Where Will You Intern? Washington Semester Program

Summer Application Deadline: Friday, March 31 Wondering about internship success, housing, tuition, scholarships & more? Register for Thursday's info session to get the A to Z's of what it's like to intern, live and have fun in DC!

DC is Our Classroom

With over 75 years of experience, American University’s Washington Semester Program has enabled more than 50,000 students from hundreds of domestic and international universities to live, work, and study in Washington, DC. Often credited with establishing the first DC internships for undergraduate students, the Washington Semester Program (WSP) allows students to earn American University academic credit that can count towards the requirements of their home school degrees. 

The WSP motto “DC Is Our Classroom” highlights the unique value of the program: combining coursework from a nationally ranked university, experiential learning through topical seminars with structured and supervised internships at some of DC’s most dynamic institutions. The 3 days-a-week internship, program-specific seminars, and AU elective courses allow students to earn from 8 to 16 credits.

Students study at AU for the fall, spring or summer semesters and enjoy the services and benefits of full-time AU students. Additionally, students learn from experienced AU faculty and are supported by dedicated program administrators and academic advisors. Students can participate in many of AU’s hundreds of clubs and activities and immerse themselves in the richly diverse campus community.  

We Support You Every Step of the Way!

Upcoming Events

Live & Interactive

Express Info Sessions &
Free Internship Success Workshops

Workshop Topics:

  • How to Write a Knockout Resume
  • Secrets of Internship Success
  • Interview Like a Pro
  • and More!

See This Week's Events

What's it like to intern in DC?

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Meet Washington Semester student Kaycie Goral who is interning for the NPR show 1A.

Internship Supervisors Say WSP Interns Shine!

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Emira Woods, Senior Adviser at Shine Campaign pays tribute to her WSP intern.

Get to Know More About Us

Washington Semester Intern Ariana Hooks

How I Landed a Job at My Internship

WSP Intern Ariana Hooks shares insights on how to land a job at your internship.

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President Joe Biden taking selfie with Washington Semester Students

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Go behind the scenes with Washington Semester Program students, past and present!

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English as a Second Language students in class

International Students

Improve your English skills before joining the Washington Semester Program!

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