Washington, DC, USA: Semester Internships in Public Affairs

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.

Rollins students on the steps of The American University.

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

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:

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.

Costs

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
Tuition: $31,475
Housing: $5,315
Also Includes

Orientation, seminar activities and excursions, transportation pass for DC metro and bus, program administration, and emergency insurance.
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.
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.