Hokies in the Heart of Politics: Virginia Tech students experience the Washington Semester

The School of Public and International Affairs offers students an opportunity to simultaneously intern and earn credits toward their degrees in the nation's capital.

This video features three students in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences's Department of Political Science discussing the enriching experiences they've had working in and around Washington D.C. through the Washington Semester program. Professor Joel Peters, director of the Washington, D.C., Semester in Global Exchange, describes what students can gain.

Students have multiple options based on their interests when it comes to the Washington Semester.

The Washington Semester in Global Engagement is a unique 15 credit program open to all interested students. It consists of a combination of courses on global affairs, internship opportunities, workshops, seminars and networking opportunities with D.C. professionals and policy makers. It offers students the opportunity to experience policy-making firsthand, and explore the wealth of political and cultural opportunities available in the Washington, D.C. area.

Meanwhile, the Washington Semester in Leadership and Governance (WSLG) is a 9-credit summer program for undergraduates that combines a 10-week Washington, D.C.-area internship, policy seminar, and field study experiences immersing participants in the world of policymakers, public servants, beltway bandits, and others who make the D.C. area a unique place to work and live.

To learn more about the programs, visit SPIA's website here: spia.vt.edu/leadership-development/washington-experience.html

Video by Andrew Adkins