I always had a penchant for politics, but I wasn’t always interested in getting directly involved. Friendly debates, engaging with the media, and showing up on Election Day were enough.  My undergraduate courses were spread pretty evenly between English literature, American studies, and architecture.  People and their environment were what interested me.

My Road to the DNC and Inauguration

Why Choose The Washington Center?

As a Washington Center faculty leader and an associate professor of political science, I am committed to exposing my students to experiential learning opportunities in government so that they can gain a more in-depth understanding of the political process. I believe that it is essential that students are exposed to politics and participate in experiential programs, as it adds to their knowledge of the subject matter and allows for meaningful dialogue in class discussions.

Impact of Faculty Leaders

During TWC's Inauguration Academic Seminar, faculty leaders play a large part in guiding and mentoring groups of students from all over the country during their experience in Washington, D.C. Ashley Pinney, faculty leader of Elon University's international fellows, reflects on her experience:

For over 400 students from 45 universities across the country and world, being in Washington, D.C. for the 57th Presidential Inauguration was a historic and exciting opportunity. These students, who arrived early to D.C., participated in a 10-day academic seminar running from January 12-22nd. Students kicked off the program with a tour of the city, where they had the opportunity to see monuments, museums and learn about the city’s rich history. Starting off the week with a historic tour allowed students to get acquainted with the nation's capital.

Students from Francis Marion University met with Congressman Tom Rice of South Carolina. After his staff treated the group to pitchers of southern sweet tea, Inauguration academic seminar attendees met the Congressman outside the floor of the House, where he shared career advice and his past professional experience leading up to his current position serving in Congress.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars Hosts Presidential Inauguration Seminar

WASHINGTON, DC – January 14, 2013 – Over 400 college students from across the country descended on the nation’s capital this week to attend The Washington Center’s Inauguration Seminar. As part of a two-week program, students and faculty will participate in a series of discussions, site visits and guest lectures that will culminate in attending public inauguration events and swearing-in ceremony.

12 young and promising Korean students from Seoul National University (SNU) met with leaders in the Korean-American community during the 2012 Global Talent Program's networking reception. Guests included Mr. Soon Koo Yoon, Consul General from the Korean Embassy, who was the featured keynote speaker of the night.

Over 450 students, who came from across the U.S. and over 17 countries, celebrated the completion of their academic internship program this fall during an hour-long commencement ceremony at the Blinken Auditorium. Students, staff members and alumni gathered to reminisce about achievements and memories made since fall interns arrived at the end of the summer.

TWC Welcomes Back Two-Time Alumnus, Jay Warren

When Amélie Godefroid first arrived in Washington from Kortrijk, Belgium, she remembers being shocked by the number of homeless people she saw on the streets. “Homelessness is much more hidden in Belgium,” she observed. “I wanted to join the Homelessness Civic Engagement Project to learn about homelessness in the U.S., and to become an advocate for homeless children.”