Washington, D.C

This program is open to all majors, all students, including those at UM-D and students who are enrolled at other Michigan Universities and out of state colleges.

What will I get out of it?

• We offer students the opportunity to intern in the nation's capitol so you can learn important skills and make contacts that will last a lifetime. The experience you gain from our program will help to open the doors as you compete for future employment and for admission to law and graduate school. In fact, our alumni network in Washington is a fabulous resource for former interns who wish to make a career shift and learn about ongoing opportunities in the beltway area.

Where would I intern?  What would I do?

• Washington, D.C. offers students a wealth of internship options from governmental agencies, embassies, lobby firms, political organizations, as well as congressional offices.
• Responsibilities of interns vary depending on the placement situation. Students work five days per week at organizations that have agreed to provide meaningful "hands-on" academic experiences. At these offices you will have such daily responsibilities as interviewing clients, researching proposals, drafting documents, attending meetings, and arranging presentations.
• Our capitol is fun to work in with easy Metrorail access to top-notch museums, the National Mall, sporting and entertainment events so that you will find a variety of activities no matter what your interests.
• Many organization require a background check for security purposes (e.g.  Department of Defense, State Department,...) so applicants need to submit their materials EARLY to avoid ineligibility.

How can I be sure this is right for me?

• Our office works with you to find the job that is right for YOUR goals and career path. We welcome all strong candidates to apply immediately so that there will be sufficient time to process security clearances for top level placements.
• Students earn six credit hours of upper-level political science credit upon successful completion of the program. Three credits are earned in the placement site and three credits are earned through a seminar class that is offered in the fall and winter semesters.
• Students must complete both components to earn credit
• .At the end of the summer you will have a portfolio of learning and important references which you can draw upon as you consider employment or application to law or graduate school.

What Does it Cost?

• To attend the Washington, D.C. program, you will be required to pay the $225 program cost as well as the six credit hours tuition, based upon your registration status as either a UM-D student, in-state resident, or out-of-state resident. Tuition rates are based upon the schedule listed in the University Announcement and described at UM-D Registration and Records website: www.umd.umich.edu/rr_tuition-fees/.
• Housing costs are a separate component.

How do I apply?

• All University of Michigan - Dearborn Public Affairs Interns are qualified undergraduates who have met program requirements. Decisions on acceptance into the program are based on academic record and recommendations.

Link to Application

Admission Checklist:

Completed application form
$50 Application Deposit (later to be applied to program costs)
One professional recommendation from a faculty member
Official transcript from current university

Non-UM-Dearborn students must be admitted as a guest student.  Please read the Admissions Office Requirements for guest students.  Information is available at: www.umd.umich.edu/admissions/guest.html

Complete a Michigan Uniform Undergraduate Guest Application.  This is available at: www.umd.umich.edu/pdfs/guest_app.pdf

You fill out PART I of the application and take it to the Registrar at your university where PART II will be completed, signed and sent to:

The University of Michigan-Dearborn
Admissions Office
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128

Contact us by phone, mail or online and complete the Washington, D.C. application form.  Return it along with a transcript and resume to our office at:

UM-D Public Affairs Program
Summer in Washington 2006
2145 Social Science Building
Dearborn, MI 48128

Have a faculty member send a letter of recommendation to our office.

Once accepted, pay tuition to the UM-D Cashiers Office based on your residency status.  MasterCard and VISA are accepted for tuition payments.  See the Cashiers website for these options at www.umd.umich.edu/univ/cashiers/payment_policy.htm

Checks and Money Orders should be sent to:

The University of Michigan-Dearborn
Cashiers/Students Accounts Office
1187 University Center
Dearborn, MI 48128

Where would I stay?

• Students in the Washington, D.C. Internship Program are housed through arrangements with George Washington University.  George Washington University is accessible to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station where there is easy access to placement organizations.
  
• The universities are  accessible to the metro station and there is easy access to restaurants, banks, supermarkets, shopping, and transportation.
• Housing costs for 2009 will be announced in February of 2009.
• LINK TO GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SUMMER HOUSING