Our DC Global Policy Program for graduate and PhD students offers unparalleled opportunities for direct experience through internships with agencies, NGOs and advocacy groups, private corporations, and governmental sites, all set in the backdrop of our nation’s capital city.
Study away in historic Washington, D.C., where government, policy, and global leadership converge at the heart of the nation.
Washington, D.C. offers unmatched access to leading organizations across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. This program is designed for graduate students who want to move beyond theory and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, professionally relevant environment.
Description of the video:
Hello, my name is Jose Alasapa Caballero, and I spent a semester in Washington, DC. I was able to participate in a forum with Professor Lee Feinstein, as well as other students from across campus at IU, to network with leaders in governance and policy and in leadership roles here in the United States and dealing with international affairs. The typical day for me during the forum was start doing readings during the week, and then on Tuesdays and Thursdays, going in the afternoons to the IU building in Washington, DC and meeting up with the other students in the forum and Dr. Feinstein. Um, the first of the two days, we would meet with a connection that Dr. Feinstein would bring, and we would be able to network and ask them questions and establish our connections to IU's presence in DC. I would say my highlight would be being able to do an internship as well as the forum. It gives you the ability to be in an internship while at the same time, as well as connecting with Indiana's former representative and current senator, as well as Mr. Todd Young. I think being, in a sense, at the table and in the room and having that ability to speak with these high-level bureaucrats and policy makers from the US and being able to speak our minds and conversate with them and ask them questions of what we were thinking about was a great experience to have, to put ourselves out there and to see how we are in a high-level setting, as well as to make ourselves known. Definitely say that it's a different experience being here in Bloomington, a college town, and then going to Washington, DC, the, you know, the capital of the US and also the hub of politics. Bloomington is very much accommodated for students living and making up the whole town, whereas Washington, DC had that infrastructure, but- It was more so you being a part of the political behemoth that it is, and just being at the heart of it all. What I most enjoyed about the whole experience and the program, as well as being in Washington, D.C., was both getting to know the city itself, but also on the other side of things, being with other students from all of IU campus, not just Hamilton Lugar, but also business students and more art students, and hearing their perspectives and being able to establish connections and friendships with them from then on. On a more personal side, it was great to have that close-knit group of people. The first couple weeks it was more so getting to know each other, but by the end we were hanging out after the forum and going to places together in D.C., museums, out to dinner, exploring the city at night. Those who had gone before helping those who were new to the city, and just being a true cohesive group after the professional side of things were over, and that's one of the benefits of the semester in D.C. If you're seeing this video, it's your sign to apply.
Our DC program is where graduate professional students across backgrounds and interests explore international dimensions of public affairs. For example, M.I.A. students can work toward their degree requirements while gaining valuable experience through our extensive network of internship opportunities.
Housing Information
By participating in the program, full-time enrolled degree-seeking IU students completing internships or coursework in DC are allowed to live in a supportive community with their peers, where they can focus on their internships or classes while benefiting from shared support and connection.
Join us in the heart of midtown Washington, D.C., at our headquarters at IU Capital Campus, which is in DuPont Circle and Metro-accessible to other major parts of the city. Units are fully furnished and include onsite laundry machines, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security. Rates are the same for all terms.
Take advantage of IU’s presence in Washington, D.C.
This eight-week intensive summer program for select graduate students puts you in the middle of it all. Spend five days per week at a full-time internship and two nights per week in the classroom at our IU headquarters at our new IU Capital Campus. This experience cultivates practical professional skills while helping you build the network critical to a successful career in Washington, D.C.
Learn to communicate and build relationships in an international setting on behalf of governments, organizations and corporations to improve the public good. Earn graduate credit. Gain real-world experience. Build a network that moves your career forward. Outside speakers and field trips are also part of the curriculum. Studying away for a full semester can be very valuable for students interested in a tangible experience that strengthens your résumé and prepares you for post-graduate opportunities.
The program will provide support for internship applications, academic credit, and networking opportunities with professionals and other students.
This program is ideal for graduate students who:
Talk to your Advisor
If you are interested in participating in the HLS DC Global Policy Program, speak with your academic advisor for your major to find out how our classes will fit into your graduation plans. If you are an international student, we recommend scheduling an advising appointment with the IU Office of International Services before applying.
Introducing Crimson Row at IU's Capital Campus
Students who secure an internship will be awarded a Dean’s Scholarship to help offset the costs associated with relocating to Washington, D.C. and participating in the program. Participants are also strongly encouraged to apply for additional funding through the Hutton Honors College or the Walter Center. Further experiential learning funding opportunities are available through Indiana University and can be found here.
Talk to one of our advisors about fitting this experience into your academic plan. Schedule an appointment by emailing kntiamoa@iu.edu or call (812) 856-7238 with inquiries.
Your career doesn’t start after graduation—it starts here.
HAMILTON LUGAR SCHOOLBLOOMINGTON
355 North Eagleson Avenue