Fund a Semester in America's Capital With These Scholarship Programs
Every year, many American college students pack a suitcase and board a plane, embarking on a journey to study abroad in another country. But for those of you interested in fields like politics, law, public policy, international relations or international commerce and trade, a semester studying or interning in our nation's capital may actually be of more value and interest.
Washington's leading collegiate institutions offer a number of programs for students who'd like to experience the political and cultural landscape of the city, and many of them provide scholarships.
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American University established the Washington Semester Program more than 60 years ago with the goal of giving students from other colleges and universities a chance to study and intern in Washington in order to gain real-world work experience while making connections with the city's movers and shakers.
If you're worried about the cost, the program's website states partial scholarships and awards are awarded based on academic achievement, personal and family financial circumstances, established tuition rates and availability of funds. Once you're admitted into the program, you'll get access to the scholarship application.
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One of our nation's oldest collegiate institutions, Georgetown University, offers a similar program for students of other colleges. Their semester program features concentrations in six academic areas -- digital communications, new media, and social change; international commerce and trade; international relations; law, legislation, and politics; politics and public policy; and religion and political culture.
Students have the opportunity to participate in an academic seminar, internship and research seminar, all while experiencing and exploring what Washington has to offer. For those of you who choose to participate in fall or spring semester programs, you can ease the tuition burden by applying for a partial-tuition scholarship.
Applications are accepted from non-Georgetown students on a rolling basis, but once you've enrolled in the program, make sure you apply immediately, since available funds are limited.
If you're of Native American heritage and have always dreamed of the opportunity to study and intern in Washington, check out the Native American Political Leadership Program, offered through George Washington University.
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The program offers full scholarships for Native American students who wish to participate in George Washington's semester-long program. Students who aren't of Native American background can still participate in the program, which according to its website includes two core classes, an internship, weekly networking events and the option to be paired with a mentor who can help guide you through the semester.
Scholarships are available for these students too. Just complete the extra scholarship essay portion when you apply .
Finally, keep in mind that for each of these programs, you can almost certainly transfer your current financial aid package from your home college or university, which should make a semester in Washington more financially feasible. Make sure you work out the details with your financial aid officer, who can guide you through the process as soon as you're accepted into a program.
Michelle Showalter joined Scholarship America in 2007 and is an alumna of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
