Inside Washington Seminar
Join TWC for an evaluation of the political, media and cultural landscapes leading into the upcoming presidential election.
The 2020 general election promises to be momentous. Control of the executive and legislative branches of government will be contested in 2020 and primary season for presidential contenders will be less than a month away when Inside Washington kicks off. The quadrennial election of a president is a rare occurrence during your college career. This is your chance to witness this moment in person.
This seminar brings you into the nation’s capital and up-close to the powerful politicos, reporters, and campaign strategists who share insights and expertise into how the presidential race will develop. Inside Washington is an extraordinary opportunity to build and expand your professional network as the presidential election cycle commences.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in this seminar, you must meet following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or have graduated within the last 18 months.
- Be in good standing at your college or university.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students with lower GPAs may be considered.
- Get approval from your campus liaison or a faculty sponsor* (this applies to all undergraduates and any graduate students seeking credit).
- Commit to fully participate in the program and complete all assignments.
*If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty sponsor, email info@twc.edu.
Seminar Components
Speakers
You’ll hear from and engage with some of the most distinguished speakers and public figures in D.C. Past speakers include NBC's Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and White House Correspondent April Ryan.
Site Visits
We'll help you explore Washington, D.C. like no tourist ever could, taking you into government agencies, think tanks, embassies, media outlets and more all around the city. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how our nation’s capital works. In the past we've taken groups to the Cato Institute, Voice of America, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and various politically-focused organizations.
Small Group Sessions
Faculty from all over the country lead these sessions allowing for candid give-and-take discussions to help you digest the information you've heard throughout the day. We encourage respectful debate and foster an open environment where you can confidently express your thoughts without fear.
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Seminar Cost
The cost of the seminar is $2,395, which includes complimentary housing. Many of our participants come as part of a group with their home institutions and billing arrangements vary from school to school. If you are participating in a group, you will need to confirm your actual cost of attendance with your campus liaison or faculty sponsor. If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty sponsor, email info@twc.edu.
Housing and Living
During this seminar, you'll be living in NoMa, one of the coolest and 'most connected' neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. You'll be in the middle of it all with easy access wherever you need to go.
Want to learn all about TWC housing, the community and the neighborhood? Check out our Housing page below.
Housing
Most participants share a 2-bedroom/2-bath apartment with three other participants in our modern academic and residential building. We'll provide everything you need, most of what you'll want and even some perks you might not have expected.
Each apartment is fully furnished and includes:
- a full dining set (pots, pans, dishes, silverware, coffee maker and toaster)
- refrigerator
- microwave
- dishwasher
- iron and ironing board
- vacuum cleaner
- mop and broom
- washer and dryer
- wi-fi and cable
What to Pack
As you are packing, please be aware that linens will be provided for seminar participants. The linen package includes a bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth, sheets, a blanket and pillow. If you tend to get cold at night, we encourage you to bring an extra blanket. Please be prepared to pack the following:
- personal toiletries
- government-issued ID card
- small folding umbrella
- business professional attire for academic sessions and site visits
- casual attire for evenings and weekends
- notebook and pens
- clothes hangers
Student Services
We give you your space, but we don't leave you totally on your own. Our student services team and alumni mentors make sure you have the support you need, any time day or night. And our disability services staff ensures that every student has the tools they need to live comfortably, complete assignments and succeed in their work.
Academic Credit
This seminar is designed to qualify for academic credit at many colleges and universities. However, credits are determined and awarded by each university. TWC does not grant credit. You are responsible for arranging any academic credit through your college or university. If you are participating in a group with your university, please consult with your faculty advisor about your particular credit arrangements.
Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 6, 2019
- Check-In: Sunday, January 5, 2020
- Seminar Begins: Monday, January 6, 2020
- Seminar Ends: Friday, January 17, 2020
- Check-Out: Saturday, January 18, 2020
How to Apply
Start and submit the online application by clicking the button below. You are required to submit a $500 deposit along with your application. This deposit is applied towards the seminar fee and can only be refunded if you are not accepted into the program.
If you're not quite ready to apply, fill out our request for information below.
Seminar Faculty
Faculty members have the opportunity to lead their students through a transformational and once-in-a-lifetime learning experience by applying to be a faculty leader. Throughout the academic seminar, faculty leaders work with a group of 6 to 15 students as they participate in program activities. During the academic seminar, faculty leaders will:
- Attend all program sessions
- Meet with students for group discussion and instruction
- Accompany the students on site visits to embassies, think tanks and other organizations in D.C.
- Read students’ written work and evaluate their academic and professional performance
- Recommend a grade for each student at the end of the program
Faculty members who have 6 or more students attending the academic seminar are guaranteed a position as a faculty leader. If you are interested in applying to be a faculty leader, fill out this form for more information.
Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If your plans change and you wish to withdraw your application, you must send an email to info@twc.edu notifying The Washington Center of your decision. TWC will confirm your withdrawal via email once it has been processed. Please review the following policies:
If you are paying for your participation in the seminar, and:
- you have paid your seminar fee and withdraw 30 (or more) calendar days before the start of the seminar, you will receive a full refund, minus the $500 nonrefundable deposit. Your $500 deposit may be applied to another TWC program within the next two years.
- you withdraw fewer than 30 days before the start of the seminar, you are responsible for the entire seminar fee. You may appeal this charge, if your decision to withdraw is the result of a documented personal or family emergency. Appeals are only granted in unique circumstances.
If your school is paying for your participation in the seminar:
- you should immediately notify your faculty leader (along with TWC) of your intent to withdraw.
- your faculty leader will help you determine whether you are financially responsible for the cost of the seminar.