Understanding TWC's Intern Program

Step-by-Step Internship Summary

Questions about The Washington Center

1. Complete our Request for Information form to receive updates on our programs and deadlines.
   
   
2. Email us at info@twc.edu or call 202-336-7600 (toll free: 800-486-8921).
   
   
3. Contact studentsinfo on AOL Instant Messenger between 1-4 p.m. on weekdays.
   
   
4. Speak with your campus liaison or sponsor.
   
   
5. Talk to your institution's financial aid office about your options.

Application Process

A completed application consists of several components including essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts and the endorsement of your liaison or campus sponsor (unless you’re applying for the Postgraduate Professional Development Program).

Detailed instructions can be found in our application, which you can complete in two ways:

Some select programs may require use of either the online or hard copy application - feel free to ask if you have questions.

Components Include:

• Application form with personal / academic information and program/interest area selections
• Resume
• Internship Request Statement
• Issues Essay
• Transcripts
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (a third is required if student has below 2.75 GPA)
• Application fee ($60 for students attending through U.S. institutions, $125 for international students who will need a J-1 Visa)
• Approval of campus liaison/sponsor (not required for Postgraduate Professional Development Program applicants)

Please note that some programs (including the Sophomore Exploration Program) require a phone interview with a Washington Center staff member and others may request an additional essay. Application components for intern abroad, seminars and selected federal programs vary. Some samples are found here

Acceptance Process

1. You will be notified via email that your application has been received. Feel free to contact us at info@twc.edu to see if all components have been received or to check on your status.
   
2. You will receive notification of acceptance within 4 weeks after all parts of the application have arrived. Please note, in most cases you will be notified sooner. First we will send you an email, and then a hard copy letter will be mailed to your permanent address.

Placement Process

1. Upon acceptance you will be assigned a program advisor who will serve as your Washington Center contact and who will assist you in the placement process.
   
2. Your program advisor will forward your application materials to potential placement sites. If the agency is interested, you will be contacted for a phone interview.
   
3. If the agency determines you would be an appropriate match for their organization based on their needs, and your interests and abilities, you will be offered the internship. You should discuss all offers with your program advisor.
   

Washington, D.C. Internship Programs

Most of our programs in the nation’s capital consist of the following parts:

1. An orientation where you will meet your program advisor and other interns
2. The internship: 4 or 4 ½ days per week
3. An academic course (all interns, except those in the Postgraduate Professional Program are required to attend)
4. Participation in the Leadership Forum
5. Small group meetings and other activities planned by your program advisor and other Washington Center staff
6. Service learning project
7. Completion of a portfolio (detailed explanation of all required components will be provided by your program advisor during orientation)

Evaluation Process

All interns (except those in the Postgraduate Professional Development Program) receive three recommended grades which are sent to your campus liaison or sponsor:

1. Final Agency Evaluation
   
2. Final Program Advisor Evaluation
   
3. Final Course Grade

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