You are here: American University Provost Office of Global and Immersive Studies Washington Semester Program International Student Admissions
Contact Us
International applicants must attend a Washington Semester partner school. To check if your home school is a partner, please email us at washsem@american.edu.
Fall and Spring Requirements
Dates & Deadlines
Admission is on a rolling basis. Apply early for better access to competitive internships and housing.
Spring 2023
- October 1, 2022
- Priority Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support - October 15, 2022
- Final Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support - December 1, 2022
- Final Deposit Deadline
- January 11, 2023
- Program Start Date
- May 10, 2023
- Program End Date
Fall 2023
- March 15, 2023
- Priority Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support - May 1, 2023
- Final Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support - May 15, 2023
- Final Deposit Deadline
- August 28, 2023
- Program Start Date
- December 8, 2023
- Program End Date
Spring 2024
- September 1, 2023
- Priority Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support - September 30, 2023
- Final Application Deadline
for International Applicants who require J-1 visa support - October 15, 2023
- Final Deposit Deadline
- January 16, 2024
- Program Start Date
- April 29, 2024
- Program End Date
*Should an international student be unable to move forward with obtaining their visa due to COVID-19, restrictions on international travel, or domestic immigration policy, the WSP team will fully refund that student's deposit and program fees that have been paid.
**WSP respects each partner’s home school deadline. Partner universities should consult with Terrell Austin tausin@american.edu to review special circumstances.
Before You Apply
- Contact your home school’s WSP partner representative to discuss your program options - Washington Semester credit-bearing program or the non-credit program. If you select the non-credit program, work with your school representatives to understand how your university will count the Washington Semester non-credit program on your home school transcript or mark sheet.
- Your partner representative will explain the application requirements to apply to the Washington Semester Program. Complete your home school’s requirements.
How to Apply
- Once you have completed your home school requirements, create an account.
- Apply to the correct program. If you want the non-credit program, select: Washington Semester Program International Non-Credit. For the credit bearing program, select Washington Semester Program International. Please use care in deciding and selecting between the credit bearing and non-credit programs. We cannot change your program after an offer of admission is extended.
- After you have created an account, complete the application.
- After you have submitted the first portion of your application, you must return to your account and complete supplemental items (once you refresh the page, supplemental items should be an option).
Note: Your application will not be considered until you have submitted the required supplemental items.
Supplemental Items
- Official university transcript
- Nomination from your home school - noting if you have been approved for the credit bearing or non-credit program option
- Unofficial copy of proof of English Fluency
Minimum scores for admission to the Washington Semester Program are:
- Paper Based TOEFL
- 550
- Internet Based TOEFL
- 85 (Minimum of 20 on Speaking & Listening)
- IELTS
- 6.5(Minimum of 6 on subsections)
- PTE
- 59
- CEFR
- B-2
- Duolingo
- 115 (105 on subscores)
If you do not meet the above-noted minimum scores, you have the option to in the English Training Language Academy (ELTA) for one semester prior to joining WSP. Upon successful completion of ELTA, you will progress to WSP. To qualify for ELTA, your minimum scores must be:
- Internet Based TOEFL
- 75
- IELTS
- 6.0
- PTE
- 50
Please submit all supplemental items electronically (upload with your application). Your certified electronic transcript should be sent to ogisdocuments@american.edu through your home institution. If your institution cannot issue an electronic copy, please let us know at washsem@american.edu.
Please reach out if you are unable to submit any of your documents electronically.
Immigration
The Washington Semester Program helps international students every step of the way in applying for a J-1 visa. Please visit International Student and Scholar Services for more information on immigration and international student life at American University.
Summer Requirements
Currently, Washington Semester does not sponsor visas for students in the summer program.