Our Partners

Washington Monument overlooking cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin

Study Away...in DC

The Washington Semester Program can provide your upper division students an outstanding global perspective and experience in DC.

WSP is offering several seminars with an international focus and a professional internship experience to advance your students’ international language, culture, or policy studies. Spring seminar topics include perspectives on international peace and security, global politics, global communications, international law, and economic policy. Just a few examples of internships for students looking for an international experience include: the Wilson Center, the UN Foundation, the Spanish Embassy, the French American Chamber of Commerce, American Foreign Service Association, and USAID.

Opportunities for Student Growth

WSP continues to provide opportunities for student growth.

With our new flexible approach, students can choose which academic and program components they like (with your approval).

Academic Seminars

  • Our seminar faculty can tailor the courses with individual assignments to accommodate students’ academic focus and to align with our traditional seminar offerings.
  • Students may choose to enroll in an AU elective or online course from your institution during their WSP semester.

Credits: Our flexible approach to WSP allows students to curate their WSP experience with a flexible number of credits, ranging from 8 to 15.

Internships: Whether your students are in-person in DC, tele-interning from home, or a hybrid of both, we have internships with renowned DC institutions. Students will make connections with employers, classmates, and colleagues to build their professional work experience and network, helping them launch their future careers.

Housing and Student Services: TurnKey Housing Solutions is providing state-of-the-art housing options for students wishing to experience living in DC for a semester, either in the heart of the District or near our campus – at double occupancy rates comparable to AU housing rates. No matter what their housing choice, all University student and academic support continues to be available for WSP students.

As a partner school, our aim is to support your efforts to inform students about a Washington Semester opportunity through their home institution. Below, you’ll find some digital collateral created to assist you.

Partner Program Video

1:40

Learn more about the Washington Semester Program from Director of Partner Relations, Terrell Austin.

Contact Info
Terrell Austin
Director of Partner Relations
taustin@american.edu
(202) 895-4869

Gap Semester for Spring Admitted Students

Many colleges and universities offer international programs to spring admitted students the fall term. For the past six years, American University has offered first year students AU Gap Program centered around an internship and seminar modelled on the WSP program.

If you have spring admitted students, we invite them to apply individually for our Gap Program. If you are committed to send a cohort of 5 or more students, we can customize the program to meet your institutional needs and offer additional credits. Consistent with our WSP commitment, we will not allow your student to apply for admission to American University for 18 months after enrollment in Gap.

Video Testimonials

Selected
Alumni & Students
Internship Supervisors
WSP Experience

Meet Kaycie Goral, a Washington Semester student interning at NPR's coveted radio show 1A. 

Watch Video

WSP Expert

Alum Dr. Steven Cook says his WSP experience set him up for success in the world of foreign policy.

Watch Video

WSP Alum

Washington Semester alum Kami Simmons is headed straight to the top in the world of broadcast journalism.

Watch Video

The NAACP Team

NACCP Director Hilary Shelton says WSP interns become internal organizational experts by providing critical analysis and attending hearings.

The Washington Ballet

Marketing Manager Christy Noonan empowers her WSP interns with the tools and creativity to succeed.

175

U.S. and international partners

3,000

internship organizations

Over 75

years of experience