Washington, D.C.-London Internship Program

  England

• London: 
London

Term: Fall, Summer 
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: The Washington, D.C.-London Internship Program enables students to combine two sought-after academic experiences--study abroad and a tailored internship. Providing an integrated academic and work experience in a comparative and global context, this program will be offered during the summer and fall of 2010. The program begins with a ten day seminar in Washington, D.C., including an orientation, academic work, and other programming. At the end of this seminar in D.C., students will fly to England, where, for the remainder of the summer term, they will complete an internship, courses, and other programming.

This program has extraordinary features. These include the unique combination of settings, the capitals of the United States and the United Kingdom, and the many opportunities - the internship, academic course and additional programming.

Students will be placed in substantive internships, tailored to their individual interests and abilities, in London-based organizations - governmental, international, nonprofit, and business. Possible placements include: Amnesty International UK, Bank of Ireland, British Museum, Conservative Party, Consortium for Street Children, Global Radio News, Kings College Hospital, Labour Party, London Chamber of Commerce, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Tate Gallery, UK Trade and Investment, United Nations Association, Westminster Archives and hundreds more.

Staff will consider students for a range of possible placements and ultimately select for them the one that is likeliest to provide a good fit. A London-based Washington Center staff member will monitor the placement process, notifying students before the term begins where they are tentatively placed. Final placement will be pending an interview, completed upon arrival in London.

Highlights:
Internship Course

Students will meet as a group each week to take part in "Perspectives on Experiential Learning Abroad" (PELA). This course is designed as an interactive seminar that both complements and enhances the internship experience. Students will also gain a better understanding of the host culture. The key components of the course will be examined through seminars, workshops, presentations and discussions. Each student will also prepare a substantial portfolio that documents, analyzes and reflects on his or her experience.

Academic Courses

Students will also take a specially-designed academic course, London and Britain, 1886-2006: An Interdisciplinary Exploration. This course, covering the history of the United Kingdom over the past 120 years, uses London as a text for studies of law, politics, criminal justice and international relations. Students will be expected to draw connections among the UK's constitutional history, its political, social and economic changes, and its evolving role in the world during this dynamic period.

The second course is a special topics series that will complement the modern British history course through guest speakers and site visits around London.

Engaging Programming

Along with the internship, PELA seminar and academic course, students will be advised about opportunities such as cultural celebrations, sporting events, volunteer opportunities and lectures. Activities could range from a Jack the Ripper walking tour to a discussion about the representation of the Muslim and Hindu religions in the U.K.; these activities will allow students to engage with full-time residents of the city while gaining a deeper knowledge of their London community.

Housing

Students will live in central London flats (apartments) conveniently located to the Tube, London's public transportation system, which can be used to commute to their internship sites and to the CAPA center. Londoners' daily commutes average 30-60 minutes. Students will find that the tube (as well as the extensive bus system) is convenient for getting around the city; it is also fairly easy to walk around central London to local attractions.

Student flats have 1 -3 bedrooms and a shared central living area. Several students may share a bedroom. Linens are provided, but students should bring their own towels. Flats also have full kitchens with basic utensils, where students will be able to prepare their own meals. Information about local grocery stores and other helpful information will be provided. Each of the possible housing sites will be furnished and will have an RA on-site to help with apartment-related issues.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: Applicants should be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university as second-semester sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students at the time they take part in the program (international students enrolled in U.S. institutions are warmly welcomed). Applicants should have at least a 2.75 grade point average on a 4-point scale. They must receive academic credit from their institution for their participation in the internship program, and their application must have the endorsement of their campus liaison (or if their campus does not have a liaison, an academic sponsor). The Washington Center does not grant academic credit. A limited number of applicants will be accepted, so early application is encouraged.

Cost in US$: Varies by college or university; contact us for details.

Salary / Pay: n/a

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to England Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. Limited financial assistance is available; please contact us for further information.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars's Mission Statement: The mission of The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is to provide an integrated academic and work experience to prepare college students and professionals for lives of achievement and civic engagement.

Year Founded: 1975