Learn Through Experience

Washington Semester Program students get firsthand experience with the political process, obtaining skills that will help prepare them for careers in virtually any sphere. In the past, Washington Semester Program students have attended important events, such as the inauguration ceremonies, White House arrival ceremonies for visiting head of states, joint sessions of Congress and arguments before the Supreme Court. Recent seminars have featured meetings with White House personnel, the Deputy Attorney General, cabinet secretaries, senior TV network correspondents, lobbyists, embassy officials and other national leaders.

The South Carolina Congressional Delegation, with seven representatives and two senators, provides the core of fellowship placements. However, other recent placements have included:

• Institute of Peace
• CNN’s The Situation Room
• Center for American Progress
• Heritage Foundation
• Aspen Institute
• Department of Education
• Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
• National Endowment for the Arts
• National Organization for Women
• House Subcommittee for Africa and Global Health
• House Committee on Financial Services
• Children's Defense Fund
• Department of Justice
• Smithsonian
• The State Department

 

But it's not all work...

Washington is a young person's city, filled with students from its four major universities and congressional staffers. Students meet interesting and influential people, establishing contacts for personal and professional networking. 

A remarkably diverse city, Washington provides opportunities to brush shoulders with people of many different nationalities, enjoy exotic cuisines, hear multiple languages, attend ethnic festivals, shop in eclectic neighborhoods and become acquainted with individuals and groups not likely to be encountered in South Carolina. D.C. also has renowned museums, major performing arts venues, art galleries, movie theatres, concerts, lectures and book signings.
 

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