Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Questions
Why the Washington Internship Institute? What sets your program apart?
Our program offers a personalized approach to internship placement. As soon as you are accepted to our program, we work with you one-on-one to identify internship sites that align with your interests and for which you will be a competitive applicant. We want to make sure that you have an internship where you will be challenged and learn as much as possible. We believe that these experiential, off-campus experiences, set you up for maximum success post-graduation. In addition to the internship experience, you also get to spend a semester living in our Nation’s Capital, which is a unique experience in and of itself.
What is my schedule like in the program?
You will have a full-time internship that you attend 4 days each week and 1 day each week you will take two academic classes. Class days are typically mid-week. Any time outside of this schedule is your own to do assignments and explore the city. We offer several group activities throughout the semester as well.
How long is the summer semester?
10 weeks in the summer and 15 weeks in the Spring/Fall.
Are scholarships available?
We offer some smaller need-based scholarships you can apply for in the fall and spring. Scholarship recipients are determined using financial aid documents submitted during the application process. Additionally, we have a Working Student Support Award Scholarship which is awarded to two students each fall and spring who work at least 10 hours a week while going to school and submit the required documents. You must apply for scholarships to be considered. Regrettably, we do not offer scholarships for the summer program.
Can I do the program after I graduate?
Recent graduates (from an undergraduate program) are eligible for our program up to a year after graduation. You must begin the program within that year. Because you are no longer a student, you will not earn credit for our program or be able to use financial aid. You can still apply for our small need-based scholarships in the fall and spring. The arrangements for recent graduates are slightly different:
Recent graduates pay a non-refundable registration deposit of $1,000 (rather than $500) upon acceptance.
Recent graduates may audit the classes on a space-available basis.
Recent graduates pay to WII the program fee, housing fee, and housing deposit listed on WII’s website in a series of non-refundable installments prior to the beginning of the program.
How many students are in the program each semester?
We typically have about 20-40 students per semester. Classes are about 10-20 students. Small program and class sizes allow for a highly personalized experience. Additionally, we work with other DC programs to arrange networking and social events for our students to interact with other student interns that come from colleges all over the country.
Do you accept graduate students (Master’s, PhD)?
Unfortunately we do not accept graduate students.
Are international students eligible for the program?
If you are an international student currently attending a college or university in the United States on an F-1 visa (particularly if you attend one of our partner institutions), you can apply and attend our program as normal. Please note that internships within the federal government do usually require students to be US citizens. We no longer sponsor J-1 exchange visitor visas for students studying outside the United States.
Internship Placement Questions
Do you just place me in the internship?
No. We provide thorough guidance in developing and reviewing your application materials (resumes, cover letters, writing samples), interview prep, and professional development support throughout the process, but you are responsible for applying and interviewing for internships. The more work you put into the process, the more opportunities that will be available to you. We are here to support and encourage you through the process.
When does the placement process start? Do I have an internship when I arrive in DC?
We begin the internship placement process with you as soon as you are accepted into the program. We strongly encourage students to work with us regularly 4-6 months before arriving in DC. Although our application deadline is in advance of many internship sites’ deadlines, the earlier you apply to us, the more opportunities that will be available to you. It is always our goal to have you placed in an internship before you arrive, however it is not uncommon for students to move-in without one or to be in the process of interviewing at move-in. This is typically due to factors out of our control and dependent upon each internship sites’ interview processes. We work with you one-on-one UNTIL you have an internship. The more communicative/responsive you are with us throughout the internship placement process, the more opportunities will be available to you.
If you have interest in a “high-profile internship,” particularly something in the federal government that might require background checks, those applications commonly open 9-12 months in advance. If that is the case, you should plan ahead and apply to and start working with us as soon as possible so we can help get your application materials in shape before deadlines pass.
What if there’s one place I already know I want to intern?
We don’t recommend putting all your internship eggs in one basket. While we can help you find a great internship within your interest area, we can’t guarantee an internship at any one place. Coming into the internship placement process with an open mind is the best recipe for success in our program. We listen to you and your interests in order to compile a personalized list of places to apply where you will be a competitive applicant and gain valuable experience.
Are internships paid?
Internships in DC are mostly unpaid, but this is specific to your internship site. You will be paid if your internship site pays its interns. Some internship sites offer financial assistance through hourly or monthly wages or transportation stipends to offset costs. While students have definitely had paid internships, it is not something we can guarantee.
Student Life & Pre-Arrival Questions
What should I pack for my semester?
Business professional attire appropriate for an office environment, site visits, and events (we encourage students to talk with their internship supervisor about office dress code before arriving in DC)
Casual clothing and good walking shoes (you’ll do lots of walking in the city!)
Bedding for a regular-size twin bed (pillows, sheets, comforter, blankets, etc.)
Bathroom towels
Personal toiletry items
Your DC semester will require a variety of clothing for different occasions depending on the season. Washington weather is often unpredictable, so be prepared for a variety of conditions.
Does my apartment have a full kitchen? Do I need housewares?
Yes! Kitchens are absolutely included! We have fully furnished 2 bed 2 bath apartments in the Court House neighborhood of Arlington, VA. They are not dorm style-- this is a real apartment building and while you live in our apartments with other students in the program, your neighbors in the building are "real-life people" as we like to call them. Each unit has a washer/dryer, furniture, basic kitchenware, and internet included. You will, however, need to provide your own linens (pillows, sheets, blankets, etc.) and towels.
Do I have to live in WII’s housing during my semester?
Housing is a required piece of our study-away program. We believe that students benefit from learning to live with other students who come from all different backgrounds and experiences. Having roommates allows students to foster a sense of community with their WII cohort and teaches important life skills like compromise and communication.
WII’s apartments are two bedroom, two bathroom layouts accommodating four students each. There are no single rooms available. Students who have a medical or personal reason to do so, may apply for a housing exemption at the time of their application. Students that require a medical single and plan to seek out housing in DC that can accommodate this need, will be required to provide WII with documentation of their campus-approved medical housing accommodations as part of the application process. Students requesting an exemption to live with local family or friends for the semester will be required to provide WII with their local address at the time of application. Housing commitments are binding. Changes made to a student’s housing commitment before the application deadline may result in a $500 cancellation fee. There are no changes to the housing commitment after the application deadline has passed.
Can I bring a car?
We strongly encourage students to refrain from bringing cars to their DC semester as parking throughout the area is very expensive and traffic can be heavy. Public transportation throughout the DC area is very accessible and far more affordable-- it is safe, clean, and there are a number of Metrorail stations and bus lines within a 10-minute walk of our apartment building and downtown office. Students learn to navigate the system quickly and rarely have difficulty getting to their internship or around the city. You are permitted to bring a vehicle if you choose (pending space availability), however there is a significant extra cost associated with this.
Is DC safe?
Most of Washington is very safe. In particular, the neighborhood where you will be living (Court House in Arlington, VA) is among the safer areas in the region, as is the nearby Metro line. Like any other large city, some areas may be considered less safe than others, particularly at night. During orientation, we will help you become familiar with different sections of the city.
