| Overview |
This exciting program allows students to study and intern in the nation's capital while taking courses taught by a Wake Forest faculty member. Internships are available from a variety of disciplines and areas such as Political Science and International Affairs, Communication, Non-profits, NGOs, and Policy.
The Wake Washington program is available for students in the fall or spring semester; a Wake Forest faculty member serves as the Resident Professor. The WFU Resident Professor teaches two courses in his/her field, with a focus on taking advantage of Washington D.C.'s resources to enhance the coursework. In addition, students engage in a four-day-per-week internship related to their interests. As part of this experience, students are responsible for writing a research paper on a topic related to their internship and for participating in a weekly meeting which includes opportunities to hear prominent speakers as well as to reflect on their internship experience. Alumni and parent mentors are available to students throughout the semester. Students earn 6 credits for the coursework taught by the resident professor and 6 credits for the internship experience and related obligations.
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| Location |
Washington, DC |
| Academics |
Each fall and spring semester, students have the opportunity to intern away from the Reynolda Campus while continuing their academic studies. Students enroll in two courses that take advantage of the Washington D.C. setting. The courses incorporate visits to sites like Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, and the White House in addition to meetings with congressional and agency staff and interest group representatives. Moreover, students will engage in an internship with a policy or politics focus for which there will be academic requirements of independent research and regular attendance at speeches and presentations on policy/politics related topics.
Internship Academic Credit for Wake Washington
Credit Hours: 6
The default Internship Credit is 6 hours of elective credit toward graduation, listed as WDC 100. Alternatively, students may split the credit toward two majors or a major and a minor but this must be worked out individually with Dr. Harriger and the relevant departments/programs
Grade: Internship credit must be taken for a grade. P/F not permitted.
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Katy Harriger, Department of Politics and International Affairs, harriger@wfu.edu (336-758-5450)
Dr. Harriger supervises and evaluates the academic work for the internship. She will meet with you twice a semester in person and be in touch through email/phone the rest of the time.
Required Academic Work: Credit for the internship is awarded based on completion of a research paper on a topic related to your internship, regular reflective journal submissions, satisfactory review of your work by your supervisor at your internship site, and participation in program events/speakers.
It is the student’s responsibility to speak to their major and minor advisor(s) regarding their abroad coursework and how (or if) it will count towards their degree plan.
Fall 2023 with Dr. Ana Wahl, Sociology
SOC 356 Sociology of Immigration (3h) (CD)
Traces the waves of immigration historically and examines current policies and debates, with an emphasis on the political, economic, and social consequences of immigration in the post 1965 era. The focus will be on the United States, but will also consider cross-national comparisons.
SOC 362 Work, Conflict, and Change (3h)
Changing trends in the United States labor force. The individual's view of work and the effect of large organizations on white- and blue-collar workers. Use of some cross-cultural data.
Plus, 6 hrs of an internship with required research component.
Spring 2024 with Dr. Lina Benabdallah, Politics & International Affairs
POL 252 Global China (3h)
China has emerged as a major player in global politics. It has the world’s largest population, its second largest economy, and its influence globally is increasing in a wide array of international arenas: trade, investment, development finance, technology, soft power, and more. This course will examine what China’s ascending influence means for countries in the Global South as well as for Western powers.
POL 257 The Politics of International Development (3h)
In this course, we examine why some nations develop at a fast pace while others – even when rich in natural resources – still lag behind. The course material will cover three main themes. These are: “Theories of International Development,” “Rising Powers and Alternative Development Paths,” and “Critical Perspectives on International Development.” Together the themes help students understand what development is, what are the main challenges and strengths of traditional and new paths to development.
Plus, 6 hrs of an internship with required research component. |
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Faculty
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Fall 2023: Dr. Ana Wahl, Sociology, wahlam@wfu.edu
Spring 2024: Dr. Lina Benabdallah, Politics & International Affairs, benabdl@wfu.edu
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Accommodations
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Students will live together in fully furnished apartments leased by the university near public transportation. All students participating in the Wake Washington program are required to live in program provided housing. Wake Washington housing consists of apartments, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a common area and kitchen. Four students are assigned to each apartment. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to DC and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available. For more information, see the housing website: https://washington.wfu.edu/housing/
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Excursions
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Fridays during each week will be an opportunity for students to get a variety of experiences in different areas. Job-shadowing, networking, and local excursions will be key components of the "Friday Experience." Excursions may include visits to Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, the White House, and others. Students will also have opportunities to meet with congressional and agency staff, interest group representatives, and Wake Forest alumni working in D.C..
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Selection
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Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis until the program is full or the program application deadline is reached. We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible.
Most successful applicants will have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a strong application. If your GPA is lower than 3.0, you are still encouraged to apply and to discuss your application with the Resident Professor. The admissions committee considers a number of factors in addition to your cumulative GPA. Student selection will be based on an online application with open-ended questions, an interview with the Resident Professor, and resume. Students should schedule their interview with the Resident Professor after completing the other application steps.
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Costs
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Current Wake Forest tuition and room fees, which covers tuition and academic fees, fully furnished housing, orientation, airport pick-up, Internet access, group activities and excursions, and farewell dinner. Meals, airfare, personal travel and expenses not included.
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Scholarships
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Federal and institutional financial aid may be used.
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Contact
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Dr. Katy Harriger
Director of Wake Washington
Professor of Politics and International Affairs
Office: Kirby Hall 311
Phone: (336) 758 5450
E-mail: harriger@wfu.edu
Wake Washington Global Ambassador
Sophie Small: smalsa20@wfu.edu
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Testimonials
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