SPRING SEMESTER PROGRAM
- 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 a 6-credit internship course (either POSC 495W, POSC 493W, or PPA 496W) with two credit-courses in political science/international affairs: The Washington Experience (POSC/INTA 301W) and Topics in International Relations (POSC 361W). Click on appropriate link to get advising help regarding how the program's courses contribute to departmental major and minor programs.
Students not majoring in political science, international affairs, or public 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 near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station.
- Neighborhood features restaurants, museums and shops, and Capital One Arena (formerly known as the Verizon Center). The National Mall is a 20-minute walk away.
- Students live in 4-person, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments with shared kitchen and living area.
- Apartments are fully furnished and equipped, including washer/dryer, kitchen supplies, sheets and towels.
- Students may arrange their own housing.
Program Costs
- JMU Tuition & Fees for in-state and out-of-state students
- Housing: The housing fee is $5,300, including all utilities and wireless internet.
- Program fee: $225
- Metro fee: $115 (covers unlimited subway and bus transportation for the entire semester)
- Food and entertainment costs not included
- The Washington Semester awards a need-based scholarship to one student per term to cover the difference between the cost of participating in the program and a normal semester on campus. To be eligible, students must complete a Federal Student Aid application https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa with JMU's Office of Financial Aid.
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.
- 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 Spring 2024
Early Decision: November 15, 2022
Regular Admission: February 15, 2023
NOTE: Sometimes the program fills up via the Early Decision application process. This means that applications reviewed for the Feb. 15 application deadline are evaluated on a space-available basis. Accordingly, applicants are advised to apply in November to maximize their chances of gaining admission to the Washington Semester program.
Application link: https://jmu.questionpro.com/t/AR37HZulBQ
For more information, contact:
Dr. David Jones, Program Director (jones3da@jmu.edu)
