Washington D.C. Global Leadership Forum

Washington D.C. Global Leadership Forum

Why you should apply

The D.C. Global Leadership Forum gives Indiana University students a unique opportunity to work and learn in Washington, D.C., gaining direct exposure to government agencies, global institutions, think tanks, and policy leaders. If you want a career in international affairs, public policy, global business, or related fields — this puts you at the heart of decision-making. The program offers flexible terms (Fall, Spring, or Summer) so you can pick what fits your degree path and timeline.

How to Apply

Apply now to join —undergraduate, masters, and PhD students are welcome. The application deadlines are:

  • Summer Program: February 15
  • Fall Semester: March 15 
  • Spring Semester: October 15 

Apply now

Submit your resume, cover letter, and a short essay. You’ll learn about acceptance, housing, and internship placement if selected within two weeks of the deadline.

Program Details

Fall & Spring Semesters 

  • Enroll in four IU/HLS courses taught by IU faculty and practitioner instructors based in D.C.
  • Earn IU credit while living in Washington, D.C.
  • Combine coursework with internships, practicums, or other professional engagements. 

Courses offered currently include:  

  • INTL-I426/I524 – Applied Policy Skills for DC
  • INTL-I300/500 – Policy Writing and Global Affairs
  • INTL-I300/500 – U.S. Foreign Policy
  • INTL-I310/510 – International Security
  • Optional: SGIS-X373: Practicum Experience OR SGIS-S 300: Diplomacy Lab
  • One credit DC Preparation course 

Summer Program 

  • This is a non-credit professional immersion where you live and intern/work in DC.
  • Participants attend high-level policy discussions, site visits to agencies, embassies, think tanks, and networking events with leaders from government, diplomacy, and global affairs. 

Costs & Housing

Tuition / Program Fees 

  • Fall / Spring: Standard IU tuition applies, plus housing costs in D.C. (housing is billed directly through the IU Bursar). Please check with the Bursar’s office to verify if your scholarships transfer.
  • Summer: Program fee of $1,500; housing, meals, and personal expenses are additional. 

Housing & Amenities (at 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC) 

  • Fall / Spring: $1,500 per month for a single room, or $750 per month for a double
  • Summer: $1,250 per month for a single room, or $625 per month for a double 

Included amenities: utilities; kitchenette (fridge, microwave, air-fryer); laundry; communal lounge; free Wi-Fi; on-site classroom and meeting rooms; access to local fitness facilities; 24-hour security; bedding provided (students bring towels and personal items). 

Housing will be billed through the IU Bursar system — same as tuition.  

*Course offerings, fees, and housing rates are subject to change.

Estimated Costs & Budget

We know budgeting is a critical part of deciding whether to join the D.C. Global Leadership Forum. Below you’ll find a realistic breakdown of what a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. might cost compared with a regular IU term. These estimates cover tuition, housing, program fees, and living expenses. Use them to plan ahead — and to compare more easily with staying on campus or elsewhere. 

Use the table below for planning. All numbers are approximate. Tuition, fees, courses, and housing rates may change — always check the latest IU and program data. 

 

Fall / Spring Semester (D.C.) 

Summer Program (D.C.) 

Tuition & Fees 

Same as regular IU tuition/fees — residents and non-residents pay their standard rates. See IU’s Cost of Attendance page for current rates. Student Central+1 

No IU tuition. Only the program participation fee applies. 

Program / Participation Fee 

None (standard tuition covers coursework) 

$1,500 program fee 

Housing (billed via IU Bursar, location: 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.) 

$1,500/month for a single room, or $750/month for a double room 

$1,250/month for single, or $625/month for double 

Living costs (food, utilities, transit, personal, etc.) 

Varies by student lifestyle — must budget separately 

Varies by student lifestyle — must budget separately 

Tuition, fees, course offerings, and housing rates are subject to change. Housing is subject to availability.

  • Housing (single): $1,500 × 4 = $6,000
  • Living expenses (food, transit, personal, etc.): assume $1,200–$1,800/month → $4,800–$7,200
  • Total extra costs (housing + living): approx. $10,800–$13,200 on top of regular IU tuition/fees
  • Program fee: $1,500
  • Housing (single): $1,250 × 3 = $3,750
  • Living expenses (food, transit, personal, etc.): assume $1,200–$1,800/month → $3,600–$5,400
  • Total Summer cost: approx. $6,850–$8,650 (depending on lifestyle and housing choice)
  • Tuition and fees are identical to what you pay at campus — no premium simply for being in D.C.
  • Housing is billed through the IU Bursar, so payment is integrated with your regular student billing.
  • Living in D.C. offers access to internships, networking, and professional opportunities — a value that goes beyond mere cost.
  • You can choose shared (double) housing or short-stay housing to reduce costs if your budget is tight. 

Internship Support & Guidance

Internships are required (or strongly encouraged) for Fall/Spring participation and highly recommended for Summer. They allow you to get on-the-ground experience, build networks, and maximize the value of your time in D.C. 

Sample internship resources based in Washington, D.C.: 

Start early. Many internships have competitive applications, specific eligibility (e.g., U.S. work authorization and please keep in mind that government internships often require applications 8 months to a year ahead of time), and limited slots.  

Scholarships & Funding Support 

We encourage participants to explore IU-wide funding and internship-support scholarships — especially if your placement is unpaid or if living costs in D.C. are high. It is possible your standard IU scholarships and financial aid apply, please discuss your finances with the Bursar office or scholarship provider. Students can also apply for experiential learning and internship-specific funding through IU scholarship portals.  

Student Impact & Outcomes

The Forum has helped students move into diplomacy, public service, global business, consulting, international development, and policy analysis. Through academic coursework, internship placements, and exposure to D.C.’s policy environment, participants build valuable skills, networks, and credentials for a global-affairs career. 

Read how students are making an impact. 

Read how students are gaining global connections through the program. 

Leadership Team 

Academic Director — Ambassador Lee Feinstein 
 Founding Dean of the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and President of McLarty Associates. Leads the academic and strategic direction of the program.

Program Manager — Katherine Ntiamoah 
 Director for Policy Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. Oversees program operations, student support, housing, and partner relations.

Program Assistant — Ana Caballero 
 Supports student success, communications, and day-to-day operations of the Forum.

Participants in the summer 2024 D.C. Global Leadership Forum visited Senator Todd Young's D.C. office.
Naomi Kikoler, director of the Simon Skjodt Center, led the D.C. Global Leadership Forum participants through the Burma's Path to Genocide exhibit that she and her staff designed.
D.C. Global Leadership Forum participants visited the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington D.C. to meet with Ambassador Oksana Markarova
D.C. Global Leadership Forum visited the White House.

Contact

For questions, housing logistics, funding, application support, or general inquiries: 
Katherine Ntiamoah — kntiamoa@iu.edu