Washington Semester and World Capital Programs
American University
Phone: (800) 424-2600 Toll Free or (202) 895-4900
Fax: (202) 895-4960
Email: washsem@american.edu Website: http://www.american.edu/washingtonsemester/

Where?
Washington, DC is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. It's a town that never stops buzzing with activity, a cultural center that impresses people with its beauty, and the focal point of politics and government in the United States. In the evenings and on weekends you will have time to enjoy the sights of Washington, many of which are free of charge. They include the monuments on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, the National Zoo, and National Gallery of Art; cultural activities at the Kennedy Center and around the city; and lectures given by nationally and internationally known figures. For those people that enjoy the outdoors, there are bike trails and parks, as well as the Mall.

The Academic Program
The Washington Semester Program was established in 1947 and hosts each semester more than 450 students, who come from every state and from more than 50 countries. The program offers tracks in several distinct areas: American politics; public law; justice; foreign policy; peace and conflict resolution; international business and trade; economic policy; journalism; international environment and development; the arts; education policy and special education; transforming communities; and women and public policy.

Each track consists of an 8-credit seminar (two courses), a 4-credit internship and a 4-credit research project. This allows the students to gain experience in their field and also build contacts for networking once they have graduated. In addition, students participating in specific programs may take national and international trips. For example, International Environment and Development semesters have offered 3-week visits to South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Costa Rica; the Peace and Conflict Resolution program includes a trip to Ireland/ Northern Ireland or the Balkans; and the Arts track takes students to New York City for 3 days. These expeditions are invaluable experiences where students learn to apply ideas they have discussed throughout the semester and have the opportunity to travel to unique places.

Eligibility
The program is open to students who are at least first semester juniors. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to participate. Students are also required to have taken an introductory course within the area that they intend to study.

Application Process
Allegheny students must first be approved to study off-campus before applying to their chosen program. Deadlines to submit the approval packet are February 20 for the fall program and September 20 for the spring program. Approval packets submitted prior to the deadline will be reviewed upon submission. Stop by Reis Hall to pickup the guidelines or access the information on the web at http://www.allegheny.edu/accel/international/studies/guidelines.php.

Student Life
While studying in Washington, D.C., students live in modern residence halls on American University's Tenley Campus. This campus is located in upper northwest Washington, next door to homes of senators and other dignitaries. The campus is only one block away from the Metro, the subway system that serves Washington. There is also a shuttle bus operated by American University between the dorms to the main campus. While in the Washington Semester Program, students eat at the American University dining halls. A variety of meal plans are offered to students at the Tenley Campus and at the University's other dining areas.

Costs
Students are charged Allegheny tuition, fees (including $300 off-campus fee), double room fees and board (Plan C or the equivalent of 20 meals/week). These fees cover a triple room on the Washington Semester program, and "150 block + $300 EagleBucks" meal plan. Allegheny financial aid, except work/study, is applied to program costs. Allegheny student health insurance is valid on the program, although it may need to be supplemented to meet American University requirements. Additional costs include transportation to Washington, D.C., local transportation, additional meals, personal expenses, health insurance as necessary. If you enroll in a track that entails trips outside of Washington, D.C., whether domestic or international, you will be responsible for all costs associated with the trip. Allegheny students do not have to pay the $200 acceptance deposit requested by the program.

International Office o Reis Hall 200 o (814) 332-4891