About Semester in Washington

The Semester in Washington (SIW) program, offered by GW’s College of Professional Studies and The Graduate School of Political Management, blends academic coursework with hands-on experiences in Washington, D.C. Through project-focused classes, professional internships and direct engagement with local and national institutions, students connect theory to practice.

In this semester-long program, you’ll live and study on GW's central campus in Foggy Bottom, an historic and vibrant community in Washington, D.C. Within walking distance of federal agencies, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, media outlets and community partners, D.C. becomes both your home and your classroom.

You’ll explore how decisions are made across sectors, how influence and power operate and how complex public challenges are addressed in practice. The program is designed to help students test career pathways, build professional skills and graduate with the confidence and experience that come from working in the place where policy, advocacy, and action intersect.
 

SIW is designed for students who want to learn through experience and develop their skills in real-world settings while earning academic credit towards their current degree. The SIW program is ideal for the following students:

• Advanced undergraduate students (30 credits or more) interested in career-readiness or preparing for graduate school;
• Recent college graduates interested in pursuing graduate school, earning academic credit during a gap year, or exploring other career options;
• Graduate students interested in sharpening high-demand professional skills;
• International students who already hold sponsorship from a US-based institution.

We welcome students from a wide range of majors and interests, including public policy, political science, communications, business, international affairs, law, homeland and cybersecurity and the social sciences. While students come to SIW with different experiences and skillsets, all our students share a desire to work on real challenges, engage with professionals and gain a deeper understanding of how organizations operate and advocate in Washington, D.C.

Whether you arrive with a clear career goal or are still discovering your path, SIW provides the structure, support, and experience to help you move forward with confidence. 

Join an upcoming information session to learn more about if SIW is the right fit for you, or check out what SIW alumni have to say about their experiences.