Spring Break
Semester in D.C. gives students a capital time
BEN KATZ
Issue date: 6/12/08 Section: News
Each fall and spring semester, up to 20 students have the opportunity to work and earn credit in Washington, D.C. through the Washington Semester Program.
Arthur Tripp, a senior political science and international affairs major from Duluth, worked with Congressman David Scott (D) of District 13 for the Spring 2008 semester through the program. He said he believes that being in D.C. for the entire semester was more beneficial than a summer internship.
"You get the ability to actually become an integral part of the office," he said. "When you go for the full semester, you get to brief the congressman and take on more important roles. You also get your own desk, which makes you feel special."
Tripp said one of the highlights of his time at the Capital was going to hearings and briefings with senior officials who report to President George Bush on problems in Iraq, but his typical day consisted of reading about what is going on in the world, going to hearings and briefing Scott.
Mason McFalls, a junior from Swainsboro, is interning for Congressman Hank Johnson (D) from District 4. McFalls said "UGA dominates D.C. in the summer."
"Regardless of which program you use, do your best to get to D.C. because there are not many better places you can be," McFalls said. "D.C. in the summer is where everyone is, and the District is the best place to learn about real world problems and issues. There is something for everybody on the Hill."
Students from any department are eligible to participate in the semester-long program.
The priority deadline for Fall 2008 participation has already passed, but room is still available and the program will be accepting applications until June 30.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, be at least a junior by the term of participation, be in good disciplinary standing, and have completed the Federal and Georgia Constitution requirement.
The Washington Semester Program is not the only way to get an internship working in the Capital. Taylor Rhodes, a senior history major from Snellville, is an intern with Congressman John Linder (R) from District 7 this summer. She found an application for the internship on his Web site.
Arthur Tripp, a senior political science and international affairs major from Duluth, worked with Congressman David Scott (D) of District 13 for the Spring 2008 semester through the program. He said he believes that being in D.C. for the entire semester was more beneficial than a summer internship.
"You get the ability to actually become an integral part of the office," he said. "When you go for the full semester, you get to brief the congressman and take on more important roles. You also get your own desk, which makes you feel special."
Tripp said one of the highlights of his time at the Capital was going to hearings and briefings with senior officials who report to President George Bush on problems in Iraq, but his typical day consisted of reading about what is going on in the world, going to hearings and briefing Scott.
Mason McFalls, a junior from Swainsboro, is interning for Congressman Hank Johnson (D) from District 4. McFalls said "UGA dominates D.C. in the summer."
"Regardless of which program you use, do your best to get to D.C. because there are not many better places you can be," McFalls said. "D.C. in the summer is where everyone is, and the District is the best place to learn about real world problems and issues. There is something for everybody on the Hill."
Students from any department are eligible to participate in the semester-long program.
The priority deadline for Fall 2008 participation has already passed, but room is still available and the program will be accepting applications until June 30.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, be at least a junior by the term of participation, be in good disciplinary standing, and have completed the Federal and Georgia Constitution requirement.
The Washington Semester Program is not the only way to get an internship working in the Capital. Taylor Rhodes, a senior history major from Snellville, is an intern with Congressman John Linder (R) from District 7 this summer. She found an application for the internship on his Web site.
Be the first to comment on this story