blogs.
All students enroll in three courses for a total of 15 honors credits. Each course is designed specifically for Washington Semester Program Fellows and stresses experiential, hands-on learning. Students are responsible for checking with their academic and honors advisors to ensure the applicability of these courses to their degree programs.