Global Affairs Washington Semester -- SPRING SEMESTER

Open to all majors
Get a head start on your career
Pursue a semester-long global affairs/international political internship plus upper-level coursework
Live in JMU-arranged housing in one of D.C.'s finest neighborhoods

The global affairs version of the Washington Semester program enables students to explore the wealth of international political and cultural opportunities available in the Washington, DC area. The program includes semester-length internships focusing on global affairs and/or international politics, courses in global affairs, panel discussions by people in various professions, cultural activities, and networking opportunities with JMU alumni working in the DC area.

Courses
Participants maintain full-time student status by combining the 6-credit internship course (POSC 495W) with two 3-credit courses taught on-site by JMU instructors: Contemporary Problems in International Affairs (POSC 361W) and the Washington Experience (INTA 301W). Students not majoring in political science, international affairs, or public policy & administration should consult with their departments about how the internship and coursework fit their academic plans; some departments may be willing to arrange course substitutions. Note: Participants must remain full-time students for the duration of the program.

Housing

JMU-arranged housing is located in the WISH Woodley Park, in an upscale neighborhood near the National Zoo
6-person, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom suites with shared kitchen and living area
Computer lab and study lounge in the basement
Students may opt to find their own housing

Program Costs

JMU Tuition & Fees for in-state and out-of-state students
Housing: In 2011-12, housing cost approximately $4,300, including all utilities except phone
Program fee: $200
Food and transportation costs not included

Internships

Students secure their own internships
Most students will pursue internships that focus on on global affairs and/or international politics. Past internships include the U.S. Department of State, policy think-tanks such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and interest groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. See a list of recent internships conducted in this program here.
Students work at their internships full-time Monday through Thursday; Friday mornings are reserved for the Washington Experience course (INTA 301W), which explores political and cultural opportunities in the DC area.

Application Deadlines for the SPRING 2013 program:
Early Decision: November 15, 2011
Regular Admission: February 1, 2012
For an application, click HERE.

Back to Washington Semester

For more information, contact:
Dr. Manal A. Jamal, Professor in Residence, Spring 2012 jamalma@jmu.edu