The information on this page is relevant to all academic internships.  On the application form you will choose one of the “tracks” listed at the bottom of the page.  Each track has a separate web page with more detailed information such as sample internships and core course descriptions. 

The Washington Internship Institute's semester-long academic internship program is carefully designed to provide college sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students from the U.S. and abroad with practical, hands-on experience and academically rigorous courses emphasizing public service, leadership, and professional development.

In addition to enhancing your skills and building your resume, you may also be eligible to receive academic credit from your school; most students earn a full semester’s worth of credit. The learning doesn’t stop when you step out of your office or classroom. You’ll continue learning at home by living with fellow students—creating a community of scholars—and also every time you set foot outside of your apartment, as DC becomes your campus.

Our student programs are distinguished by several features:

Our commitment to creating a community of active citizens through our emphasis on public service, leadership and professional development.

Our comprehensive approach. WII’s programs combines practical, real and challenging internship experiences; stimulating and rigorous academic coursework; co-curricular activities including networking and mentoring opportunities, community service projects, and events featuring distinguished guest speakers; convenient housing; and guidance and support from WII’s staff.        

Our personal attention to each student's interests and desired career path. After acceptance into our academic internship program, WII's internship advisors guide students through the process of securing a placement by helping you gather application materials and by contacting possible placements on your behalf. Since 1990, we have worked with thousands of offices around town.

Our professional development opportunities. With more than 2500 alumni, we have an extensive network within DC, around the US and in many other parts of the world. WII’s Alumni Advisory Board connects our interns with area alumni and other professionals who share their interests. Additionally, each student completes a Professional Portfolio in their Internship Seminar to showcase completed work from the semester and we hold a Career Development Workshop Series for students to work on cover letters, resumes or to hear advice on applying to graduate schools.

Our commitment to academic quality. WII requires all academic internship participants to take two courses, an internship seminar and a core course based on the track students choose.  Our faculty includes top policy professionals and leading academics who guide students in examining policy issues and utilize their extensive academic and professional connections to enrich courses with a variety of notable guest speaks and site visits.

Our strong international focus. Holding a belief in creating active global citizens, WII encourages diversity in our classrooms and the examination of issues on a global level. We have custom-designed immersion seminars for groups of international students.  International Students make up a large portion of our student body. 

 

Tracks

Please click on the photos or names of the tracks for more information.

Want to know what our Academic Interns do?