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Washington, DC Term

Coe College Washington, DC Term

The program

Coe partners with the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP) to offer a wealth of opportunity in political science, history, business and cultural activities.

Washington Term is open to students from any major. The term includes an internship, internship seminar, political science course and support for out-of-class cultural activities. Trips to tour important government offices, historical sites, landmarks or other attractions are integral parts of the program.

Housing

CHIP rents apartments in the immediate vicinity of the Capitol and is under the protection of the Capitol Hill police force. The housing is fully furnished and includes paid utilities, high-speed wireless, on-site laundry and cable. Linens and household goods are provided. It is located within walking distance from the Capitol, the Smithsonian, Union Station and countless restaurants, shops and markets.

Cost

  • Students attending Washington Term pay Coe’s full-time tuition and standard double-room costs directly to Coe. Financial aid is awarded and disbursed in the same manner as if you were studying on campus. Students should check with the Office of Student Financial Services for details.
  • The application fee for CHIP is $250. An additional program fee (currently $675) is assessed and billed to the student’s Coe account. These funds are used for DC area cultural activities.
  • Students can submit receipts to the Washington Term director for reimbursement up to $400.
  • As DC can be expensive, students should budget $1,200- $1,500 for food, transit and miscellaneous expenses.

Scholarship prize available

The Krinkie and West Prizes are available to help defray costs of the Washington Term program for top scholars. Information about this scholarship may be obtained from the Washington Term director.

Curriculum and activities

Credits are split between an internship (two credits), internship seminar and one course (one credit each). The choice of courses varies by term. Recent offerings include People Politics and Cultures of the Middle East, Politics and Communications and Washington and Lobbying.

Friday afternoons are set aside for tours of government offices, historical sites, landmarks or other attractions. Possible destinations include the FBI building and State Department, shows at the Folger Shakespeare Library or the Kennedy Center and Independence Hall.

Coe believes the cultural experience in DC is as important as the other things you will be learning. Students are encouraged to pursue new experiences on their own. Expenses can be reimbursed out of the program fee, with presentation of receipts, up to $400. The money can be used for things such as theater, music, ethnic meals, salsa dancing, a train trip to New York City and more.

Internship possibilities

Students on Washington Term spend four full days a week (Monday-Thursday) at their internship. Recent internships have included work in the offices of senators and representatives; interest groups including the Humane League, Global Giving and the Human Rights Campaign; museums including the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Navy Museum; and the Embassy of Ireland. Students secure their own internships, with the assistance of Coe’s internship specialist and CHIP director. It is important to plan in advance.

Registration

Washington Term is offered fall and spring semesters each year. Coe’s application may be obtained from Dr. Bruce Nesmith, director of Washington Term. Coe application deadlines are April 15 for fall term and October 15 for spring term.